Education – The Owl’s Nest

Children's Play, Connection, Early Childhood, Education, Life, Mindfulness, Philosophy, Play, Poetry, Self-Care, Spiritual

A World Without Play?

November 14, 2022December 10, 2022 Renee

What would it be like in a world without play?

Wouldn’t it be boring, dull, dark, and gray?

What would we see when we looked around?

No shapes, patterns, nor colors would be found?

There wouldn’t be any grief or any sorrow.

There wouldn’t be any hope for tomorrow.

No hobbies, no interests, there’d be no joy.

No games or toys, for adults, girls and boys.

No curiosity or wonder, no where to wander.

There wouldn’t be anything for us to ponder.

No creativity and no imagination.

No inventions, nor great explorations.

No books to read or stories to write.

Would we even have both day and night?

In a world without play, what would happen to all of creation?

Wouldn’t we lose all of our sensation?

Wouldn’t we lose all of our emotions?

And what would happen to all of Earth’s oceans?

What would happen to all creatures, both big and small?

Wouldn’t all of nature just crumble and fall?

Would we be able to see, hear, taste, smell, and feel?

How would we know what could or could not be real?

We would have no knowing, no intuition.

No sense of belonging, no connection, or even religion.

No beliefs, philosophy, or any spirituality.

We wouldn’t even have any sexuality.

We would not be fully conscious,

Have no awareness to fully process.

What would happen inside of our brain?

Wouldn’t we all just go insane?

Howard Gardner, Mildred Parton and B.F. Skinner,

Erick and Joan Erickson, and Bronfenbrenner,

John Dewey, Vygotsky, and Jean Piaget,

What would they all have to say?

“The Father of Kindergarten,” Friedrich Froebel,

Most likely would say that we live in Hell.

Malaguzzi, Gerber, Steiner, and Montessori,

What would happen to all of their theories?

Has anyone read or listened to Dr. Peter Gray?

What would he think of a world without play?

Or what about Einstein, Freud, or Carl Jung,

Doctors Stuart Brown, Walter Drew, or Sir Kenneth Robinson?

Without any of these many theories,

Where would they, or all of us be?

Would there even be any education?

Would we have any communication?

Play isn’t measured on standardized tests,

But play is how we all learn the best.

In a world without play, there’d be no careers.

From physicians, lawyers, construction, and all engineers,

To teachers and healers, artists and musicians,

Even military, government, good and bad politicians.

We need to shout it out loud, for all to hear.

“Play is nothing that we need to fear.”

Millions have talked and wrote about play.

It’s not something that will just go away.

From doctors, professors, and scholars,

To many theorists and philosophers,

Even spiritual leaders, mystics, and seers.

There are so many play pioneers.

Our children are here to remind,

That play can be so easy to find.

Look within and let out your inner child

To find strength, calm, and your wild.

Play is structured in our DNA.

It’s innate, it’s natural, for us to play.

It’s part of our spiritual and human design.

To move, dance, love, and to explore our mind.

It is definitely time to shift the play paradigm.

Play is the revolution.

Play is part of the solution.

Play is part of our evolution.

In play, we find our purpose, passion, our role.

That is our meaning, that is our goal.

It’s not possible to have a world without play.

This is what drives us each day.

Play is for all of us, from birth to old age.

We need play in order to survive.

We need it in order to thrive.

Play is what helps us all feel alive.

Play is for learning, our health and well-being.

Play is what gives our lives full of meaning.

So, you see, play is something that we cannot resist.

Because, in a world without play we wouldn’t exist…

Children's Play, Connection, Early Childhood, Education, Play, Spiritual

Children Are Spiritual Beings Teaching Us New Things

August 28, 2022August 29, 2022 Renee

Our children are coming into the world with new gifts & new perspectives, they have been for many years. Some are calling them starseeds, indigos, crystals, lightworkers, empaths, etc. They may even be labeled/diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, ODD, etc. Many of these children have a high spiritual intelligence, as well. This is the time to consciously awaken to all of the possibilities.

