Over a month ago, I wrote that our K/1 students were beginning to learn about Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, and how this relates to our year long unit of study, Families & Homes. After much delving, sharing, drawing, reading and writing, our littles ones have an impressive understanding of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. While I wish you could spend an afternoon with my class, discussing their learnings, I’m hoping you see via some of their documentation, how their appreciation for their families has deepened.
Basic Needs (food, water, air)
My mom always gives me healthy foods.
I go outside and get air.
My dad packs my lunch.
Safety Needs (shelter, job)
I have a safe home.
If people don’t have a job, then you can’t have money, and you can’t pay for insurance to be healthy.
Health insurance lets you go to the eye doctor, so you can see and you can learn.
Love & Belonging Needs (family, friendships)
Me and my mom snuggling.
I belong to my family and my soccer team.
I belong in my school.
Self Esteem Needs (confidence, encouragement)
I am great at handstands.
Self Actualization – Doing what you love!
I learned to count.
I learned to play basketball.
I learned how to read music.
Many of the kids had huge realizations that many, if not most of the things they had already accomplished were a direct result of their supportive families and community.
“One of the goals of education should be to teach that life is precious.”
— Abraham Maslow
Gladys Elizabeth 