Expressions of Understanding convey the personal significance of the work that has been done in this module. Here are examples that show the variety of languages of expression and the uniqueness of each person's journey.

Holly Koehler's first panel in her quilted tapestry expresses the depth of her work in Connecting to Children.

Click on the thumbnail to see the work in its entirety.

Holly Koehler's second panel expresses her three possibilities.

Click on the thumbnail to see the work in its entirety.

In her collage Maria Larson puts the child at the center.

Click on the thumbnail to see the work in its entirety.

Kimiko Hihara writes a letter to her daughter
(the one you saw on the D1 Projects of Understanding page).

Dear Bridget,

I am learning from you a lot these days. Sometimes I forget you have a strong will and feelings, because you are still tiny.

Thought that I could make you do things that I wanted you to do. You taught me that I need more patience and understanding. It is better to wait until you want, not because I want.

Sometimes, I forget that I am controlling you. It is easier to control you than to wait until you are ready. You taught me that I need a lot of patience. Sometimes I underestimate you, because you are so tiny.

But, you don't need to be overpowered, pressured, or be the same as everyone else. You are unique; you just need a lot of understanding, respect, and dignity. It is the same things you want that I want from people.

I will show you that I care more about you, and I will treat you with respect from now on.

It is simple, yet difficult.

Now I ask your patience with me, too. I believe we can make it when we believe in each other.

Thank you, my little child, yet a proper human being.

I love you,

Kimiko

Warmth

If no one listens, I will not speak
If no one asks, I will not tell
If no one smiles, I will not laugh
If no one helps, I won't succeed

Through smiles and laughter I feel much greater
Through listening and asking I feel important
Through thumbs up and high fives I feel confident
Through hugs and pats I feel loved

This has been a great experience, because I gained more skills to be able to help children develop their social skills in a positive way. I can see a positive change in the behavior of children in my classroom. It is getting better every day.

I did it by following these simple guides to expressing warmth:

Descriptions, my favorite, focused ont he positive behavior without having to praise the child. I find this easy to use now and see many positive results.

Non-verbal positive signals are so fun! The children are getting used to them, more than they were at first. It is a wonderful way to have a great time with children.

I want to share all I ihave learned with my co-workers, so we can work together so we can all benefit, both teachers and children.,,,,

Thank You

I am 3, 4, 5.
I am growing. I am learning.
Thank You
For seeing me, recognizing my need to do new things.
Thank You
For acknolwedging my attempts to do things right.
Thank You
For celebrating my progress.
Thank You
For teaching me by example, with warmth and loving guidance.
Thank You
For seeing me, fulfilling my need for understanding.
Thank You
For the warm smile, gentle touch, kind words.
Thank You
For the funny face, open arms and loving attention.
I am 3, 4, 5.
I am growing. I am learning. I am loved.
Thank You

This experience has taught me different ways to express myself positively and to talk and react more positively towards both children and adults. Before taking this Module I sometimes used negative responses to children to try to correct a situation. Now, instead of saying "no" I stop and think of what else I can do in the situation that would be more positive for everyone.

I believe that when I react to others in a positive way, they then react positively towards me. When you respond positively to a child, they learn to be positive also.

---

Marissa Webberley created this collage of positive images and words to express her feelings of being able to support children in being who they are.

Sitting in the dim light of a long night passing
A soft glow surrounding
A slow illumination of this hazy dawn.
Awaken.

Know that these elusive mists of morn dissolve
As judgments are shed
Unveiling the landscape of truth
Pure and sparkling
Shining drops of dew, the innumerable hearts of children
Reflecting every particle of light allowed them.

Light of our intuition
And light of our creativity
Light of our understanding
And light of our nurture
Bringing beauty to all that they touch
And magnifying the essence of being.
These are the hearts of children.

It is this we must know.
This reality we must come to comprehend.
And this awareness we must come to express
In our every action and in our every word.

It is these potentials we must embrace
As we open the door to ourselves
Knowing that we must be the connection to the self
That we hope to manifest in every child,
So that they may be the true conduit of their source
As they embark with courage and wonder
On a journey only just beginning.