REDDAM EARLY LEARNING SCHOOL WOOLLAHRA NEWSLETTER
Dee’s Message
12TH NOVEMBER 2021
Dear Parents and Caregivers, “Those who have a strong sense of love and belonging have the courage to be imperfect.” So says American author and professor Brené Brown. While this is certainly true for us adults, it is just as true for the little people who inhabit the ELS. “The courage to be imperfect” is beautifully phrased, as it captures much of what we hope for in the lives of the children. The early years are an incredible time of exploration and discovery, as there is so much to learn about our fascinating world and about the people who impact the lives of the children. To be able to do so in an environment which is nurturing and supportive is thus critical. Children should be encouraged to try new things, to step beyond what they already know, and to explore their interests and abilities. And we, the adults in their lives, should always be there to encourage that exploration – even if it means us watching
them not succeeding sometimes, or falling, or being “imperfect”, as the quote suggests. In a world which so often only applauds perfection and success, now is the time for us to show children that true success often means failing along the way. That finding out what you are good at more often than not means taking a brave step to try something out for the first time – to have the courage to be imperfect.
The Early Years Framework describes the importance of Belonging in this way: Experiencing belonging – knowing where and with whom you belong – is integral to human existence. Children belong first to a family, a cultural group, a neighbourhood and a wider community. Belonging acknowledges children’s interdependence with others and the basis of relationships in defining identities. In early childhood, and throughout life, relationships are crucial to a sense of belonging.Belonging is central to being and
REDDAM EARLY LEARNING SCHOOL | WOOLLAHRA NEWSLETTER
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