Through the Eyes of a Child by LeAnne Bristow


I'm a kindergarten teacher and I have to admit that the little ones sometimes teach me more than I ever teach them. Between them and my three year old granddaughter, I'm constantly in awe of them. Wouldn't you like to view the world through the eyes of a child for just one day?

We were rushing to the cafeteria a few weeks ago and one of my students pointed out a bird's nest in top of the tree outside the classroom. Every child had to stop and look. It didn't matter to them that we were late for our scheduled time in the lunch room. It didn't matter that the first grade might beat us down there. All that mattered to them in that moment was that bird nest. And the questions they asked!

After a lesson on fall (which is hard to explain in Arizona!) my students noticed signs of fall every where. They were looking for the things I took for granted. And they found beauty in it. They do this to me every day. They notice things I never think to look at. On the playground, they find wood chips shaped like a heart. They notice a tiny earthworm in the dirt right off the sidewalk. Each and every flower amazes them.





This weekend, I took my granddaughter to the Tucson Celtic Festival. I was so anxious for her to see the opening ceremonies. The clans in their traditional dress, the bagpipes. Oh! It was going to be wonderful!!! Alas, before I could drag her all the way across the grounds to get a good spot for the parade, the sheaf toss caught her eye. It  happened to be close to the entrance we came in through. Now, if you don't know, the sheaf toss is when the athlete sticks a pitchfork into a heavy burlap sack. Then they swing the sack and toss it in the air over a high bar. She was intrigued, so we sat to watch it for a minute. She was so absorbed! When they failed to make it over the bar, she would say frown and when they did make, she was the loudest cheerer there.



I kept telling her we needed to go. We needed to find a good spot for the parade. I thought the lure of a parade would distract her. But she looked at all the people around her, the athletes in their traditional highland kilts and said, "Moo-Moo, it be fine. Watch this first." So what else could a good Moo-Moo do? We sat and watched until the sheaf toss was over. And you know what. It was amazing! I've been to the Celtic Festival a dozen times and I've never really paid attention to the Highland Games going on. Before long, I was cheering as loud as she was. And you know what? We made it to the parade in plenty of time and had a fabulous spot.



This is a busy time of year. We're dashing from one place to another trying to get our Christmas shopping done. Soon we'll be cleaning house like mad and preparing for family to come visit. OR preparing to travel to visit family that live some where else.And if you're doing NaNoWriMo, your even more pressed for time.

We adults often get so busy trying to make things perfect that we forget the simple joys of the season. So here is your official permission slip to stop for a moment. Take some time and enjoy the people around you. And remember. "It be fine. Watch this first."

Comments

  1. Oh, LeAnne. This made me tear up. Your granddaughter is precious, as are your students. Lately, I've been feeling a little sorry for myself because my life has been so hectic. Last week, as I realized we were officially heading into the holidays, I decided to prioritize more, "make" time for my family and friends - and for myself. My sister and I took my nephews away for the weekend and it was amazing. I went completely "unplugged." No social media, I only checked my email a couple of times, and I answered texts when I came home. Sometimes I think we need these reminders about what's important. And I think kids are the best resource to keep us grounded!

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    1. Unplugged! I love it! I am so busy making things "perfect" for my family that I forget to enjoy it. And while i try not to be on my phone when spending time with my granddaughter, I admit there have been times when I do. She always takes my face with her hands and says "Look at me." Nothing like those big blue eyes to remind me what's important!

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  2. What a lovely reminder that we need to stop and smell the roses. I so love being around children as they share their insights and wonder about life. Enjoy your time with your granddaughter over the holidays.

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    1. Thank you! That baby makes me happy. :) I hope you have a wonderful holiday season as well!

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  3. LeAnne, love the info about your kiddos. I loved working at the elementary school, more even than working at colleges, though that was nice, too. People of all ages and descriptions are interesting. I also love the games at the Celtic festival. I envy you your three-year old granddaughter. All of my grands are so grown up now. The last set, the twins are in 3rd year of their college. I was shopping the other day and stopped to look at clothes for little ones and lamented not having that age to buy for any more.

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    1. Having a grandchild has been a learning experience! When my own kids were little, I was so busy with life that I don't think I ever took the time to appreciate the little things. She has taught me more than I ever thought possible. You'll be having great-grandchild soon and then you get to start all over!

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  4. I loved this post, LeAnne, and kudos for you to do it when you were under the weather! Your granddaughter is wise beyond her years (and so adorable) when she reminded you to stop and “smell the roses”. Our hectic schedules need that reminder.

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    1. I keep telling everyone that she's a genius, but so far I haven't convinced anyone, lol.

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  5. I love this! We need to have banners that say that--It be fine. Watch this first. Give her a grateful hug. My daughter, who teaches Special Ed., occasionally calls me from class and says I'm on speakerphone because the kids wanted to talk to "Mrs. Wilson's mom." I don't know if they learn anything from me, but it's sure a great time.

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    1. Oh my goodness! That's awesome! I'll have my class call you next, lol! And yes, to the banners. Maybe buttons too!

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  6. What a great lesson! Give your granddaughter an extra hug from me in gratitude for reminding me to stop and watch.

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  7. I work with kindergarteners on occasion, so I know what you mean. Every activity is a wondrous event. Love your descriptions, Leanne.

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  8. What a lovely post and reminder of the little things kids see, and adults can also see if we slow down. Sounds like a fun festival and a terrific day.

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    1. Yes, I think we definitely need a guardian kindergartner to help us see the beauty in the little things. :)

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  9. What a beautiful post. Kids can teach us so much. I am re-learning this again with my son, who has a very unique and different view of the world and has a lot to teach me. My goal is to slow down and be there to listen and learn with him. Such a great reminder!

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