Central to the KPM Approach to Children is acknowledgement of the individual child.  This is a deceptively simple statement, easier to say than to achieve.  Everyone has the need to feel seen and heard.  We know that we function best in situations when this happens.  The KPM Approach puts this acknowledgement at the center of the relationship between teacher and child.  The child knows he is heard and understood and feels unconditionally valued.  Development of all the child's faculties occurs at the fullest when the child is truly acknowledged.

Within the relationship, the child's personal, social and academic needs and the curriculum are introduced through the child's interests, thereby making learning interesting and meaningful.

Attributes of the KPM Approach to Children

• Continuously and unconditionally supports, values, and encourages the child.  This allows children to develop a sense of self-worth and self-confidence.
• Enables children to develop personally, socially, and academically in an integrated manner.
• Requires adults to approach children on a positive basis to help them develop life-enhancing skills and qualities.
• Requires adults to develop a trusting relationship with children, by acknowledging and valuing children's feelings and opinions.
• Acknowledges children's inner motivation for growth and development by allowing them to learn in their own way, according to their interests.

Also see Vital Impressions, Dr. Gary Borich's report on the KPM Approach to Children.