“They are here bringing in specific energies to assist in the awakening process, awareness of our traumas, the healing process, and higher consciousness.” ~Agata Dela Cruz

Our children’s souls have chosen their paths, their parents, guardians, teachers, and other caregivers. Even their soul lessons that will play out in their lifetime. They may even be lessons from past lives. They’re here to work on those lessons. These lessons may show up as challenges, obstacles, and restrictions. Many of their behaviors may cause us some concern, but those challenges are part of a larger lesson their soul chose to overcome. Some of these experiences will require them to get through it alone, some will need our nurturing and guidance. They also need our patience, compassion, understanding, and empathy.

It is the time truly listen to them, really see them for who they are, honor & respect them. Connect with them. It is up to us to nurture & guide them, allow them to play, to discover & explore themselves, to explore their imagination & curiosity. We are co-travelers in their world to learn with them & from them. Which reminds me of these great quotes I included below.

“When a child comes into your life, it is time to relearn life, not teach them your ways.” ~Sadhguru

As parents, guardians, and teachers, while we’re teaching our children how to be human, they’re here reminding and teaching us that we’re spiritual beings capable of many things. They are our teachers, as well. When we start to truly connect with them deeply, they help us learn who we really are, as they remind us of our own childhoods, to heal, to keep our wonder & curiousity alive, to stay in touch with our inner child.

It’s time to Go DEEP, Discover, Explore, Evolve, Play, and open your mind. ~💖Renée

Connection, Early Childhood, Education

Barefoot – What’s the Big Hype?

April 24, 2022May 2, 2023 Renee

Ever wonder why many children are always taking their shoes off? Have we forgotten over the years what it feels like to feel Earth beneath our feet? Our children remember and are here to remind us. The soft grass, damp grass, the dirt, sand, and even mud. Most of us still do walk barefoot, along a sandy beach, feeling the warmth in the summer, or even the coolness in cooler months. It’s nature’s rhythm for us to walk barefoot. We are all born learning through our senses through our whole body, including the soles of our feet.

The bottom of our feet are called our soles because they are the roots to our souls. There’s a reason for this. Not only does it benefit children to walk barefoot when first start walking, it also helps us connect with Earth and with our true selves.

There are also many health benefits such as:

1. Stress and mood enhancement

2. Pain management

3. Cardiovascular health

4. Protection from common viruses

The many benefits of children walking barefoot:

1. It helps with developing all their muscles in their feet, legs, hips, and helps with proper posture.

2. It helps build their vestibular and proprioceptive senses.

3. They feel the different textures and temperatures of Earth beneath their feet, which is also important for sensory development.

So, what is Earthing, or Grounding? It’s basically the act of walking barefoot and connecting with Earth’s energies and stimulating the senses and muscles in your soles. This is why I say they are the roots to our souls.

This is a great chart to help with acupressure points as you walk.

Children are our teachers, too, you know. They’re here to remind us of nature’s rhythms. So, when you see them take off their shoes, let them, join them, play with them! It’s important for our well-being, for every age.

As a self-care advocate, I recommend it for health and well-being!

Resources: these are some great articles/blogs:

https://www.education.com/magazine/article/Barefoot_Best/

https://heartmdinstitute.com/alternative-medicine/what-is-earthing-or-grounding/

https://www.nutritiousmovement.com/barefoot-not-just-for-adults/

https://greenmedinfo.com/blog/benefits-being-barefoot?utm_campaign=Daily%20Newsletter%3A%20The%20Benefits%20of%20Being%20Barefoot%20%28S6FgHg%29&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Daily%20Newsletter%20Sends-%20Updated&_kx=10ebWdD9ny28QqauRgCwAITtKRj0pdGey2nSdWtkjco%3D.K2vXAy

Connection, Early Childhood, Education, Philosophy

“Circle of Courage” – A Native American Philosophy

November 23, 2021 Renee

The “Circle of Courage,” based on Native American philosophy, is compatible with beliefs from many cultural groups. The philosophy is based on four needs: the need to belong, to achieve mastery, to be independent, and to be generous.

The child who experiences the spirit of belonging knows “I am loved.”

The child who experiences the spirit of mastery knows that “I can succeed.”

The child who experiences the spirit of independence knows “I have the power to make decisions.”

The child who experiences the spirit of generosity knows “I have a purpose for my life.”

The foundations of the “Circle of Courage” include attachment, self-regulation, and social skills. Children need these foundation skills in order to meet the needs of belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity.

