As you read our column, we hope that you will create queries about the topic of freedom, queries that cause you to think deeply and creatively! We hope you enjoy the freedom of expression that we have experienced in our thinking together about this topic… that is critical to building our democracy!

Freedom! What an important word for our humanity, especially in these times as controversial as we are experiencing. So how can we as adults explain or instead exemplify what freedom is in our tiny humans who are in the process of development?

As educators we know that we have re- sponsibilities to the children and families that we serve as well as our employers and the community. That is a lot of responsibility!

I was now calling up memories of my childhood as a young ballet dancer; feeling the sadness, frustration, fear, and self doubt that came from looking at the other little girls, comparing my body with theirs, and measuring myself as not good enough.

In this month’s booklist you will find books on various types of freedoms, such as the right to be who we are, the freedom to attend school, and the right to work under safe conditions, just to name a few.

Children must have their basic needs met in order to feel safe and then interact and engage openly with those around them.

Back of the Bus, tells the story of the Montgomery Bus Boycott and Rosa Parks through the eyes of a young child.