‍ ‍Seven Areas of Whole Child Development

A Framework for Wise Education

Every child—and every adult—possesses strengths and challenges across seven core areas of human development. Together, these areas shape how we learn, relate, make decisions, respond to challenges, and contribute to the world.

A Framework for Wise Education® offers a practical way to understand and intentionally strengthen these areas over time. The carousel below introduces each developmental area, its associated attributes, and its relationship to the human energy system as described by Ellen Tadd.

The attributes described represent some of the primary attributes associated with each developmental area. They are intended to illustrate the Framework rather than provide a complete list.

  • Little girl measuring her height against a wall, as she reaches for butterflies and clouds flying above her head

    Inspiration

    This category includes inspiration, the experience of connection, trust, devotion, spontaneity, enthusiasm, and happiness. These attributes are associated with the function of the crown center, located at the top of the head.

  • I young girl, smiling

    Focus

    This category includes focus, concentration, wisdom, clarity, and discernment. These attributes are associated with the function of the third eye center, located in the middle of the forehead.

  • Teenage boy playing the acoustic guitar

    Self-esteem

    This category includes self-confidence, expression, curiosity, and love of learning. It is associated with the function of the throat center, located (obviously) in the throat.

  • 4 girls in the woods, blowing bubbles in traditional Vietnamese clothing

    Good Intentions

    Linked to the function of the heart chakra, in the middle of the chest, This category includes love, good intentions for self and others, joy, generosity, courage, and forgiveness. It is associated with the heart center, located in the middle of the chest.

  • Toddler age Boy and Girl. Boy handing her dandelion that has gone to seed

    Emotional Well-Being

    This category includes empathy, harmony, intuition, and emotions. It is associated with the function of the solar plexus center, where you experience butterflies when you’re nervous. This category is associated the solar plexus center, located below the rib-cage.

  • Teenage girl in blue parka climbing a tree

    Persona in the World

    This category includes the balance of one’s directive and receptive sides, and with confidence in relating to others and creative expression. It is associated with the function of the identity chakra, located in the lower abdomen.

  • Young girl, in overalls and pink shirt, climbing a rope ladder

    Discipline

    This category includes self-discipline, responsibility, attention to order and detail, and with the ability to work hard in developing good skills and habits. It is associated with the function of the base chakra, located at the base of the spine.

Cover of A Framework for Wise Eduction: Chakras and Child Development- a painting of two children reading a book

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