I had quite the “Ah Ha” moment on playground duty with kindergartners yesterday. They were doing something curious, huddled in a tight circle with one student on their knees rhyming. At the end of the rhyme, one student would break out of the huddle.
It dawned on that they were engaged in “counting out by feet.” It was a simple moment that reminded me of Robert Fulgham’s first book, published over 30 years ago. Important values, such as “play fair” and “be aware of wonder” are life lessons that apply as much to us (if not more), as they do to the five-year-olds. We often talk of “modeling” behaviors for children. Maybe we need to pay more attention to what they model for us.
All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten
Share everything.
Play fair.
Don’t hit people.
Put things back where you found them.
Clean up your own mess.
Don’t take things that aren’t yours.
Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Flush.
Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
Live a balanced life –
Learn some and think some
And draw and paint and sing and dance
And play and work everyday some.
Take a nap every afternoon.
When you go out into the world,
Watch out for traffic,
Hold hands and stick together.
Be aware of wonder.
Robert Fulgham
#SaklanHeadsCorner #SaklanWonder
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