Lesson #1: Eat until your full and then stop
I notice the kids eat with gusto if it's something they like. On birthdays, the birthday boy or girl brings in a treat for the whole class to enjoy during snack time. Often it will be cupcakes with icing. They get the icing all over their faces and don't seem to mind a bit. We have to wipe their hands and faces with a wet wipe because they end up with much of it covering them. But one thing I notice about the way kids eat is that they stop when they've had enough. They often leave half the cupcake ...unlike most of us adults.
Lesson #2: Be excited about learning
It gives me such pleasure to see the look of excitement on a child's face when they learn something new. Little Nevin gets so excited when he learns a new concept. His face just lights up with excitement. His eyes widen and he smiles and repeats what he's learned. It's very rewarding for Heidi and me when we see they actually get it. How often do we adults stop being excited about learning something new? It can be all too easy to rely on what we already know. Become a life long learner and share the excitement of learning something new.
Lesson #3: Get moving
Children love to move. In fact, sometimes it can be hard to get them to stop. They don't want to miss out on anything. They bend and move and sometimes have to help Miss Debbie up when she's down on their level. They have so much energy. They are flexible but often lack some of the fine motor skills at this age. Right now they're learning to throw and catch a ball in PE. Some are more skilled than others but it doesn't stop them from trying very hard. I really need to get back in shape to keep up with them each day, especially when little Sam asks me if I did my exercise today. :)
Lessons #4: Laugh and enjoy the moments
The kids play with each other. The girls love to pretend they are princesses and even super heroes. The boys tend to be a bit more aggressive but many of the girls keep up. They run and laugh and cry and laugh again. Simple things make them laugh. I sit with them at lunch and listen in on their conversations and often ask them questions. I asked them what their moms call them. Hadley smiles and tells me 'my mommy calls me her angel'. I'm always calling them cuties and we laugh when one has those little cutie oranges in their lunchbox.
After playing hard and learning many new things, the kids often fall asleep after lunch. Many of the moms have told us that their child doesn't take naps. But I think they have so much interaction at school, that they go to sleep. Of course, there is always the one who fidgets and will not close their eyes. But I have to say that Miss Debbie is so tired by the end of the day.
So learn these lessons from children. I'm sure you could add to the list too.
Blessings and love,
