Abigail Black

Bayley Girling

Being human opens the door for learning because it means practicing compassion and forgiving ourselves for missteps along the way. I recall an instance where I witnessed a child spill yogurt all over themselves. Instead of embarrassing or shaming them for their mistake, I calmly acknowledged their feelings and showed them how to clean up the mess. In that particular moment, children taught me the value of gentleness which makes a caring atmosphere possible. Educators not only show children emotional kindness but also recognize and respond with empathy while exercising authority. These simple gestures of understanding nurture self-esteem and healthy relationships in young learners.

During the activity, one child clearly became distressed when another child reacted with a grimace to the sight of their traditional lunch. That child then withdrew and pushed the meal away. Instead of reprimanding or correcting anyone at that moment, I sat next to the upset child and said, “That looks like something really special. Do you want to tell me about it?” As they described the voice brimming with joy how their grandmother prepared specially for them, I could see that their face indeed lit up. Later on, I guided group discussions on contending all types of food and how everyone’s meals deserve respect – clarifying in no uncertain terms why each person’s food is significant. This taught me how vital it is to exercise compassion. The human experience calls us to appreciate what lies beneath actions and be able turn routine moments into opportunities for empathy and inclusion.

Abigail Black

Bayley Girling