Spark: Y7, S4, W4
Following the Child, Part 2: Observation, Freedom and Structure
To follow the child is to observe with intention. Careful, consistent observation shapes daily practice, allowing time to notice how learners engage—their focus, persistence, problem-solving, and the meaningful pauses before support is offered. This allows guidance to unfold with care—neither rushed nor delayed—grounded in understanding rather than reaction.
When boundaries are clear, children feel safe to take intellectual and social risks. They know what is expected, where materials belong, and how to care for themselves, their work, and one another. Within this structure, learners are empowered to follow their curiosity and take ownership of their learning.
This balance is especially visible in how Sparks engage with another studio, as a shared focus carries across spaces. Rather than directing outcomes, guides observe how Sparks move between environments and interact with materials, peers, and challenges—bringing questions, investigative habits, and emerging understandings from one setting into another.
