Freedom & Limits
Human Beings have the wonderful added bonus to the brain named the Neo Cortex. Because of this layer we can reason, analyse, synthesise, make connections, make choices, solve problems, reflect, become engaged and much more.
However, the Neo Cortex does not develop by itself. It needs the appropriate environment, correct stimulation and lots of situations to practise on.
When children live in an environment with appropriate freedom and logical limits, they receive opportunities to develop. When there is a level of freedom, there will be a level of conflict. And conflicts are opportunities. Often adults try to avoid these. They try to keep life smooth and happy. So children are distracted or the adult stops the issue by raising the voice.
Let’s look at what a conflict really is. We can call it a battle of wills. Two or more individuals want something different.
What is the learning opportunity?
- Learning to make a choice.
- Discovering the needs of others
- Communicating with words
- Seeing something from a different point of view
- Finding solutions.
All these abilities are Neo Cortex abilities that develop through practise!
The Love and Logic organization gives lots of concrete information on how to help in the home situation. Love stands for: allowing a child to grow through their mistakes. And by using Logic, they are allowed to live and learn from the consequences of their choices. By doing so, children develop responsibility. Additionally they develop their Neo Cortex potential. Please read more on www.loveandlogic.com.
At school, many criteria have been put in place to allow full development of brain potential. A mix of freedoms and limits offers experiences and opportunities to grow.
1) Multi Age Range
- Older children provide different role models; they have already developed different vocabulary and skills.
- Younger children provide the obvious truth that we are all different and equally important. This allows for the development of respect for differences.
- Different ages need different learning lessons. Teachers differentiate their interaction and therefore role model a variety of behaviours.
2) Freedoms
- To choose an activity
- To decide on a research topic
- To get what I need
- To move
- To talk, discuss with someone else
- To eat when I am hungry
- To go to the bathroom when necessary
3) Related Limits
- We come to school to ‘work’
- Activities need to be constructive
- Others can not be disturbed
- Ground rule: “My freedom ends, where someone else’s freedom begins”
4) Build in Limits in the Equipment
- An object needs to be used for what it is meant to be
- One piece of each kind of equipment in the classroom: children learn to become aware of the needs of others, the where abouts of objects and practise communication: “Can I help you?”
- Specific and constructive use of equipment
- Child is responsible for the readiness and completeness of the material for the next child.
5) Opportunity to make Decisions
- Practice thinking for oneself: What do I want?
- Learning not to “follow” inappropriately
- Practicing making choices (within a range that is acceptable to the others)
- Teacher gives a choice out of two when child has difficulty
- Spontaneous interaction which provides the Practice Ground
- Adults are aware of what is going on and collaborate when necessary.
6) Use of Appropiate Language
- Limited and appropriate language so that the child listens
- No blaming, judging, screaming
- Putting the responsibility with the person who caused the problem: How can you solve this?
- Setting limits: As soon as you …… then …….
7) Love and Logic
- Giving children chances to act responsible,
- Showing empathy,
- Let the logical consequences do the teaching,
- Allowing children to live with and learn from the consequences of their choices.
