In Jewish preschools, themes of light and dark are filling our classrooms. Our Jewish tradition speaks of how each human being is created b’tzelem Elohim, in the image of God, and as such, each child arrives with a spark of the Divine, and that this spark is part of who they are. When teachers see children through this lens, they stop asking, “how can I get this child to learn and fit in,” and start asking, “what is the light in this child and how can I nurture it to grow?”
This perspective is important in the early years when a child is developing a sense of self and identity. When children repeatedly hear through our words and actions that their ideas matter,they begin to understand that their presence makes the world a better and brighter place.
Agency is the Oxygen for the Divine Spark
We know that a child’s inner light requires agency to grow. Agency means having real choices, a voice that is heard, and opportunities to influence what happens in the classroom. Without agency, that spark can smolder.
To help a spark truly ignite, we have to move away from doing things to children and more towards doing things with children.
Creating Classrooms that Feed the Fire
To create a classroom that invites light, the environment must be designed as a place where their choices truly matter. Provide materials that are open-ended, accessible, and displays that feature the work of children. The rhythms of the day should be a shared collaboration format that helps honor the spark.
Teachers:
- Write down children’s unique questions,
- Photograph scenes of random acts of kindness,
- Notice when the child’s inner light becomes visible and name it as holy.
For example, tell a child that “when you invited your friend to play with you, you shared your light.” Over time, children will understand that the mitzvot they do, the acts of kindness and justice they engage in are natural expressions of the spark that resides within each of them.
From Inner Spark to Shared Light
This Hanukkah, when we place our candles in the window so that the light of Hanukkah can be shared, remember to notice the inner light of each child so it too, can be shared. Their agency becomes the way in which their individual divine sparks flow into relationships, their communities, and the world.
Dr. Tamar Andrews
American Jewish University
Masor School for Jewish Education and Leadership
Director of Early Childhood Education Programs
Associate Professor for BA ECE, MAEd ECE, EdD ECE Leadership
