It's been a busy start of the school year and no time to blog, but I'd like to report that the Rockets are becoming a well-oiled machine.
I was thinking back to funny things the kids have said and sweet gestures they make daily at this precious, sincere age and it reminded me of a story I had intended to share with you.
Back in September when we had Grandparent's Day and got to meet all of these most special VIPs one of the Rockets was talking to Ms. Gonzales about his grandparents. As they talked she shared that her grandparents had gone to Heaven and she longer would see them. Very concerned about this, the little boy offered his own grandparents to Ms. Gonzales. The next day he returned to school and after confirming the deal with his mom decided that he could share his uncle with Ms. Gonzales as well.
This is a sweet example of a virtue I truly value and hope to pass along to the Rockets- kindness. I recently came across this description- "kindness acts as the oil that makes the engine of our world move more smoothly and with less friction". In an effort to point out acts of kindness, several years ago I created a prop in my classroom called "Kindness Flowers"
Kindness Flowers are special in that they remain in the classroom and are simply moved from one container to another. While "receiving" a flower (permission to put one in the pot) is a joy, I know the real joy is in the giving itself. Initially the recognized acts are simple like helping a friend (or teacher) pick up spilled items or loaning a pair of scissors to a friend, but as the year progresses so do the acts.
For the past three years the Rockets have adopted DHS foster children (gingerbread friends) during the holidays. I'm always in awe of not only the kindness extended by the parents providing these donations, but in the response by the Rockets. Each year the children have responded the same- showing absolute exuberance in gathering toys for unknown children.
So whether it's an offer of grandparents or scissors, its clear that kindness expands the light within us and reaches out to touch the light in others as well, thus making the world a better place for all.
