At Calista, we are the littlest learners but somehow we make the most powerful ideas seem simple.
Young children have always been fascinated by the idea that they can make a difference, lead and impact the lives of others. Being an Early Learning Campus that at the end of Year One, transitions to Wellard, we have been reflecting on our perceptions and the ideals of what leadership means to us. With the creation of the Learner Strength Continuum, we know that at any age we can lead. Our underpinning concept related to a pillar from our Early Learning Philosophy Leaders are created, not born. When discussing this with the current Year One cohort, we were fascinated with the idea that “everything you need is already inside you”. Is leadership about character or… is it about being in charge? Surprisingly, there was an overwhelming response that it was about the kind of character you had rather than how many decisions you were able to make.
Borrowed from the idea that the educational community of Reggio Emilia generated, there is a hundred languages to anything, including leadership. A hundred ways of learning, thinking, doing, creating, seeing, understanding and being. It is something that can be observed as an expression or communication as children of any age are adept at learning how to lead. Being fully present in the moment, pausing, and finding opportunityto help or take action is an innate trait that our little learners grow over time. Being in community with others, provides countless moments to build on the memory of what came before. Our learners understand the concept that, to love is to lead; as if your classroom community was your family. It takes just a moment to see it as most interactions that create relationships are as visible as they are invisible. Observing a three year old stretch out a hand to hold another, the way a parent would, is leadership in action. Leadership for early learners looks like an invitation to change the game, showing someone where something is, or sharing answers in conversation to help another. These are all examples of the times where we serve and understand the true meaning of leadership. It requires empathy, compassion and value. As educators we witness this countless times in our day.
At Calista, we are the littlest learners but somehow we make the most powerful ideas seem simple. This is what leadership means to us; a destination that we reach by taking care and making a difference along the way.
Lauren Balen
Director of Early Learning