To activate students’ recollections of childhood as a backdrop for child study, I lead a “reflection” on the word “childhood.” First I ask students to write down words and phrases that come to mind when they hear the word “childhood.” Then each person reads his or her list out loud. Finally, I summarize some of the major themes, highlighting recurring ideas like family and play as well oppositions like freedom and restrictions. Afterwards students get into small groups to share a vivid memory from their childhood and consider how their memories relate to the themes that surfaced in our reflection.