True freedom of choice in education is more than offering a menu of pre-approved subjects or pathways. It means recognizing that each child carries within them an inner compass, a voice that knows what lights them up and how they learn best. When children are trusted to follow that innate compass, learning becomes less about compliance and more about discovery, growth, and joy.
Too often, the language of schooling imposes limits before a child has even begun. Words like ‘behind,’ ‘average,’ or ‘gifted’ create invisible walls, shaping how children see themselves and how others perceive them. These labels don’t reflect the full richness of a child’s capacity, yet they become identities that stick.
The language of imposition tells children who they are; a language of freedom invites them to explore what they have inside and who they might become.
Imagine classrooms, homes, and communities where language honors sovereignty: Where teachers say: “What are you curious about today?” instead of “Here is what you must learn.” Where feedback sounds like, “You’ve grown so much in expressing your ideas,” instead of “You passed” or “You failed.” This shift may seem small, but it transforms the energy of learning.
Freedom of choice paired with non-imposing language creates a fertile ground where children feel respected, capable, and safe to take risks. It affirms that education is not about fitting into a mold but about developing unique gifts.
As we reimagine education, the question is not only what children will learn, it is also how they are spoken to and how much room they are given to choose. True freedom in learning begins when both choice and language align with respect for the child’s inner voice.
So how do we go about speaking in a way that opens space for inspired learning?
This is where it becomes tricky, because most of us have been so immersed in the old ways, we have adapted ways of speaking that can oppose our supportive intention. So also, we, as learning space creators, get to learn!
And for us, it can be even more challenging, as we get to relearn = first unlearn, then build new capacity. That’s what this week’s podcast is all about!
If this topic resonates, then I encourage you to listen to the 6th September podcast on All Learning Reimagined when I interview Marai Kiele from Germany. Marai is inspired by freeing the human spirit and shares strategies for moving beyond a language of imposition.
Marai can be contacted:
Marai Kiele * joyfully thriving together * phone: +49 171 810 7161
Enjoy! Teresa 2025
Marai’s first drawing of the levels of imposition: open / secret / unconscious – true togetherness
(was: The drawing of the levels of conscious / hidden / unconscious imposition)
