2021Winter KansasChild_Final (3)

NO BETTER
TIME:
Systems Thinking
for All
BY TRACY BENSON
A System Is a Collection of
Related Parts
Having recently been absent, Marisa
enthusiastically returned to school. Her
teacher, Ms. Vicky, as she did with all children
returning after being away, eagerly
waited to greet her.
“Marisa, it’s so wonderful to see you!
We missed your smile. We missed the
way you help others, and the clever
ideas you share during story circle
time. Our system wasn’t the same
without you.”
Hearing the teacher’s enthusiastic greeting,
some of Marisa’s classmates chimed in
by adding,
“Marisa, like when a puzzle piece
was missing over there (pointing to
puzzle station). It was like a big hole.
When we found it, the puzzle was
done. You’re like the lost piece, and it’s
good you’re back!”
“Ya, in story circle, we all had to try
harder to think and figure out what
would happen next ‘cuz you weren’t
around. I’m glad you’re back, too.”
Ms. Vicky then stepped in:
“You’re all such important members
of our classroom system. When you’re
absent, we miss your contributions, as
each of you is key to our learning and
make us all better learners and friends.
We are better together!”
4
A Publication of Child Care Aware ® of Kansas