Some days life can achieve the perfect balance of trying the things out there we haven’t yet done mixed in with a comforting dose of all that we know and treasure. Friday of this week was that day for our classroom.
We hosted a K class from another Vancouver school for most of the morning, through lunch and into the afternoon. For the little ones, everything was new! The bus ride, our classroom, the activities we shared and of course, all of us. They handled it all in the best 5 and 6 year old style. Frequent comments and questions were about the most important of things:
“Are we really going to get to play outside?”
“You have the best playground ever.”
“Do you have Elephant and Piggie books?”
For my students, there was joy in sharing what we know – our school and classroom, our beloved books, our playground, our lunchroom and our yoga skills. But, it was the different that made the day amazing. We had responsibility. We had to look after a little one whose entire day was new. We had to be in full out host mode. We had to care and be careful. We had to check in. We had to notice things. We were given a huge gift – the opportunity to do the giving – of ourselves and of our time. This is what I celebrate. Because watching it made me smile. Smile with pride. And joy. And awe. A beautiful day.
The wonderful Ms. Hales who brought her class to be with us shared their experience on her class blog and has invited us to come back to visit at their school!
A few glimpses into our day:
Buddy reading began within moments of their arrival!
Miriam led us through some incredible Earth yoga. Everyone was an instant expert!
In the afternoon we transformed our hands into birds and then our little buddies went back home. We can’t wait to meet up again!
Thank you to Ruth Ayres and the #celebratelu community! Being part of a community that regularly shares gratitude and celebrations truly transforms my weeks.
There's a Book for That 
What a great celebration. My 4th graders always enjoyed when we shared time with other classes. There is just something about sharing what you know that makes you feel good. I love seeing all the pictures from your classroom. I always looks like a fun place to be and to learn!
It was such a fun day! And agreed, sharing what you know is a special thing!
What a great experience! Thank you so much for sharing this celebration! Those kindergarten students are always going to remember their older buddies and the wonderful day they had together. I love the pictures, too!
Thank you! It was a memorable day for all of us. Connecting children through learning experiences is a wonderful thing!
Being the ‘giver’ is a gift itself, as you mentioned, Carrie. I bet your students were wonderful hosts, & enjoyed the day as much as the guests. Love it!
Absolutely! I think my students were feeling very proud and inspired by their experiences.
Powerful experience for both groups of kiddos! We need to do this kind of sharing more. Thank you.
I completely agree! I think this kind of thing is a really rich experience for all involved.
Your pictures and story make me smile broadly. Everyone is clearly engaged and enjoying the activities. You have such a welcoming class.
Ending the week with new beginnings! I am sure all involved went home with memories to keep them happy during the weekend. Thanks for sharing this Carrie.
JM
I do think all of the children will have much to smile about.
It is a very welcoming group of children! I am lucky.
I always live vicariously through you and your spring pictures this time of year. I celebrate your outdoor pictures! We have green grass, but not too many open buds yet. Looks like a great day spent together!
It really was – and even thought it was cold and windy, it still felt very much like spring!
You and your class are wonderful hosts! What a day!
What fun it would be to spend a day with you!
Thanks Loralee! It was a lovely day 🙂
What a great time of sharing the students had. Thank you for letting us get a glimpse of it.
It was such a delightful day!