Module 8 – Worksheet 1:The “I Did It!” Journal (Agency Spotting)

Concept: This exercise is based on Article 3 (“Feeling Good Inside and Out”). The goal is to practice observing the moments your child builds agency through their own self-initiated, embodied play, and to practice being a “Gardener” (who creates conditions) rather than a “Carpenter” (who directs the action).

Your Mission: This week, your mission is to be a quiet “Agency Spotter.” Set aside 10-15 minutes on three different occasions to just watch your child play, without directing, helping, or praising (unless they ask you to join!).

Observation Log:

Day 1: What did I spot?

• ✍️ A moment of self-initiation: (What did they choose to do, all on their own? e.g., decided to build a fort, tried to reach a toy on the shelf)

• ✍️ A moment of embodied problem-solving: (How did they use their body to solve a problem? e.g., used their foot to stabilize the tower, angled their body to fit in the box)

• ✍️ My “Gardener” Challenge: (What was my impulse? To help, to fix, to correct? What did I do instead?)

Day 2: What did I spot?

• ✍️ A moment of frustration and persistence: (When did they almost give up, but try one more time? e.g., the blocks fell, and they huffed, then started again)

• ✍️ A moment of pure physical joy/competence: (When did they seem to just enjoy what their body could do? e.g., spinning in a circle, climbing high, splashing)

• ✍️ My “Gardener” Challenge: (What was my impulse? To warn them, to praise the outcome? What did I do instead?)

Day 3: What did I spot?

• ✍️ A moment of “I DID IT!”: (What did they accomplish on their own, and how did they react? e.g., finally zipped their own coat and smiled wide, put the last puzzle piece in)

• ✍️ My “Gardener” Challenge: (My impulse was… I responded by… e.g., Impulse: to clap and say “Good job!” Response: I smiled and said, “You figured that out all by yourself.”)

🖍️ Reflection:

What was the hardest part about just observing? What did I learn about my child’s competence or agency that I might have missed if I had “helped”?