Tall vs High through the eyes of a child
While I was teaching I learned that 1.5-2 year olds LOVE climbing on pretty much anything. Chairs, tables, couches- you name it. If you have a toddler of your own at home, you’ve likely encountered this propensity for risk taking. Something more specific I began to notice as I taught in different cities and schools, was that once children were on top of whatever it is they were climbing, they’d almost exclusively describe their experience using these words:
“I’m so tall!”
It struck me that they chose that descriptor rather than the word “high.” I could plainly see that their height hadn’t changed after scaling the side of the sofa, but to them, their identity had been impacted.
“How far can I go?” is a question that marks toddlerhood and is often explored within play involving heights. By using the word tall, children are exclaiming “this is who I am” rather than “this is where I am.” And the journey to tall is just as formative as the final destination. As children constantly work to uncover the impact they can have on the world around them, and visa versa, heights offer one answer to the question “Where do I fit in?”
The motivation for exploring heights is different for each child and circumstance. Perhaps they hope to gain perspective or to understand what “tall” feels like. What does an additional three inches under their little body offer their point of view? What does it offer their sense of self? Maybe they’re experimenting with the malleability of comfort zones, asking “What am I capable of?” Maybe they notice the sensation of a quickly beating heart as they peer over the edge of an elevated surface.
Something else I noticed while teaching is that heights offer an opportunity to connect. A pikler triangle or balance beam invites a toddler out of their comfort zone and suddenly becomes extra enjoyable when other children join them there. They might think, “This is so new, yet here you are too, probably experiencing the same thing. Let’s celebrate!” Does a friend’s presence in this foreign feeling cultivate bravery in children? They enter into the physical space of “tall” and simultaneously into a less tangible, but equally as remarkable, abstract space of camaraderie. They become invested in one another’s journey and it’s beautiful to watch.