Sometimes, for some reason or another, a child is away from school for extended periods of time. Since fostering relationships is such a huge part of our school culture, we use these long absences as opportunities to show children we can still communicate with a friend even if they are not present. We begin with a conversation about why the child is absent and invite them to find a way to let their friend know they are thinking about them.
With a variety of materials always available, children have the opportunity to create something for their loved ones. Children who are developing their representational skills use their drawings as a means to communicate. The following are some examples of cards children made for Georgia while she was out transitioning her soft cast to a hard one.
"I hope you feel better when the sun is up!" Leo
"Georgia, I miss you! I hope you feel well soon. I made laser beams for you." -Michael
"I miss you!" I made balloons for you.. one flew away."-Kyle
Sasha's card for Georgia
"This is you. I made you."-Carla
We also use technology as a way to reach out. While Jasper was traveling in Bosnia and Costa Rica, we emailed him questions and well wishes from NSW.
Sofia: Are you scared? Are there monsters in Costa Rica?
Jasper: No. There are no monsters in Costa Rica.
Dashiell: Do you have spoons in Costa Rica?
Jasper: Yes!
Jasper sent us pictures of important people and places from his travels.
I'm walkng with Papa in old town (Sarajevo, Bosnia)
We use Skype to connect with friends while they are away.
Skype with Jasper
Lev and Jake listening to Georgia on Skype
Georgia looking at her friends on the screen from home