Image of the Child

A Master of the Image of the Child

Elements of the Image of the Child

“There are hundreds of different images of the child. Each one of you has inside yourself an image of the child that directs you as you begin to relate to the child. This theory within you pushes you to behave in certain ways; it orients you as you talk to the child, listen to the child, observe the child. It is very difficult for you to act contrary to this internal image” 

EECD NS (2000)

You have shown mastery within the Image of a child when you:

• Believe children are strong and capable of making choices 

• Believe children are eager to interact with and contribute to the world

• See that children dave fundamental rights to realize and expand their potential

• Are driven by curiosity and imagination

• Are capable of and delight in taking responsibility for their own learning

• Listen and are listened to

• Have an enormous need to love and to be loved

• Your classroom environment reflects all of these beliefs

• Have awareness of your own bias and values for children

• Are flexibility to let the classroom be directed by the children’s interests