In another post in the Educa series, learn about the important learning experiences that occur when children interact with different people!
We often hear that children need to learn to live together. But why is this really important?
Living together is a way of being close to other people, interacting with them to some extent. This may seem simple, but it is actually a huge challenge. Since no one is the same as anyone else, when you are together, sooner or later, differences in desires, habits, ways of being, expressing yourself and thinking will appear. And how can you deal with the conflicts and questions that these different ways of being bring up?
The sooner we understand that each person has their own way, the easier it is to understand that being different does not mean being unequal . This is a way of not putting ourselves above others or idealizing them, placing them on a different level. It becomes possible to realize that we are all unique, which does not make us better or worse. There is no need to judge or set a value for our characteristics, although we can recognize them and talk about them.
This way of looking at each person's particularities gives the opportunity for differences to be respected. Since the other is not perceived as inferior or superior, but as someone who, “like me”, has his or her limits and strengths, space is opened for an atmosphere of tolerance, acceptance and solidarity.
Furthermore, it is through coexistence that we begin to create a more refined sense of community. We identify how we can help and be helped, we experience moments in which we demand more from others or in which we give up some desires in favor of general needs, we practice sharing and build an identity in the group and with the group.
All of this learning occurs in a procedural and not always peaceful manner. After all, it is difficult even for older people to fully understand these issues and find ways to deal with differences. However, the more adults are able to practice tolerance, coexistence and dialogue, the more likely it is that children will follow these models in their relationships.
Thinking about the importance of references and interactions that occur between adults and children during childhood, the Toda Criança Pode Aprender team developed an app called Apprendendo , which provides some tips and suggestions on how older people can take advantage of routine moments to promote children's learning. Download it for free on your Android or iOS mobile device!