Growing up, I was envious of those who knew what they wanted to be when they were older. I cycled through lots of ideas but nothing truly excited me or captured my heart long term.
When I eventually stumbled across Conductive Education at The Rainbow Centre, after a niggling feeling that I wanted to work in children’s neuro rehab that I couldn’t ignore – I knew I had to apply. I was drawn to the idea of focusing on a child’s potential and their abilities, and valuing the child for who they are, not just what they can or cannot do.
Since starting, I’ve found that the stories I hear about those early months and years of a child’s life are often bittersweet – I see the complete love on the parents’ faces mixed with tales of negativity and despair. Parents are told what their child will never achieve, worst-case scenarios, the milestones that won’t be reached or standards their child may never live up to.
In Conductive Education, we focus on potential, abilities and hope. We do not just teach skills – we become part of a community that celebrates each child and stands alongside the families.
To celebrate the completion of my Conductor training and to help reflect on what Conductive Education means to me, I wrote a poem. I hope it captures the heart of why I love what I do, and how it truly is an honour to play a small role in these children’s lives.
The title of my poem is based on a theorist called Pestalozzi, who suggested we learn through the use of our Heads, Hands and Heart to signify learning that encompasses the intellectual, emotional and physical aspects of our being to ensure a holistic developmental approach. He believed that everyone has the potential to learn – and so do I!
Head, Hands and Heart
As Conductors, we plan, facilitate and lead,
We skilfully adapt to meet each child’s need
Our training complete, the diploma came fast
As we worked hard to build a career that would last
Through trial and error, with patience and care
We aim for solutions to help them prepare
To adapt to a world in which they can fit
And develop independence, bit by bit
We found a role that meets our caring need
Through routine and rhythm, helping others succeed
To nurture development and personality
Within a group that honours individuality
Eyes that see potential, where doctors see limits
Parents disheartened, we raise their spirits
A care and a love for a child that’s not mine
Watching them grow, helping them shine
We teach with intention, repetition is gain
Each movement has purpose, we train the brain
To adapt, to adjust, to learn a new skill
To believe in ability – in that, we will
Head, Hands and Heart – the child is a whole
Seeing them flourish is our ultimate goal
Conductive Education, not a job, not a role
A way of life, my heart and soul
