In a meeting yesterday we talked about the idea of saying no. Specifically saying no to technology when it is not needed, not appropriate, or time for something else. It was a good message of balance and of responsibility and of boundaries.
Today I read an article about saying yes. Specifically saying yes when saying no won’t kill you or harm you, when it will allow choice, when it gives kids the option to try something they have been thinking about, and when saying yes just makes things more fun.
Let Your Child Make Mistakes is a great read in how to help your child develop skills and behaviors that will serve them well as they grow into adulthood. It isn’t about being entitled or spoiling but about learning through being given the option to try something.
We are about to start a new school year. I am sitting in a gorgeous new workspace that is filled with all kinds of things kids are going to want to touch and play with. I am reading Responsive Classroom for Music, Art, PE, and other special areas and I am working on how to frame my introductory explorations in a way that includes more can’s than can not’s and more yes’s than no’s. The urge to touch is real! I want to embrace that.
How do you empower?
How will you begin the school year in a way that actively involves your students?
sonya terborg 
Excellent reminder!
Btw: you’ll want to double-check the last sentence of the post: being vs begin. Autocorrect strikes again. 🙂
Fixed! I was down to 2% power and had left my charger at home so it was probably more manic typing than autocorrect – this time! Hope your new year is starting well!
I love this say YES mentality–both from a teaching and a parenting angle. I think you hit the nail on the head with empowerment. I believe that kids that are empowered and knowledgeable will make good choices and will be ever-more invested in their life-long learning. *I’m clinking your glass in an enthusiastic Cheers to YES and to your new and exciting school year! Thanks as always for the share.