Paulo Freire is, together with Maria Montessori, one of the most important pedagogues of the XNUMXth century. His approach facilitated a type of teaching that prioritized democratization, raising the figure of the child as an essential part of this society.
While it is true that Paulo Freire's legacy applies above all in the context of teaching in schools, we cannot ignore his pedagogy based on hope, freedom and love for the child. For this reason, from «Mothers Today» We invite you to know its basic axes to apply them on a day-to-day basis. To inspire us, to remember the importance of raising our children in equality, respect and integration.
Basic ideas of Paulo Freire's pedagogy
As a mother, you are very clear about what you want to transmit to your children. Y An essential idea that we all try to cultivate every day in raising our children is to raise happy and independent children, so that tomorrow they will become mature adults capable of making others happy.
Nothing can be so important, and at the same time more satisfying as a mother or father of a child that tomorrow, you will be able not only to live in balance and happiness, but to make this world a much better scenario. It is undoubtedly a great adventure that is worth building each day with them, through the small gestures and words that we have to transmit to them at all times.
Therefore, it is worth integrating these simple ideas that Paulo Freire left us in his works:
- Children must be allowed and encouraged to ask us questions. Sometimes we just give them advice that they don't listen to. Therefore, if we increase their curiosity, the knowledge they acquire will always be more significant because it is a discovery.
- Educating is not just transmitting knowledge. It's more than just teaching them to tie their shoes or go through green lights. Teach them to go beyond what they see, to be critical, imaginative and above all, active creatures who wish to experiment.
- The best advice is given by example. Keep in mind that many parents preach certain things and end up doing the opposite of what they transmit themselves. Therefore, you must take great care of each of your words, gestures and behaviors at home and outside of it. Children realize many more things than we think, and for them, the example is more valuable than a word.
- It is important to promote the child's autonomy from an early age. You will always be with him, guiding and supporting him. However, a child who is capable of doing things is a child with a higher self-esteem who will be able to have a more positive image of himself, to open up to the world. Avoid overprotecting, or forbidding them to step out of their comfort zone when the time comes.
- Listen to your children. Listen to them every day and at all times, no matter how simple what they want to convey to you. A child who feels cared for understands the value of his person, is recognized and respected. We know that we have responsibilities and a bit of a rush throughout the day, and that it is not always easy to dedicate all the time they deserve, but it is worth investing efforts in our children.
- Pass on generosity to your children. Make them understand the value of giving, of being noble with those around them and developing an adequate empathic capacity where they understand, "that what hurts or bothers me, also hurts others."
- An essential aspect that Paulo Freire transmitted is that educating is not just transmitting, it is «creating». A child who receives information and finds no use for it is lost knowledge. Therefore, it is vital that we give responsibility to the child, who sees himself as someone active who can do things for his good, and for the good of others.
How to apply Paulo Freire's pedagogy in everyday life
The power of the word with the image
As we have indicated before, Paulo Freire told us that the power of the word is transmitted above all with the example, and also with the image. Therefore, it is worth making use of images in the child's daily life to achieve meaningful learning.
- Make use of the panels around the house to remind yourself what the rules are.
- Make use of positive reinforcement through words but also with cards where we tell them realities such as "I am proud of you", "I like how you have behaved today", "you are a brave and special child".
- Even if your children do not know how to read yet, do not hesitate to make use of books on a day-to-day basis so that they become familiar with them as weapons of power and knowledge.
- The visual is combined with the experimental, thus, gives value to everything that children can see and manipulate. The love for nature is transmitted by manipulating it, by touching it. Responsibilities at home such as picking up or ordering are seen with us by example and they too can carry them out to the extent possible.
- To set an example, remember that we must take care of essential aspects such as equality and respect. Make no difference between the responsibilities of your sons and your daughtersTake care of your language and even the way you treat other people.
Yes to democratic education
If there is an aspect that Paulo Freire ands the need to defend and build an education based on respect and democratic values. Far from looking like big words full of eloquence, we have to take into account basic aspects that are essential:
- The rules must be explained and negotiated. A rule that is imposed is not understood, and the child will rebel against it.
- Encouraging the child's independence is vital. From the moment we monitor each of their movements, vet their voices, have their own ideas or choose their paths for them, we will be executing a toxic and authoritarian education.
- Democratic education is not permissiveness. It is knowing how to communicate, negotiate, it is to give learning opportunities where the adult is always the guide in the children's day-to-day. Our children must be architects of their own learning, we are the mechanisms through which they must feel safe, cared for and loved so that they make the best choices.
As you can see, the principles of Paulo Freire can help us raise happy children for a future of hope. There where we all respect each other, where we lead by good example and where freedom, be the bond of the child who becomes an adult responsible for himself.