Kindred Spirits

03/12/2007

Listening is where love begins: listening to ourselves and then to our neighbors.
Fred Rogers

Learning is about relationships.
Most of which are formed while we make discoveries.
And no one celebrates discoveries quite like those who know the child within,
and in others visualize the possibilities with which we all began.

This vision makes us Kindred Spirits.
The kind of spirits who find high rewards in hugs;
put dandelions in water; sing happy birthday many times a year;
use compassion with dead goldfish; take 20 children to the zoo
and return with the same number; speed-tie tennis shoes
and black-patent-leather buckles; really celebrate
February 14; guard family secrets and overheard conversations;
accept innocent rudeness; recycle everything and believe in serendipity.

These Kindred Spirits have liberty daily, to laugh and cry,
sit on the floor, paint and swing, hold hands and look into faces that reflect life.

Sometimes, the power of the job is frightening.
Sometimes, the trust bestowed upon us, to care for
Humanity's child sinks in.
Then we pause to watch even more closely,
knowing that the future of this planet sits
precariously in the laps and arms
of Kindred spirits all around this earth;
with gentle beings who love learning and children,
and live with a passion for something, everyday.

What do these spirits manifest for the future?
Compassion, joy, respect, curiosity, love,
Honesty, creativity and appreciation of life
Through someone else's eyes.

Most people will never know what we know
About the handholding, the dandelions
and sweaty hugs.
It is their loss.
And, it is what makes us Kindred Spirits.

New Exchange Resource on PLAY

Play is the focus of the latest Beginnings Workshop Book published by Exchange. This practical curriculum resource contains articles by Elizabeth Jones, Jim Greenman, Margie Carter, Edgar Klugman, Stuart Reifel, Karen Stephens, and many other play experts. Sections of the book address: The Spirit of Play, The Value of Play, Block Play, Make Believe Play, and Play and Culture. View the Table of Contents

For more information about Exchange's magazine, books, and other products pertaining to ECE, go to www.ccie.com.