Reflections from a LifeWays Parent

Reflections from a LifeWays Parent  

by Pete Brands 

This morning as Lena and I approached the parking lot at LifeWays, all was quiet.  It was a bright spring-like morning when the sun promises her warmth, yet, for the moment, sparkling frost still lingered on the wintered blades of grass at our feet.  Brilliant cardinals captured the sun’s rays high in the trees while singing their morning song.  On this day, I experienced something that took my breath away.  Ms. Jaimmie and Ms. Belinda arrived and were transitioning from being responsible drivers, members of their families and communities, living their own, separate lives … to caregivers for our children.  Maybe I’m wrong, but I felt that I was in the presence of something truly surreal.  There was an aura of power surrounding them. They each held their own silence.  A peace came from within them and emanated from them that held my “Good morning!” back for the time.  Even Lena was quiet, which usually means she’s in awe, and watchfully taking things in. 

 

We were in the presence of something truly special.  Here was something every person imagines - seemingly normal human beings transforming into superheroes with shields that withstand rays of whining children, calming powers that subdue even the most upset toddler, gentle guidance through trying times, bright optimistic greetings that warm parents’ hearts for whole days at a time.  Positive influences that shape our most precious possessions into well-rounded, strong, problem solving, self-soothing future adults.  Kids whose love of our world is rooted in a respect for themselves, each other and the highest regard for Mother Earth. 

It felt like one breath and a few steps towards the door was all they needed to make the transition - one I’m sure each wonderful caregiver makes.  I found myself so humbled by the experience, like witnessing a solar eclipse. I am moved to tears just recounting it.  We are in the presence of the most amazing people.  I sometimes wish for more children just to be able to continue entering the world that lies beyond those doors and down the stairs.  May we all remember to take those breaths, be conscious of the moments we need, and step up to be the best examples not only for our children, but for our communities great and small. 

 

 

Honoring Play in Early Childhood by Belinda Kenwood

 

Honoring Play in Early Childhood

By Miss Belinda

 

To everything (Turn, turn, turn)

There is a season (Turn, turn, turn)

And a time to every purpose under heaven…

~ Book of Ecclesiastes

 

The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct.

~ Carl Jung

 

Play is the foundation of learning, creativity, self-expression, and constructive problem-solving.  It is how children wrestle with life to make it meaningful.”

~ Susan Linn

 

Play is not frivolous.  It is not something to fit in after completing all the “important” stuff.  Play is the important stuff.  Play is a drive, a need, a brain building must-do.”

~ Denita Dinger

 

For a small child there is no division between playing and learning; between the things he or she does “just for fun” and things that are “educational.”  The child learns while living and any part of living that is enjoyable is also play.

~ Penelope Leach

 

 

I feel so profoundly blessed to be caring for children during their early childhood years; in working with them through the foundational years; for I, too, am learning and playing right along with them.  What could be better?

 

Enjoy these photos of the children embracing play in this “season” of early childhood:

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Inside and Outside Play by Jane Danner

 Inside and Outside Play

By Miss Jane

 

My niece and her family stayed with us last weekend. They came into town for their grandfather’s funeral. It was a lovely opportunity to remember and love a wonderful man. They live in Tennessee so I don’t get to see them as often as I would like and the house was full of family. Since I have my grandchildren over quite often, I have toys tucked away in many crooks and crannies of this house and Lyra, age 7 and Olin, age 6, were finding things and exploring with delighted abandon. There was the quiet buzz of children playing contentedly…until the cousins arrived. Then the house exploded and I, like my mother before me, and her mother etc. exclaimed, “Ok, get your hats and boots and coats on! Everyone, outside!”

There is something about numbers of children together that can quickly turn a nice game of making an airplane out of the play chairs and a few strings, and taking all the babies and dolls to Mexico or Miami, into a whirlwind of disaster. Children are running in circles, strings are flapping, toys are flying and babies are in the flight path of being knocked over. Miss Jane is very insistent about the difference between outside play and inside play. And the children in the Woodland Suite are slowly getting the idea.

It happens every year when we move back to greeting the children inside. We have to learn again what inside play is all about. It is also what I love best about having a mixed age group of children. The older children’s imaginative juices are fluid and they can take the younger children on journeys from the kitchen table and making muffins, onto a picnic boat ride or serving food on the airplane for vacation. They can direct the manufacturing of rocket ships out of magnet tiles for the stuffed animals to rocket them to the stars and back. They turn the suite into a dog rescue or wild animal sanctuary. For the most part, Miss Jane can stand back and enjoy the hum of focused activity. It will crescendo and Miss Jane can give the children a little reminder, “Inside play!” It works for a better part of the morning but then there comes the moment when I know it is time for snack, and “Get your hats and boots and coats on! Everyone outside!” 

Summer Program Reflections by Suraiya Schilz

 

Summer Program Reflections    

by Miss Suraiya (photos by Miss Indigo)

            During the summer program, Miss Indigo and I had the pleasure of exploring the forest and the neighborhood parks with the children! It was amazing to witness their development as the program progressed, and watch them acquire and master new skills. On our first walk to the river, some children struggled on some steep climbs and muddy areas, but by the end they were pros and often led the way to our playing spots! They discovered a variety of bugs and animals, frequently attempting to invite frogs to our story times, and pushed their limits by climbing higher and higher each time in the front yard trees. Through our various art projects, they were able to express their creativity, and work with new materials like clay and water colors! We are thrilled that we were able to create this program for the older children at LifeWays and are already thinking about how to make it even more enjoyable in the coming summer!