2/3 Slingababy reflection: trainer Lorette!
For the previous post in the series click here.
Now to Lorette, I was truly amazed by her! See how happy I was to have met and trained under her!
Her gentle yet focussed approach to the preparation and organisation of the course was refreshing. Having graduated with a BA in Primary and secondary degrees, I found her pedagogical approach particularly strong and informed while she conducted the training. Sometimes as learners we can expect to be taught slowly and drip fed information to ensure it sinks in. For Lorette’s teaching practice, it was different, she was able to share her knowledge quite quickly and put it back to us to show her if we had learned it. Sometimes our sensitivities can see this kind of teaching practice challenging, but to me personally it was profoundly uplifting. It showed a greater sense of trust in our abilities to rise to the occasion and grasp learning more quickly. For me, this was a very motivating way to learn.
Teaching for a short time and asking us to show her if we understood, allowed quick ownership of the learning process and the forced the brain to kick start from the get-go. I understand that this can seem pretty straight forward, but the subtle effects on the learning process is profound.
Funny story, Lorette complimented me on a Samoan shirt I was wearing, so the next day I gifted it to her. It’s very common practice in the Samoan culture to literally give the shirt off your back if someone admires it! It is seen as an honor to have someone like something you own and it gives further joy to gift it to the person. I explained this to Lorette who listened intently and took it quite well, even though the natural tendency to such a gesture may cause some people a degree of discomfort and embarrassment. And as a kind gesture in response to this Lorette gifted me the most beautiful wrap, in fact the day before I had my eye on while someone was using it across the room! It was a wrap that was made by a friend of hers and she shared with me the story of love behind it too. Thank you Lorette – I plan to use it in many of my training videos as a way to further honor it’s place in my heart and the contribution you have made towards my knowledge of baby carrying.
Lorette, wishing you a safe trip home. Thank you to your family for sharing you with us, it was a sacrifice for them I am sure. Thank you to you too, I know this trip with two young children will have challenged your resilience. You were a blessing to us. All the best my dear. xx Penina