Stop and smell the…playdoh?

ByMonica Healer

Hey Reader!

I want to challenge you with something today. At some point during your day, stand up and take 60 seconds to just look around your classroom. Use some of your senses and think intentionally about what you observe.

  1. What do you SEE? A tall block tower, a child with a snotty nose, a dripping painting at the art easel…
  2. What do you HEAR? Excitement as that block tower gets taller and starts to wobble, laughter, maybe some frustration, some negotiating, singing…
  3. What do you SMELL? Playdoh, finger paints, the soap from the sink, maybe a diaper that needs changing…

So often, we get so wrapped up in the “doing” of our day that we forget to just take a moment to notice…and ENJOY… the day. Several months ago I stood with a weekday program director in an outdoor learning environment for quite a while. We just watched children. They ran, they giggled, they squealed in excitement, they picked up and carried heavy things, they helped each other, they got frustrated and moved on to a new activity. Eventually, she said “I’ve been so busy trying to get things done that I’ve forgotten what it’s like to just experience the children.” I think we can all relate. We’re doing our best to make the most of every moment in our classrooms (and in our homes, too)! In the process, sometimes we MISS the beauty of what happens naturally.

Have you been so “heads-down, let’s get this done” that you’ve missed the WONDER of what others are experiencing around you? Today – both at home and at school – take a moment and just take it all in. We’d love to hear about your experience! Hit reply and let us know!

Cheering you on this week!

-Your ECCN team

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