The Perspective from Here
As a teacher, I am also a student and the journey of learning never ends. In the classroom, I was always excited not to know the answer to a student's question so we could go on that journey of exploration together.
The same is true in being a parent. Yes, there are many parenting books and podcasts out there, but really, we are all just learning as we go, no matter the age of our children. And honestly, now more than ever my children are teaching me!
My most recent learning has been about Indigenous relations, their connections to family, community, and the spirit world. There are different versions of the Seven Teachings, sometimes known as the Seven Grandfather Teachings or the Seven Sacred Teachings, but the principles are the same. Through the seven teachings of humility, love, wisdom, bravery, honesty, respect, and truth, we grow in our respect of self and the way we conduct ourselves with others.
It is through these teachings that Indigenous communities thrive in grace and patience. They respect their community members and understand that each brings strength and quality that enhances the whole. The youngest members of our community can be taught these teachings using animal puppets that represent each teaching, which engage and deepen a child's understanding.
I believe these values will carry each of us far on our journeys and collectively as a community. I am intrigued and excited to learn more about bringing the Seven Sacred Teachings into our EarlyON community.
That's the perspective from here.
Stay well,
Pam Rennie, BA, BEd, RECE
