Elements are the different environments and conditions that adults work within such as schools, classrooms, communities, and systems. Conditions shape adult’s ways and ability to support children’s agency.
Policies, political systems, societal bias, financial hardship, displacement, war, natural disasters, and leadership decisions all shape the environments in which adults live and work. These forces directly impact how and to what extent adults can support young children’s agency.
In fact, these environmental conditions influence every part of the MOA framework. When adults are navigating oppression, limited resources, or unsafe conditions, it becomes much harder to create learning spaces where children are seen, heard, and respected.
Conditions that might block teachers’ ability to support children’s agency include:
Adults often want to support children’s agency in meaningful ways but when they’re burdened by unjust systems, harmful policies, or lack of access to basic resources, it can be difficult, or even risky, to engage children in ways that support their agency and full humanity.
Understanding these challenges helps us see that supporting children’s agency isn’t just about classroom practices but also about changing the systems that surround children and the adults who care for them.
Use these prompts as part of your daily or weekly reflection practice. Consider keeping a journal or discussing them with colleagues.
