Relating to others: Three layers of knowing

A research project in this early childhood centre investigated the (school) key competency relating to others. The teachers were particularly interested in this key competency because relationships, and the empowerment of children and families, had always been key concepts for the centre. In order to research their understanding of relationships they asked “What does relating look like for children here?” Staff collected Learning Stories about relating-in-action from the children’s portfolios. Regular reflective meetings on these stories developed three layers of knowing that underpinned their perspectives on relating to others. The empowered child is at the centre of these three layers of knowing.