As experiential educators, we have come to recognize the importance of creating and sustaining learning spaces. If learning is to occur, it requires a conducive space.

For young children as well as for us adults, engagement in learning is accompanied by emotions of hope and fear. The hope is for mastery, understanding, and the empowerment it brings. The fear has many faces- to make a mistake, fail, look stupid, be embarrassed and humiliated in front of others, and even question one’s personal identity and self-worth.

As educators, parents, and friends our challenge is to recognize the hopes and fears of learners and to create a learning space that respects, supports, and empowers them to embark on a learning journey with courage and joy.