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Principles of the Group At Mighty Oaks we believe that Parenting is the most important job in the world. We recognise it is also the most challenging. Parenting, like marriage, or any close relationship with another, is a path of personal growth. In our patterns of relating to 'other' we can see where our strengths and weaknesses are, and where the leading edge is for us to grow beyond. During the first seven years of life, children are occupied with growing healthy bodies and learning the skills of living. Formal learning comes later. In the beginning children are completely open to all sensory impressions and care must be taken to avoid over-stimulation and subsequent shutdown of the senses. They need a loving and nurturing environment that supports them in their own discovery of who they are and who they are becoming. Children learn best by imitation and doing. Movement and exploration with the physical body encourages movement and exploration with the mind. By seeing adults engaging in their daily tasks, they will learn what it is to be human. The young child needs to experience the world as beautiful, true and good, and to know that we care for our surroundings, for nature, and for each other. Toys hand-made with love are a tangible expression of our good intentions towards the child, deepening the bond between adults and children and bringing a magic and uniqueness that is impossible to buy. Natural materials such as wood, stone, shell and wool help to maintain the child's natural affinity with the environment and provide the safest playthings. The human speaking and singing voice, simple instruments, told stories and puppetry nourish the young child deeply in ways that tapes, videos and even books can never do.
The most valuable gift we can give our children is the example of us being at our best, living complete and fulfilling lives of creativity and joy. |
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