Boundaries and Freedom

Marjorie Litten was approaching retirement as an educator. I had been assigned by my principal, Margaret Hopper, to visit her kindergarten center which was located off the main campus in a two- story house. It was in the fall of 1971, my first year to teach after graduation from college. As I began to go through in-service training at Lipscomb Elementary School in Nashville, Tennessee, I admit that I questioned the assignment to observe a kindergarten center. These kindergarteners would not be in my classes. However, little did I know that I would soon be taught a valuable lesson on boundaries and freedom by a kindergarten teacher and her students. This was a lesson that would go with me throughout my professional career and, I believe, is valuable even to this very day. 

Arriving at the center, I was soon greeted by Mrs. Marjorie. I explained that my principal, Mrs. Hopper, wanted me to come and observe her program. She had a friendly disposition and encouraged me to come inside the playground where she was supervising her students at play. Even near the end of her career, it was easy to observe that this happy and engaging teacher loved her vocation and her students. 

The playground and facility were located at the corner of Caldwell Lane and Morrow Avenue. We talked while the children played and she shared with me how this two-story house became the Lipscomb Elementary School Kindergarten Center. The sound of laughter and sights of happy energy filled that playground as we continued to talk.

After some time I begin to notice that many of the kindergarten students were climbing in the trees located within the playground. Mrs. Marjorie seemed to be somewhat oblivious to their climbing. After a few minutes, I asked her a question about their safety and why she was not going to stop them. What she told me was priceless.

Mrs. Marjorie Litten said, "They will only climb as high as their confidence will allow them to climb." Boy, was I surprised with that response. She went on to say, "You see that six-foot high fence around the playground? It is very close to Caldwell Lane which is a busy street especially when school is in session. The fence offers protection for the students. They will play very close to the fence and climb trees near it because it offers protection and security." Then she commented, "If you take down the fence, the students will huddle up near the house and may even want to go inside." Wow, what an example for boundaries and freedom. 

This wise, soon-to-be retired educator gave me a principle that has gone with me all of my professional career. Boundaries, guidelines, expectations, and even discipline are designed to give us a safe environment for productive growth. As Lou Holtz, a successful retired college football coach once said, "Discipline is something you do for someone, not something you do to them." I am confident that all successful institutions and organizations need boundaries (fences). Without them we are subject to anxiety, fear, confusion, and frustration. 

I am thankful that my principal wanted me to visit Mrs. Marjorie Litten and the kindergarten center. Remember--there is no true freedom without boundaries. This concept served as the centerpiece of my career as a teacher, coach, and administrator for forty-three years. I believe we are all leaders regardless of our position. And on this special day I was lead by a group of kindergarten students and their wise, amazing teacher.