The things I’ve learned and experienced during my current and previous visit have shifted my mindset and opened my eyes to things I hold in my heart. I am growing professionally and personally and I am building strong and meaningful relationships. SOS International: Enriching Jewish Identities and all the lovely people they work with have made this possible and I am forever grateful for the amazing opportunity. Through this journey, I have created heartfelt friendships and I have met wonderful people who opened their homes and hearts to us. I am proud to be a part of such an inspiring and vibrant program and I am looking forward to whatever is coming next.
At the end of the day it’s all about the relationships we build – those in the world, in our countries, cities and communities, the relationships we have with our children, families, friends, colleagues and people surrounding us, the relationship with ourself. Some may take more time, effort and devotion than others but all together they form the many narratives life is consisted of.
American psychologist, Dan P. McAdams said: ‘We are all storytellers, and we are the stories we tell.’ In telling the story of how you became who you are, and of who you’re on your way to becoming, the story itself becomes a part of who you are. Narratives aren’t a simple reflection of our personalities. They take an important part in who we are and become a form of identity, along with the goals we set, the beliefs we have and the values we live by.
Children themselves are storytellers from the moment they see the world for the first time. Behind their actions stands a deeper meaning, a theory or a thought they want to share with us. Any behavior is a narrative and any narrative has layers. It’s us, as educators and parents, who should recognize those narratives, listen and acknowledge what children have to say, and realize our crucial role as co-builders. We carry the ideas and we cross children’s narratives with our owns, but we need to understand that the messages we send are being looked up at. Mutual orientation is key to how the process of narrative development takes place, as it is the foundation upon which narrative building can take place.
Values have a big place in our lives, as Jews, but also as human beings. Through value-based education, we create meaningful learning experiences and we develop in children sustainable social and relationship skills. Education is about preparing children for life and everything that comes with it and helping them fully develop their potential and discover the very best of themselves. By setting the right environment we create a space that stimulates curiosity and creativity and encourages aspirational and reflective attitudes. When believing that children are capable and competent, and have “infinite ways that they can express, explore, and connect their thoughts, feelings and imaginings”, we give them the empowerment to grow.
Having in mind all of the above, we should put focus on our own mindset and the relationship we have with ourself. Self-awareness doesn’t stop you from making mistakes, but it allows you to learn from them. It’s important to think about the energy and attitude we bring in our relationship with children, the example we set and whether we live by our values or not. Children feel all of that and to them we are transparent. Being authentic, honest and respectful is going to help us build a strong foundation for a future developing relationship.
Children are the world’s most valuable resource and it’s best hope for the future. As educators, we get to impact their growth daily. It’s our duty to do it in the best possible way.
