What is a “sense of place,” and how does it relate to those of us who work and play in Early Childhood?
Close your eyes for a moment and think of a place that held significance during your childhood. Was there a certain beach you loved exploring? A favourite tree you liked to climb or place to hide and just be? How about a friends house, fort or place of worship? What memories make you attached to these places? What significance do they hold for you? Chances are these places hold special memories from your childhood, creating emotional connections and a time of happiness. For me my grandma's house was of great significance for me during my childhood, this was probably because I was made to feel special, I was allowed to do as I pleased and I was given lollies on demand. Looking back now I realise that I truly loved my grandma and I knew she was fragile, I just wanted to spend time with her.
For young children it is primarily the emotional attachment associated with a places that give them meaning. During my adult life I went back to my grandmas house, and while I knew my grandma wouldn't be there to greet me, I still remembered the great times I had there as a child. The place was a part of my history, my life, my childhood. The rose trees were still in the garden that I helped my grandpa to plant and the path was still a hopscotch path. It was an emotional visit, but I was able to smile as I left.
When we consider a place we often think of a structure, maybe a house or somewhere we have visited on holiday, however it can describe several other important concepts, but why is a sense of place important?
So how can we nurture and create a sense of place for children?
The nature around us can inspire and develop a child's sense of wonder, so let children independently explore the surrounding nature and discover their own private and special place. During the current lockdown we are limited in the time we have outdoors, however we can support children to make a map of their yard, street, or neighbourhood, draw or construct special and significant places they may talk about. You could also research and discover more about your local area with your child, or connect with special people in your child's life via zoom or Facetime. Malaguzzi once said 'Beyond the wall there is always a beyond' The pandemic shouldn't limit our possibilities to nurture a child's sense of place, it should spur us on to make connection possible.