A Manner of Speaking.

Abstract

Pondering my inability to facilitate a joyful morning for these children, it eventually occurred to me to think about the environment. There were 11 children, one riding toy, a worn natural setting. Absent were shade, loose parts, equipment — in short, things to do. Children were expected to entertain themselves, but they were offered no tools with which to do so. And I think that they resisted my games (am I just trying to make myself feel better?) because they were used to doing nothing; and I couldn’t find a way to break through their expectations.