Blog #8

     When thinking about the readings, the thing that I focused the most on was the "Ladder of Youth Participation" and for me this was so interesting, because I have done so much youth work, and it is so interesting to see how they all fall in a different place on the ladder. The first example I saw, was in the after school program that I work at. To me it falls at a 6 on the ladder, because everything is facilitated by adults, but there is still room for the child to make the decision of what activity is being facilitated. The second example I saw is working in a daycare, and it is so interesting to me to see the difference. This example would be a 9 or 10 on the ladder, because as the adult I provide the children with everything they may need, but I am just there to assist when they need me. They are deciding what they want to do at all times and how they want to rather than me as the adult making that decision. 

    Something that I find so important with this ladder system, and after school spaces is making sure that the child is able to benefit from the space in many different ways. I think that children can benefit from adult structure, but at a certain age they also benefit from making their own decisions. There are so many things that go on in todays world that older youth need to have a say in and need to make sure their voices are heard, but without these spaces that allow for them to be in control and make their own decisions this sadly won't happen. 

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