touchstone

Watching the toddlers work and explore in their classrooms is a truly beautiful way to spend a friday.   At this time of year a few children have identified touchstones of comfort in the form of blankies brought from home, or soft toys adopted from the classroom. These personal and comfort objects can provide a touchstone of familiarity in a new environment and community.

These various objects are often carried from one experience to the other, providing an element of continuity as children become accustomed to new rhythms, people, expectations and opportunities.

Comfort items occasionally offer the necessary bridge to build social relationships and common ground.  These two girls giggled a non-verbal, joyful dialog on the library rug, each holding a familiar touchstone as they settled into an easy rapport.

Occasionally, the comfort item is not an object at all, but a person with whom a child feels a significant connection.  This person becomes a touchstone of comfort and familiarity as the child finds his or her own solid ground in the classroom.

It is beautiful to watch the children at this time of year.  They are so courageous, stepping into new territory with new experiences, faces and rhythms and their touchstones provide a poignant reminder of how vulnerable and brave this act really is.  Their process of discovery is an inspiration for us all.