A Lot Going On

In a child-centered classroom there is a lot going on. 

When we are looking at each child to see what is of interest to them, letting them become involved in what they find important, letting them choose what is on offer in the classroom, there is a lot going on.

Each child has his or her own interest. The benefit of a classroom is that there are other children to create a dynamic environment where ideas are bounced around among each other leading to new ideas, new thoughts, new creations. 

There is a lot going on. It's exciting, interesting and motivating for both children and teachers. It's a place of learning. It unpredictable and spontaneous. It's messy and can be noisy - although I find that the noise level rises and falls in a natural rhythm, if we let it. 

If we want our children to be self-directed, independent and confident, this is the environment they need. This is the environment where they are using those skills. The skills we want to to develop and maintain throughout their lives. Making their own decisions, communicating with each other, and learning what they need to learn. Given the opportunity.

That's why there's a lot going on.