It feels like only yesterday, that my own daughter was in Mrs. DeReus’ Kindergarten classroom celebrating the 100th day of school. We still remember the joy of that day, (and the hat that went with it)! One of the greatest things you can do as an educator is to lavish your students with activity, curiosity, and creativity. On the 100th Day of School, Mrs. DeReus does all of these with flair!
When I asked what the day entailed, Mrs. DeReus said, “We counted 100 cubes, we counted 100 chocolate kisses, and we made a list of 100 things we were thankful for. Later, we had a visit from “Zero the Hero” who brought us donuts. Finally, we made hats with collections of 100 things on them.” Each of the students were active participants not only in the counting of 100 but the making of it as well. It is so important to allow students to have the ability to be tangible with their learning … here, they literally WORE their math and looked fabulous doing it.
Being Spiritual Emphasis Week, we have been reminded daily what Matthew 7:24 says, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” I think the same aspect that applies to our faith, transcends to our education. We need to build a strong foundation of interest, excitement, and practical application to our lessons. We need to invest in the whole child so that they view learning, not as a skill, but as an extension of their very selves.
Dutch clergyman Henri Nouwen once said, “Each day holds a surprise. But only if we expect it can we see, hear, or feel it when it comes to us. Let’s not be afraid to receive each day’s surprise, whether it comes to us as sorrow or as joy It will open a new place in our hearts, a place where we can welcome new friends and celebrate more fully our shared humanity.” Why not celebrate what we are growing in? Why not experience education and life lessons with open hearts and mind-stretching activities? Why not live like we are five again, experiencing the joy of 100? There is a great deal to be gleaned from the wisdom of Kindergarten after all.
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