I watched one of our students this week who was busy doing her lesson, ‘work’ as we call it. She wasn’t smiling. She was very serious as she concentrated on her task at hand. But listening to her words told a different story.
“I’ve finished another one....I’m so happy….I love this work….I’m so happy here….” This soft, sweet voice was singing as she colored in a control map of the number rods. She wasn’t looking for attention, she wasn’t joking around with a friend, she was simply happy in the moment.
For a bit of background, this child had some rough moments lately. She’s going through a period of anxiety that’s made many of her moments less than joyous. But here she was, content just to do work. It was as if she’d read the manual on how children act in a Montessori classroom.
I spoke to a fellow teacher in reference to this scene. I posed the question, “How many people are this happy in their day to day life? How many people love their work this much?”
To my delight, she answered, “I do!” With a big smile on her face, she told me she loved what she does. What an awesome feeling to see the joy in both adults and children around you.
Later in the week, I watched a different teacher outside on the playground with her class. I watched her laugh and play with the boys nearest her. Then I saw her climb on the tire swing and begin to join in their fun. Here it is again….the joy!
This week was an eye opener for me. I’m looking at a world with so many hardships, many staring us in the face each and every day. I see the challenges the world has for us, but I’m also looking into the faces of friends and seeing the happiness they hold. I hear the singing of the sweetest voices and witness the laughter of the good times. I’m reminded to just look around…and find the joy. It is there for the taking.
“I’ve finished another one....I’m so happy….I love this work….I’m so happy here….” This soft, sweet voice was singing as she colored in a control map of the number rods. She wasn’t looking for attention, she wasn’t joking around with a friend, she was simply happy in the moment.
For a bit of background, this child had some rough moments lately. She’s going through a period of anxiety that’s made many of her moments less than joyous. But here she was, content just to do work. It was as if she’d read the manual on how children act in a Montessori classroom.
I spoke to a fellow teacher in reference to this scene. I posed the question, “How many people are this happy in their day to day life? How many people love their work this much?”
To my delight, she answered, “I do!” With a big smile on her face, she told me she loved what she does. What an awesome feeling to see the joy in both adults and children around you.
Later in the week, I watched a different teacher outside on the playground with her class. I watched her laugh and play with the boys nearest her. Then I saw her climb on the tire swing and begin to join in their fun. Here it is again….the joy!
This week was an eye opener for me. I’m looking at a world with so many hardships, many staring us in the face each and every day. I see the challenges the world has for us, but I’m also looking into the faces of friends and seeing the happiness they hold. I hear the singing of the sweetest voices and witness the laughter of the good times. I’m reminded to just look around…and find the joy. It is there for the taking.
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