"Your children are not your children; They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself" : these lines from Kahlil Gibran's 'on children' in his book The Prophet sprung into my head, being sung by Sweet Honey in the Rock. Perhaps because I'd been reflecting on Jacqui Cousins' comments recently? And then I remembered that a group of us sung it at the close of the Study Week 1998 in Reggio Emilia: the first group to visit Reggio after the Hundred Languages of Children exhibits in Newcastle and London. It seemed a suitable valediction to a wonderful 'first encounter' with ourselves and with a place which really seeks to celebrate children: a great song for educators and parents celebrating children.
'Read more' for 'Sweet Honey's version of the poem: Glad Tidings for the New Year!