Although we do not think that it is sustainable to involve children in early childhood in school council, in terms of their development, we can’t deny that certain decisions may directly affect them. So, we need to establish a bond between the decisions that may affect children and their needs as well as regarding them. For this reason, we consider “child participation” as a principal right and we believe that a school is able to find its balance only when child participation is prioritized.
Discussing issues related to children regarding the principle of child participation refers an inclusive approach based on the idea that everyone’s opinion is of equal value, while enabling adults to step out of their own scenarios. Children start to establish a mutual bond with the principles for democratic living as they have the right to freedom of opinion and expression about decisions concerning their lives. Child participation is the balance between what is realized and what is desired. Teachers use their developmental advantages on behalf of children.
Celebrating the Circle
For this reason, “Children’s Circles” are considered as an essential part of the flow. Circles at the beginning and end of the day are our tradition and children use these gatherings as a tool to place their living. The school council regards children’s need to be self-directed and acts accordingly.
Circle gatherings are participatory experiences in which children and teachers, members of the learning community, are able to communicate with each other through sharing their feelings and needs routinely or if necessary. It builds a sense of belonging for the community while supervising teachers’ teaching practice. The community, within its cooperative coexistence, experiences learning together through bonding to each other on the basis of rights and responsibilities. Children realize their feelings and needs, improve their self-expression and listening skills, strengthen their relationships with their friends, improve empathy and problem solving skills. Circle is the answer to question “So, how should live together?”.