4. Making Space for Difference: Children, Creativity and the Classroom

In this episode of The Chalk Talk Collective Podcast, host Lakshmi Karunakaran is joined by educator Jane Sahi to explore children, creativity, agency and alternative approaches to education.Drawing on Jane’s decades of experience in education, the conversation examines what happens when children are expected to learn at the same pace, in the same way, and how teachers might respond differently to children who resist, withdraw or struggle to participate. They explore the role of the arts in creating spaces for experimentation, autonomy and self-expression, and consider what teachers might discover when they observe children rather than immediately judging their behaviour.The Chalk Talk Collective Podcast is brought to you by Teacher Plus Magazine.What You’ll LearnWhy some classroom structures can become disruptive for childrenHow children may communicate through resistance, withdrawal or unconventional behaviourWhy observation can be more useful than immediately labelling children's behaviourHow children's agency and choice can influence their engagement with learningHow the arts can create spaces for experimentation, reflection and discoveryWhy creativity should not be restricted to the arts classroomHow open-ended activities can challenge ideas of ownership, perfection and the “right” answerWhy some children need time and trust before they are ready to participateHow teachers can create learning environments that accommodate differenceKey TakeawaysA child who appears disruptive may be responding to the structures and expectations of the learning environment.Children's behaviour can be understood as a form of communication rather than simply something that needs to be controlled.Observation, patience and trust can help teachers understand children more deeply.Giving children autonomy can create opportunities for unexpected forms of learning and engagement.The arts can provide children with spaces to experiment without the pressure of producing a predetermined “right” answer.Creativity is not limited to artistic activity; curiosity and discovery can also shape learning in subjects such as mathematics, science and language.Open-ended creative processes can help children and adults become more comfortable with uncertainty.Participation does not always look like immediate participation—sometimes children need time to watch, explore and find their own entry point.Teachers can learn a great deal by paying attention to what children choose to do when they are given some freedom.Creating space for difference may require teachers to rethink their own expectations of what learning should look like.Resources MentionedFig Tree Learning Centre, North Bengaluru — an after-school learning centre facilitating alternative approaches to education. Around 25 students attend two sessions each week.Sita School — the alternative school founded by Jane Sahi, centred on holistic and child-centred education.About the GuestJane Sahi has worked in education in India for several decades. She founded Sita School, an alternative school focused on holistic and child-centred education, and has been involved in alternative education, language teaching and teacher development.Jane was also part of the team that established Fig Tree Learning Centre in north of Bengaluru. Her work has consistently explored how children learn, participate and develop agency within educational environments.Who This Episode Is ForTeachers and educatorsSchool leaders and administratorsArts educatorsEarly childhood and primary educatorsTeacher educatorsAlternative and experiential education practitionersParents and caregivers interested in children's learningOrganisations working in education and children's developmentAnyone interested in creating more responsive and child-centred learning environmentsCheck out the transcript here.