How Do Children See Us?

In her best-selling and insightful book, Really Seeing Children, Deb Curtis encourages anyone who works with children to think about how observant children are, and what conclusions they may be drawing from their observations of the adults in their lives. She tells this story to illustrate her point:

"It was a beautiful fall day and the playground was alive with the activity of children and teachers engaged in play. A teacher was watching the children in the sand box when Charlie approached her and asked a simple question: 'Are you happy?' The teacher, curious and a bit surprised by the question, replied: 'Yes, of course I am.' Charlie responded with all the wisdom of a four-year-old: 'Then you should tell your face that.'

"Charlie reminds us in this startling moment that children have laser-like attention for everything we do and say. They are skilled social scientists, learning about themselves, relationships and the world by carefully observing the people around them."

For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.

© 2005 Child Care Information Exchange - All Rights Reserved | Contact Us | Return to Site