I went for a walk today.
The sun was shining down, creating beautiful patterns on the ground as it filtered through the branches of the trees.
The trail was littered with leaves, many of them already brittle and brown.
The Show-Me-How Story-time with Miss Vivian program has begun in our local District 11 kindergartens and Pre-K’s and the craft that ties in with the picture book, Yes We Can by Sam McBratney, requires leaves that are still flexible. I’m not sure if the teachers who are reserving dates for the program in November and December will think to put aside a bunch of fresh leaves in a plastic bag.
When you plan activities with young children, it’s always good to be prepared. I hate to disappoint little ones. That’s why I caution parents to check to make sure they have all the necessary ingredients or materials before they begin one of the cooking activities or craft projects recommended in my book.
As I bent down to scoop up leaves, I marveled at their varying colors, shapes and sizes. And I began to think about how even though they were different colors and shapes and sizes, they were all leaves.
Perhaps we can learn a lesson from this that can apply to people as well…even though we are different colors, shapes and sizes…we are all people.
I also noticed that some of the leaves had rough patches or holes where bugs or disease had left their mark…but they were still leaves.
We need to remember that when we meet others who are mentally, academically or physically challenged, they are still people…deserving of our respect, attention and friendship. And it is important to help young children understand this as well.
The lesson of the leaves can foster a wonderful discussion with your children. Please let me know what you think.
If you’d like to have 100’s of activities at your fingertips like the ones I do in my program, please visit my website where you can buy a copy of Show Me How! Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cooking. What a great holiday gift this would make for any parent, teacher or grandparent of children ages 2-7! Don’t forget daycare providers, nannies, babysitters, early childhood education students and even expectant moms. They probably have enough little outfits that their babies will outgrow within a month or two. This award-winning book also has plenty of lined spaces on every other page for recording important highlights as your child participates with you in the story reading, craft project and cooking activity. Joan Fleischer, co-founder of the Creative Arts Therapy Center in New York City says, “I can’t think of a more valuable gift to give at baby showers or to anyone in a position to nurture and foster self-esteem in children.” It’s definitely a bargain at 50% off the cover price and comes with a money-back guarantee!
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
Interesting analogy, Vivian.
Of course, leaves behave predictably at all stages of life.
Humans don’t.
Some behave very badly . . . making it hard to embrace them.
LikeLike
I know…you are so right. But I also believe that in a person’s worst moments, when they are at their most unloveable…that is when we need to show them unconditional love.
I’m passionate about that…but I do understand that it is a difficult thing for many to do.
Happy Autumn, Nancy!
LikeLike
Hi vivian, this is a very good one. I totally agree with you, we have to accept and respect others though they are different from us. Though my sons are still young, i teach them to respect others regardless of the differences.
Yulia
http://www.mylifeismyrainbow.wordpress.com
LikeLike
Hi Yulia,
I wish I could meet your sons one day…I would tell them they have a very wise and wonderful mother…they are very fortunate indeed.
Glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂
LikeLike
Brilliant Viv! Like leaves, we bring a wide range of colors and experiences to any exchange… and at the core, we are same. TY! 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you so much Eliz! We have to just keep on trying to help educate people so that they will embrace the belief that we really are all “equal”…not the same…sameness is boring…but for many it is comforting. I think we can help young children be open to trying new things and befriending those who are “different” by not judging them or criticizing harshly when they are open and honest with us.
LikeLike
Very good reflection! I wish many would be able to read this and get some wake up calls 🙂
Spanish Pinay
LikeLike
It seems so simple, doesn’t it? But we all grow up with parents/friends/relatives who impart their perspective on life to us…this forms our views of the world and people until we are old enough to make our own decisions about how we will act/react/ with others. As parents, we are in the position to encourage our children to have an open-minded loving caring view of our neighbors…whether they are next door or on the other side of the world. And I believe the best way is to be a good role model.
Thanks so much for stopping by! I really appreciate your comments.
LikeLike
Hi Vivian. I just checked out the Parenting 2.0 new blogs and you were on top of my list. I’m loving the post. All the leaves were from a branch, all the branches from a limb, all the limbs from a tree, all the trees growing from the same soil, water, and air! We’re truly ONE! Loving all is loving self. Thanks for today’s nugget!
LikeLike