As children develop, we expect their self regulation to grow. We expect them to be able to make responsible choices and use their time and freedom well. It's always a dance to figure out how much freedom, choice, and responsibility a child is ready for as they grow. Sometimes we give them more than they can handle, and sometimes we don't give them enough. Further in one class there can be some children that can handle more freedom responsibly than others.
As an educator, I've been thinking about this and trying to strike the right balance. There are children who are ready for tremendous decision making and freedom, and there are others that are not there yet--they need greater structure to be able to successfully learn, socialize, and contribute in school.
Today was one of those days when I realized that I have to tighten up the protocols for some who are not ready for some of the decision making I anticipated that they were ready for. It's not that the children are troubled, but instead it's clear they need tighter guidelines to be successful. This is one of the areas of thought and effort teachers deal with regularly--one where we need to recalibrate now and then to run a successful class. Onward.
