Originally published in TEACH Magazine, June 2026 Issue
By Jessica Migueis
What does it mean to be “smart”? Traditionally, schools have always valued students who fit the conventional model: those who think procedurally and arrive at the “right” answer. However, over the past seven years that I’ve spent in kindergarten classrooms, I have increasingly seen the benefit of supporting out-of-the-box thinking—something that comes naturally to my young students.
The classroom should be a space where students are encouraged to come up with new and unique ideas, explore multiple ways to solve problems, and embrace creativity so they can innovate and discover, rather than simply follow a prescribed path. Building an environment where these skills are practiced gives students an avenue to reduce stress, express their emotions, connect with others, find joy, and work towards goals in ways that are intrinsically motivating.
Jessica Migueis is a passionate kindergarten teacher with seven years of experience teaching French as a second language in Montreal. She is dedicated to supporting the global development of young children through play-based, early learning pedagogy in inclusive environments to ensure a positive and supportive first school transition.
