Kilo the Child

Prior to the children arriving on campus with a new school year ahead of us, there was a theme within our professional discussions that provoked my interest and curiosity. At Mid-Pacific, our main focus has and will always be the child. Each of your children is the reason for us educators doing what we do best, which is to nurture and foster curiosity, joy, and the wonders in learning within each individual. The path might look and feel different and is especially unique to the child, which is what I value most about my role on campus. And, this year our approach is no different. However, as the entire faculty listened and contributed to rich discussions across the divisions on our extensive campus, it’s no wonder that we are continually learning about the significance of keeping the child at the center of our focus as educators.

When the elementary faculty took part in professional development with guest speaker, Danny Goya, he introduced this concept of kilo the child and the importance of knowing each child’s story within our classroom. I am continually reminded how significant my role is within the classroom and each of your child’s lives. In Hawaiian culture, there is a cultural practice in which humans observe quietly and focus on the less obvious, more subtle things in the environment. The word ‘kilo’ is defined as “to watch, observe, examine, or forecast.” (malamalearningcenter.org). Kilo is the foundation for understanding, knowing, acknowledging, and becoming involved with the systems of the natural world.

So when Mr. Goya shared that there is power behind the practice of kilo the child, it made me wonder. How do educators spend time observing children? What are the behaviors communicated with each child? What are they not telling us that we can learn from observing quietly and focusing on the ‘less obvious’? As an effective educator who believes in the power of observation, play and social interactions become a significant part of our day so I can develop an understanding of kilo the child.

Observe these pictures. What do you notice? What behaviors are being communicated? What are the children ‘not’ telling us that we can learn from practicing kilo the child.

As I am learning more about your children, what I notice is that your child has found a language in which to communicate their joy and happiness within our learning community. Some enjoy the quiet of creating and using their imagination to write stories, design, and build. Other children enjoy social interactions, connecting through card and board games, and discovering strategies to win. And, some of the children in Noio 4 are just as content opening up a book to spark curiosity and wonder.

I encourage you to practice kilo with your child. Through the power of observation and wonder, there are behaviors and characteristics that tell you what makes your child happy, loved, and safe. Focus on the less obvious, more subtle things within their lives. Trust them when they share about their experiences and offer insight when it’s welcomed so your child can become independent, confident, lifelong learners. Spark wonder and curiosity. Value these moments you have with your child, for your child’s first teacher will always be…you.