Still becoming: The heart of Teacher Gugu

There’s something that lights up my heart every time I see this picture. It captures more than just a moment—it represents presence, surrender, and purpose. Out of over 8 billion people in the world, I was deemed “worthy” to love, care for, and pour into these little souls. Not just to keep them safe, but to nurture them, to teach them, and to lead them the best way I know how.

It still amazes me—here I am talking about passing down wisdom and leading 2- to 3-year-olds, but that’s how important this calling is to me. Those are my hands in the photo, open wide. And those little shoes? They belong to my tiny humans. Their steps represent their own journeys, while my hands symbolize surrender and service. I consider it a deep honor to have played even a small role in laying the foundations of their lives. This—this—is where my heart races. This is where I believe I’ve found my purpose.

Early Childhood education isn’t just about teaching ABC’s and Colors – it really is about laying a foundation, planting a seed and nurturing that seed till it grows into this beautiful plant, it then finds its own footing and unlike plants – they take off, they go out there and make their own statements in the world. Once that seed has sprouted, grown roots, a stem and eventually flowers – You have played your part, it may not end there but lay in peace knowing that you are powerful! Because you basically had an idea on how to raise this tiny human and you did your best. Our “Bests” may not look the same, but they all come from a place of love.

Going on a “Teacher Gugu” rant; Whenever I meet a child, my first priority is to observe, listen and watch for cues because I want to get to know the child, understand their needs and meet them in their developmental level. I build a relationship by creating a safe environment, bonding with the child by letting them lead me in play (Children’s favorite language). I use a concept known as the “Whole Child” approach, which is basically a holistic method where you take into account the 4 factors that make up a child – Emotional, Social, Physical, Cognitive.

I remember when I was still teaching in South Africa, I used to be the one to welcome the children into the school with a big smile and open arms while calling out their names, chatted with the parents and deliver messages to teachers. I will never forget each and every hug I got – It was like a constant reassurance. I would then end my morning routine at the door and when I walk to my Giraffe class (2-3year olds), I would be greeted with big smiles, joyful screams of “Tita Gugu” and even more hugs! We would start our morning routine with their favorite songs, then everybody to the potty, morning circle time which was prayers, weather charts, numbers and theme work for the week. Slowly go about our day with art and slowly rolling over to structured free play.

With the little time I spent in the classroom there’s quite an ache in my heart – a longing to become a “mama”. I carry everything I’ve learned not just for the children I’ve taught or nannied or my little sweet nieces but for those I pray will call me Mom one day.

What I’ve come to know is you don’t need a formal classroom to shape a child’s life. The home is actually the most powerful classroom – its where you lay your foundation, where you plant your seed. The morning routines and morning snuggles of that cute groggy tiny human ever so curious and hungry, the kitchen tables, moments of play, meltdowns and bedtime routines – these are the real lessons.

Whether you are a Mom, Dad, a Teacher, Nurturer, or Grandma, Grandpa, Nanny, Uncle or Aunt or even still dreaming. When caring for a tiny human consider “The whole Child Approach”, in this case it would be the “The child at home Approach”

1. Emotional: Big feelings in the tiny body
2. Social: Kindness and Connection
3. Physical: Movement Co-ordination
4. Cognitive: Curiosity and Stimulation
5. Spiritual (Bonus): Roots

As I continue walking this jorney – teacher, nurturer and one day mother, I carry these truths with me. It doesn’t take perfection to raise a child, only presence, patience, and a heart willing to grow with them for them. You can use this as a way to prepare the soil for your seed, or Teacher Gugu pouring her itty-bitty drops of water into your cup. “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it” Proverbs 22: (NIV).

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. In my next post I will be going into a little more detail on the “Whole Child Approach Method“. I would love your interaction on this post, comment and like, let me know what topics you would like me to dive into next.

With Gratitude and Hugs

Gugu

#StillBecoming