Today I went back to kindergarten. Since retirement, I have been honored each week to read to the sweet little ones who are just beginning their adventures in education. Who will they be in twelve years? Will they go to college? Will they go to a trade school? Will they push the boundaries and create new and important inventions or therapies or medicines? Will they become politicians? Nurses? Teachers? Will they travel and explore this earth or stay close to home? They have more potential than they could possibly dream. We must encourage them and offer them every opportunity to learn as much as they can. Starting with sitting still to listen to a story.
Their little faces tell more tales than we sometimes want to hear. The pain and fear of what happens at home. The sorrow of loss one so little should never have to bear. The fact that they know more about life's horrors than they should. But you also see the joy. The joy of learning. Of making new friends. Of excitement because something new is happening today (like having a lady come read to you). Of knowing someone believes you can do it.
I stood in the hall as a first grade class passed and saw some of the faces I read to last year. They smiled at me and said, "Hi!" One boy said, "Hey! You made us thunder cake!" Yes, yes I did. I will tell you, it was without doubt the worst cake I have ever made in my life! But those kindergarteners ate it up and loved it! I'm happy to be a good memory for them.
I want to share with you something that happened today. I didn't see it, but I experienced the story from the parapro who was in the room. They got a new student today. He was scared and wanted his mommy. As his teachers worked their magic to help him adjust to this strange new world that had been thrust upon him, it was the kids who reached him. One little girl went and sat beside him. Another little one brought him a tissue. One by one they introduced themselves to him and told him it would be ok. One child said, "Our mommies always come back." One asked, "Can I sit beside him at lunch?" Those children, who have only been in kindergarten for a few days themselves, loved and cared and supported their new friend in ways no adult could. He relaxed and I'm sure by the end of the day he had many new friends to tell about when he got home.
As that story was told we all got teary-eyed. The innocence of a child's heart is a beautiful thing. We forget as we grow older that the simplest thing a person needs is a kind word and the offer of friendship.
It's true. Everything you need to know you learn in kindergarten. This is what they taught me today: Listen when someone is speaking to you. Use your manners. Be grateful and say so. Offer a smile and a memory when you see someone you haven't seen in a while. Encourage someone who is afraid. Offer a tissue. Enjoy the thrill of a good book. Follow the rules. Be kind. And most of all, love your friends.
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