The People Make the Place

by Sarah Duddy

​Yesterday, in our Lower School assembly we discussed the above picture. When asked about their observations of the picture, children noted that the man was helping the little girl to ride her bike - some thought he was helping her to go fast, others thought he was helping her to balance as she learned. When asked what elements in this picture were helping to keep the little girl safe, children quickly pointed out her helmet and also that the adult helping her.

We then shifted our conversation to what makes us feel safe at EFS. The overwhelming response from children was that their teachers make them feel safe and take care of them in school. We also spoke of friends at EFS making us feel safe. When it comes right down to it, it is the people that create the environment, culture and therefore feeling of safety at EFS. I often hear comments about the wonderful people at EFS from adults in the building - teachers love working with their colleagues and parents enjoy each other's support and friendship. I was so happy to hear the children echo this feeling in our discussion yesterday. It is indeed the people that make the place.

"Ensuring that every child feels sense of security and belonging within the school enables each child to accept and participate actively in transforming situations that are part of learning experiences."
-Loris Malaguzzi