The Whole Child
by Duranique Minus
April 18, 2018
Summary
The Whole Child is a poem inspired by a future teacher of The Bahamas hoping to encourage readers to understand that one of the most effective ways of learning is through the whole child approach. Through rhetorical questions and mind-provoking statements, this poem outlines the different aspects through which any child is able to effectively learn with the help of all stakeholders such as teachers, members of the community, and parents. The poem captures the writer's passion for being able to transform children into successful life-long learners, the imperative value of this learning concept.
What is education without interpretation?
What is learning without formulating?
How can we teach, if we can’t transform?
How good is knowledge, in its unknown form?
Children learn from what they live,
They grow from what they know,
Their desire to fulfill goals,
Are inspired by the way we touch their souls
The whole child has holistic needs,
The whole child appreciates your unselfish deeds
The whole child requires help throughout their growth
The whole child requires more than you may know
Children are allowed to play
Children are allowed to make mistakes
They are allowed to learn in a classroom
They are allowed to learn from those around them
Our focus should promote long-term development
We must build up each child, making each one prevalent
We must support their unique abilities
And develop their lifelong possibilities
We must not conform them to classroom standards
We must show them how to survive in the world around them
From the baby at the breast, and the toddler and the rest
The whole child has a right, a right to be encouraged to make their future bright.