For the Pips, one of the most relevant messages that has emerged during our community studies is the idea of small but mighty. So often, the skills of these littlest friends of Green Apple go overlooked by their older toddler and preschooler counterparts; it is not unusual to hear an older child remark on what a baby canNOT do or what a baby shouldNOT have to play with. |
| In response, we infant teachers try to infuse the language we use with the Pips and their friends with great intention. We focus on messages of specific praise, such as "Wow, you stood up on your own for almost ten seconds! You were not able to do that last week, and now you can! Your legs and balance must be getting so strong." |
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Most importantly, we know that these messages have impacts that stretch far beyond the realm of early childhood. There seems to be a pattern in the world where bigger equates to better, and small voices get squashed simply because they are small, even when the words they have to share are important. Through the work we do with the Pips we hope to empower children to believe in themselves and those around them, not because someone is bigger or louder, but because everybody counts in community.