One of Addie's teacher's, whose son attends school with Addie, sent me an email this week that made my heart swell with pride and my eyes well with tears . . .
"Hello! I'm not sure if Addie has mentioned this to you, but she has a three year old who is very fond of her. It happens to be my son. :) I wanted to share with you what I've noticed about this relationship, and the opportunities that are being revealed.
He loves to be with Addie as she does her work (not for the entire day, but at least a part of it, usually in the morning). It's clear he looks up to her, and the really exciting thing is that Addie is taking it as a great opportunity to develop her leadership skills!
She is very gentle, kind, and supportive of her new friend. She shows him some of the work she knows, "reads" to him, helps him know some of the rules of the farmhouse, etc... I've seen a whole new part of Addie blossom because of this opportunity that so naturally presented itself.
Yesterday, the three of us worked on some sandpaper letters, with the emphasis on Addie being the "older child" to help show this work. It was a wonderful experience. It's helping Addie to clarify some of the things she is close to mastering, but needs a bit more repetition with, AND it's giving her the chance to feel like she's a real leader (she really is !) It's wonderful that she is excited and kind about showing him the ropes. She does it in a wonderful way.
As a teacher, it's an affirmation of the benefits of the three year cycle (having 3-6 year olds in the same learning community) and the value of mixed ages. As a mother, it's heart warming to see how the two of them seem to be working together to benefit each person without even being aware of it on a conscious level."
Seriously, how great is that?
2 comments:
This is wonderful to hear, Joanna!
I adore and respect her teacher for taking the time to write you this--Addie is a gift in your eyes, in her teachers' eyes, and in this little boy's eyes!
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