A Paper Dolls’ Life Lessons
What my son’s gift taught me about People Based Learning
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“We’re all like paper dolls. Happiest when linked to another, often unaware of our flimsiness. So easily torn.”
The other day, my younger son surprised me with a beautiful and unexpected creation: a set of paper dolls representing our family. Each doll was carefully crafted, and on each one, he wrote a single word to describe us—happYness, joy, love, fun. I was struck not just by his creativity, but by the insight and care he put into the project. Those words weren’t random; they were his way of seeing and understanding who we are to him.
As I held the tiny paper version of myself, labeled JOY, I realized my son had inadvertently taught me a profound lesson: learning isn’t always about books or facts. Sometimes, the most meaningful lessons come from observing and understanding the people around us.
And there was another simple, but profound reminder: the people we love often see us more clearly than we see ourselves.
The Big Idea
People-based learning is about recognizing that every person we interact with can teach us something valuable- sometimes about the world, or about ourselves. It’s learning through connection, observation, and shared experiences. In my son’s case, he created those paper dolls by noticing who we are in our day-to-day lives—our personalities, our moods, our roles in the family.
This kind of learning isn’t limited to childhood creativity. It’s something we can embrace throughout life. I have so appreciated our intergenerational team engaging in the concept building. Thank you,
and .When we approach the people around us with curiosity and openness, we uncover lessons about empathy, resilience, joy, and even a bit about ourselves.
Making Big Ideas Usable
My son’s paper dolls were a reminder that understanding others might sometimes start at home, but it doesn’t stop there. We can take the principles of people-based learning and apply them to our broader lives:
Observe Without Judgment
I appreciate that my son observed each of us to assign our words. It’s something we can all do- notice the people around us—what drives them, what makes them smile, and how they respond to challenges. Observing without judgment helps us better understand others and appreciate their uniqueness.Find the Word(s) for Others
What if we tried to assign a “word” to the people we meet, based on what they embody for us? Maybe a friend’s word is kindness, or a colleague’s is creativity. Identifying these traits helps us see the best in people and value their contributions.Learn From Differences
My family’s words—happiness, joy, love, fun—felt harmonious, but not every group is so cohesive. In the workplace, at school, or among friends, we encounter people whose words might be ambition, focus, or even patience. By embracing these differences, we can expand our own understanding of what makes life meaningful.Reflect on Your Word
One of the most powerful aspects of people-based learning is self-reflection.
My son saw JOY in me, but it made me wonder: How am I bringing JOY to my everyday actions? What do I hope my word would be to others?
In a world that often focuses on individual achievement, people-based learning reminds us of the value of connection. We learn from so many sources, but the lessons that come from those around us give us insights, wisdom and deepen relationships.
My son’s paper dolls were a simple craft project on the surface, but they carried a deeper truth: people are our greatest teachers. Whether it’s the way a family member shows love, the way a friend offers support, or the way a stranger handles a challenge, every interaction is an opportunity to learn.
So, if you’re looking for a fresh perspective on life, start by noticing the people around you. Find their words. Reflect on your own.
Like my son’s paper dolls, the most profound lessons are often right in front of us, waiting to be discovered
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