I had an opportunity to join my four year old son at school for
his morning circle today. While I was in two minds to attend, I finally decided
to go. As I entered the classroom, I spotted my son sitting at his desk,
interacting with fellow students. He saw me and smiled, a smile that acknowledged my presence but also told me that he was not just my son here,
he was a disciplined student of the class.
Within minutes, the educators began to sing a song and
almost as if by magic, the children came around and settled into a circle on
the floor to listen to a story. The story was of a seed that grew into a strong
tree. Although the story was simple and meant for an audience of four-year-olds,
I enjoyed it too and added it to my list of stories that I could tell my kids
at home.
Once the story was over, the teachers again sang a song and
got the kids to form a circle and moved out of the class for their morning prayers
and circle time. It was remarkable to see the four year old students of Nursery
conducting themselves in such a disciplined manner. I was also in awe of the
educators for managing a class of almost thirty students so seamlessly, without
a single instruction.
For the circle time the parents were also encouraged to
participate and I, along with the other parents joined the circle just like the
kids and their teachers. I recited all the prayers and songs and tried
following all the hand and body movements too.
What I experienced at the time was indescribable. The
energy, intrinsic joy and peacefulness I felt was unparalleled. It wasn't like
anything I had experienced in a long time. I felt as if there was electricity running
in my veins. Maybe, I felt like a four-year old child myself. I felt like
spending the rest of the day in the class again, but unfortunately, that was
the only glimpse I could get.
By the time I left the school, although I had a lot of
questions on my mind, I felt a certain calm take over, a need to stop rushing my
kids and myself all the time and believing that small children are capable of a
lot more than we can ever imagine.
