The Colors of Friendship

We build relationships throughout the years through various means, such as sharing experiences, communicating, and engaging in learning experiences together. These interactions empower us develop social skills, empathy, and a sense of trust and cooperation. Positive relationships with peers and educators are crucial for our emotional and social learning areas.

Knowing graduation is approaching, we intentionally spend this whole week to pause, reflect, and converse on below questions:

• What we have been going through?
• What will we embrace in a week or two?

By conversing on what graduation is all about, we are hoping it can be a purposeful approach to make sense to its meaning. Here are a few reflections that often come up. It highlights the inevitability of change and the importance of adapting to new circumstances.
Some friends acknowledge a mix of feelings and emotions toward the change. Graduation often brings excitement and anxiety about the change. 

When we share our feelings about graduation, we might express a mix of emotions. Some might feel excited about the new opportunities and changes ahead, while others may experience sadness or anxiety about leaving familiar surroundings and friends. Graduations often evoke reflections on our learning journey, accomplishments, and the uncertainty of the future. ​

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We process changes through a variety of ways. Some of us might express our feelings through words, behavior or play. We often use play to make sense of changes, while others may talk more openly about our emotions.

Loris Malaguzzi, as the founder of Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education, is known for his famous saying, No way, the hundred is there ..., underscores his belief in the multiple ways we express our understanding and creativity. 

In this context, the Hundred Languages metaphor highlights the richness and complexity of our learning processes and the importance of providing an environment that supports and celebrates these multiple forms of expression. 

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Having supportive others who provide reassurance and explain changes in a clear manner can help us adapt more easily. Friends and social interactions can definitely offer comfort and a sense of security. Overall, the key is to provide a supportive environment that acknowledges and validates our feelings, while offering consistent guidance and reassurance. 

We believe open conversations can help us process these feelings and transition more smoothly. Without we realize, the more we converse about it the more it offers us moments to appreciate the relationships we have along the way.

In other words, graduation offers an opportunity to express gratitude for the experiences and people who have shaped our learning journeys. Reflecting on these can provide a sense of closure and appreciation. 

Overall, graduation is a poignant reminder of the dynamic nature of life and the importance of embracing change, reflecting on growth, and looking forward with optimism.

Kindest,
Children & Friends.