Secure attachment is a critical component of the “Circle of Courage,” forming the basis for the spirit of belonging. Children who have good self-regulation skills display higher self esteem, better social skills, the ability to handle emotions constructively, and have increased academic performance.

Children’s social skills build upon their self-regulatory skills. Researchers contend that social skills and knowledge are as important for school success as academic skills. To form and maintain successful relationships children must identify, regulate, and manage their feelings in a constructive manner. They must also develop friendship and empathy skills. This is how children will thrive.

Children's Play, Early Childhood, Education, Play

What Do You Call an Early Childhood Center?

July 8, 2021August 3, 2021 Renee

When you see the word preschool what comes to mind? Many will agree it’s a center for young children to attend and to learn, a place for early childhood education. Preschool should be exactly as it is written – BEFORE school, prior to school – but it seems as though many have lost the meaning of it.

Teachers are Helpers Just as Much as the Others

March 20, 2020December 3, 2020 Renee

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers, you will always find people helping.” -Fred Rogers

This is one of my favorite quotes of Fred Rogers. Look for the helpers, the one’s shining their light, the Lightworkers.

There are Lightworkers all over the world in many different fields, there are those in the retail, trucking, engineering, & medical fields, etc. that are sticking it out and fighting this battle to the end. Those in retail making the sacrifice to make sure we have the products we need. Ones in trucking making sure those products are delivered. Those in the medical field treating many who are entering their facilities. The engineers that make the parts for our vehicles and medical equipment, without them we wouldn’t have any of this.

I’m writing this today to give credit where it’s due. Our Lightworkers in the Early Childhood and Education fields, because without them, we wouldn’t have those mentioned in the fields above. Although all public schools have been closed, many teachers have been stepping up and sharing many resources to help students and parents through these times, keeping them on track with their studies and other learning. There are also many in the therapy fields sharing their resources helping to cope. There are so many, I wish I could share them all here. You can find what fits yours and your childrens needs. While all this is happening, a lot of Early Childhood centers are still open and operating. We’re open for a few reasons. NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) wrote a very important statement on March 15, 2020, titled Childcare is Essential and Needs Emergency Support to Survive. You can read it here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VzAZI4UvbAYG8nsiO_DJGU3Rp41F1k0y/view

We’re here and in it for the long haul. For a lot of us, this is our passion and purpose. Granted, some centers have been recommended to close in highly affected areas, but there are many still open and running. We are working diligently to keeping these children healthy, safe, calm, and still have fun playing and learning. These are the children of those in the highly needed fields right now, all those mentioned above. We are protecting, guiding, and nurturing our future generations, as we always do. Another reason for staying open is for financial reasons, but this is not why I’m writing this. Here is a great article I came across this week: https://www.heartofachildconsultation.com/post/the-dilemma-of-childcare-in-covid-19

It is time to value and appreciate all educators from the Early Childhood field all the way up to high school teachers. Those in the Early Childhood field should be honored and respected just as much as our nurses. We care for these children for up to 9 hrs. a day, 5 days out of the week, connecting with them, nurturing them, keeping them safe and healthy, etc. It is time for the Lightworkers in this field to stand up, stand proud, and shine. We are the ones needed at this time. We are are the ones leading the line.

We can do this and do it together. This we have to remember. It’s our time to shine. The world needs our light. Sing, dance, create, smile, laugh, cooperate, pray, help others, meditate, excercise, have fun, it’s love & connection we’ve got to stay focused on. Let’s also try to stay centered in our hearts. Don’t forget to practice Self-Care every day, it’s what helps keep us healthy and keeping our immune systems strong. (I’ll try to write my next blog on this topic next week.) It’s okay to break down and cry sometimes. We’re going to have those days. Crying helps us stay emotionally healthy. Just give yourself that moment, then pull yourself back together and keep going. We are all one team, pulling together, holding each other up, and always having each other’s backs. We can do this. For ourselves, for each other, for our children, and for their future.

I hope this helps parents and encourages or inspires teachers to stay strong. In conclusion of this, I leave you with my poetry, this poem I originally wrote 2 1/2 yrs. ago, that I’ve recently revised. -Renée