Sometimes what you are searching for is.... just out of reach. If you manage to get hold of it you feel like it could disappear before your eyes. Maybe if you tried harder, acted like the other kids do, like what they like, you would fit in and find a sense of belonging, make friends and be happy. The fact that some of our students feel like this is something that we need to be very aware of. Supporting them to find what they are looking for, this is our challenge.
So, How do you find your tribe? How do you help your gifted students find theirs?
These are BIG questions. Family, friendship, belonging and confidence.
One way to approach this would be to look back, to look forward. "This whakataukī encourages mokopuna to stand strong, proud in the knowledge that they are the embodiment of all those who have gone before them.
Tū mai e moko. Te whakaata o ō mātua. Te moko o ō tīpuna. Stand strong, O moko. The reflection of your parents. The blueprint of your ancestors. " - Te Whāriki Pg 17
Finding out about your whānau is, I believe crucial for all young people. Seeing those reflections, the blueprint of your genealogy. Finding out about your own family 'tribe' first to help you understand where you come from. Here you can see important connections, support and perhaps find your gifts reflected back within your whānau. Then you have a foundation to move forward, hopefully with the confidence that comes from understanding who you are.
Getting our students to build confidence so they can learn more about themselves and then start to connect with others begins with knowing yourself and where you have come from. Having this open, caring, reflective and culturally responsive culture within our learning spaces is one way to help them start to find their 'like minds' and their tribe.
Nga Mihi,
Bex
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