Spark Y7. S4. W6
Following the Child, Part 3: Readiness, Growth and Support
To follow the child is to trust their timing while staying actively engaged. Honoring readiness requires intention: paying attention to when a child is ready, valuing deep engagement over speed, and either offering something brand new or inviting them back to build on work they’ve previously explored.
Challenge is not something to remove, but something to walk alongside. Active guiding means staying close during moments of difficulty, offering reassurance and structure while allowing learners the time and space to work through struggle. Just as often, it means stepping back, trusting that persistence and confidence are developing beneath the surface.
As our community-wide Physics focus comes to a close, this approach is visible throughout Spark. Learners show greater independence and confidence as they test ideas, solve problems, and carry their understanding of motion, force, and cause and effect from one studio experience to another. What begins as hands-on exploration becomes integrated learning, supported by careful observation, active guidance, and respect for each child’s readiness.
