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Give Babies Space
January 8, 2008
It is paradoxical that many educators and parents still differentiate between a time for learning and a time for play without seeing the vital connection between them.
-Leo F. Buscaglia
-Leo F. Buscaglia
"'Pikler babies are recognized in Budapest even when they are older by the grace and confidence with which they move. The roots of this grace and harmony lie in Pikler’s notion of what a baby needs for optimal development: lots of space and time for free, uninterrupted play, supported by sensitive, observant attention during slowed down daily care routines. The approach is based on respect for babies as human beings and not objects and trusts in them to develop as they are meant to without our interference or 'help.'
"...Given our hurried lifestyle and the pressure many parents feel to do what’s right for their babies, Dr. Pikler’s advice to 'do less' and let the baby’s development unfold naturally, comes as a welcome relief. Slowing down, paying attention, and giving babies �" be they our children, grandchildren, or others in our care �" lots of time for uninterrupted play not only gives infants a good start in life, it takes the pressure off harried parents and caregivers to constantly be 'doing.' Letting babies be allows us to take a breath and step away from our busy culture of doing and just let ourselves be as well.
The World Forum project on Orphans referred to above, is just one of many diverse projects that have developed out of the biannual World Forum on Early Care and Education, where 600 - 800 early childhood professionals from 80 nations gather to share ideas of providing quality services for children and families. To learn more about other World Forum projects such as those listed below, go to the World Forum web site
• Global Leaders for Young Children
• AIDS Action Tank
• Nature Action Collaboration for Children
• Men in Early Care and Education
• Peace Building with Young Children
• Working Forum for Teacher Educators
• World Forum Alliance
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GOOGLE HIRING EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS:
Google has expanded its employee child development program by
opening a world-class children's center in Mountain View, California and is
now hiring teachers.
Comments (3)
Displaying All 3 CommentsSeattle, WA, United States
I was pleased to read your exchange article of January 8th, 2008. Your readers may be interested in a training opportunity which will be offered in Seattle during July 2008. We will offer a RIE One certification class, Resources for Infant Educarers is closely join with the Pikler philosophy. Interested persons should contact Polly Elam at [email protected]
Fairfield, CA, United States
I was delighted to see Pikler featured in ExchangeEveryDay. Her work, and that of Magda Gerber have so much to say to us right now when so many need it. Both women had such clear vision of parenting and caregiving. And they lived to see the longterm results. Too bad their messages aren't more wide-spread!
Charleston, South Carolina, United States
The work of Pikler was brought to my attention through my training with Magda Gerber in 1998. In 2005, I was fortunate to receive the support of my school in sending me to receive additional training at the Pikler Institute. I am a better parent and early childhood professional for it.
Now that economists have put a dollar figure (1$ yields a 8$ return on investment) to the value of early childhood education, the field and its pioneers are receiving well-deserved recognition.
We know the key components which support quality early childhood programs. Let's hope that those on the front line (our caregivers) are supported in the implementation.
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