Written by Holly Krakow
Education Consultant at Ta’am Teva
Children have an amazing ability to see things with fresh eyes, even when they have seen it over and over. Their questions about the world come with a certain authenticity and innocence, as they notice even the smallest or simplistic details.
It is normal for children to ask impossible questions that we as adults feel we can’t answer. Our role as educators and parents is not to give an answer, but to give them the space, time and permission to think, analyze, research and discover on their own. A sense of wonder flourishes when there are endless answers and multiple possibilities.
The Jewish lens of Hit’orerut, reminds us to slow down, be intentional, reinvent the familiar, and find the beauty and goodness in our lives. It allows us to see the small miracles that are with us each day such as the turquoise sky and hear the orchestra or soundtrack of the earth. The smallest, most ordinary things are full of wonder and give children a sense of triumph which will allow them to gain needed self confidence regarding their thoughts and actions throughout life.
Nature is an authentic place to wonder, imagine and innovate. The joy that comes from a sense of wonder and awe is genuine and pure. Awe and wonder often leave us feeling large, understanding that something about our connection to the world, to others, to something beyond is possible. And leaves us feeling small in that we are humbled and aware of how much more there is to discover and understand. We feel both humility and profound connectivity.
The outdoor classroom is organic, and each day we awaken to something new. We never know what we will see, hear or feel, but each day brings something new, even with the same trees that provide us shade, the blue jay that comes to find food or the frogs that sing a happy melody.
Written by Holly Krakow
Education Consultant at Ta’am Teva
Children have an amazing ability to see things with fresh eyes, even when they have seen it over and over. Their questions about the world come with a certain authenticity and innocence, as they notice even the smallest or simplistic details.
It is normal for children to ask impossible questions that we as adults feel we can’t answer. Our role as educators and parents is not to give an answer, but to give them the space, time and permission to think, analyze, research and discover on their own. A sense of wonder flourishes when there are endless answers and multiple possibilities.
The Jewish lens of Hit’orerut, reminds us to slow down, be intentional, reinvent the familiar, and find the beauty and goodness in our lives. It allows us to see the small miracles that are with us each day such as the turquoise sky and hear the orchestra or soundtrack of the earth. The smallest, most ordinary things are full of wonder and give children a sense of triumph which will allow them to gain needed self confidence regarding their thoughts and actions throughout life.
Nature is an authentic place to wonder, imagine and innovate. The joy that comes from a sense of wonder and awe is genuine and pure. Awe and wonder often leave us feeling large, understanding that something about our connection to the world, to others, to something beyond is possible. And leaves us feeling small in that we are humbled and aware of how much more there is to discover and understand. We feel both humility and profound connectivity.
The outdoor classroom is organic, and each day we awaken to something new. We never know what we will see, hear or feel, but each day brings something new, even with the same trees that provide us shade, the blue jay that comes to find food or the frogs that sing a happy melody.
