In our observations of young children ages 3 months to 8 years-old across the U.S., we have located the most common ways that young children enact their agency.
We divided children’s uses or “markers” of agency into seven categories. Each category and the most common markers of agency in that category are listed below.
One community, school, classroom or person cannot offer every single one of the markers of agency on this list. Which ones are most important to you and your community? Or to the parents and families? Or to the leaders and politicians?
*Most markers of agency are impossible to sustain unless there is support from the roots, trunk and some favorable conditions.
Children can influence or choose the what (ex. topics, interests, books, projects)
Markers:
Children can influence or choose the how (ex. activities, experiences, modalities)
Markers:
Children can build on personal and collective strengths (ex. ways of being, background, family values, languages)
Markers:
Children can shape the world around them and make sacrifices for the sake of others
Markers:
Children can determine engagement (friendships, connection, bonds, collaboration, conversation)
Markers:
Children can have a say in how they show what they know and can do
Markers:
Children can change and influence the spaces in which they learn
Markers:
Use these prompts as part of your daily or weekly reflection practice. Consider keeping a journal or discussing them with colleagues.
