with my class of kinders
to help them
to understand
the process.
they all began by
standing on one side
or
somewhere in the middle.
we also had two happy monkeys,
curious george on one side
and
soft cuddly monkey on the other.
each made big promises,
each told
what they would do for the kinders
if they picked them.
each worked
to get the kinders on their side.
one promised
ice cream every day
one promised
3-hour recesses
one promised
no naps
and
on and on
went the promises.
and the littles
ran
back and forth
back and forth
as they heard
the promises made.
yet
one stood alone
and
never wavered
knowing what she wanted
and what she believed in
right from the beginning.
no naps.
ever.
and
when it was over
and the rest
had run
back and forth
and
back and forth,
she was still standing
where she began.
stronger than ever
smiling
and
wide awake.
the decisions you make are a choice of values
that reflect your life in every way.
– alice waters
—
credits: googleimages
Very creative……. As always 🙂
Now I understand too!!!
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try this with your friends )
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As with the penguins’ habitat, caucusing and politics can be polarizing. Cool illustration, too:)
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indeed, they certainly can be. thank you –
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I absolutely love the quote and I can tell you I’ve got a very soft spot for penguins which formed the perfect backdrop to your verse, which was subtly thought provoking as always. Nice start to my Tuesday 🙂
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thank you, peter. i have a soft spot for penguins, (and kinders), too.
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Excellent, Beth!
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thank you, ryan –
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What a great idea. And a great quote.
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thank you so much. i think we all try to make some sense of the systems in place, as crazy as they may be. by practicing them with something they can identify with, even young children can see what we are talking about and doing as adults.
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I loved this post. It speaks of life and the one who won’t follow the crowd.
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thanks, tric. you never know how these activities will turn out, and i’m always amazed by something that happens in the process, human nature shines true –
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Love it
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thanks, jodi –
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Profound illustration Beth – superb learning experience for the kids. 🙂
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thanks, paul. many lessons were learned in that process. –
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That’s adorable! And thanks for explaining this to me in a way that finally make sense. And I’m proud of that single solitary penguin! I feel that way sometimes in my particular political choice this season
>
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ha, great! well, this is the long standing tradition of caucusing on the democratic side, everyone gathered in one room, running back and forth until everyone is on one side or the other. they are encouraged to cross over by others calling to them from the opposing side. once everyone is in place, they are counted and one side ‘wins’ the day. the republicans handle it differently,by writing their choice on a secret ballot and counting them up at he end of the day. i have a greater affection for one process over the other, but that is just me – )
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What a great exercise. We should try it with adults. Would be a great lesson.
Your little no napper knows what she wants. I hope she gets it!!!
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we all learned a lot – and i was proud of her for knowing what meant most to her )
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Where’s the “LOVE” button?
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)))
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Perfect quote for your poem…at any age..:)
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yes, i think it applies to most anyone at any age –
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Can’t have a caucus without monkeys! 🙊🙈🐵
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damn straight! )
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Love the way you make lessons enjoyable and real, Beth! ❤
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thanks, robin. i always enjoy being a part of them, too )
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I am pretty sure lots of ice cream helpings would have pleased my kinders aged self! 😉
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Focusing on what one wants and taking action to get it are powerful things indeed. I love the way you teach and the way they in turn teach you.
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thanks, russ, i’m always learning )
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Reblogged this on A Grateful Man and commented:
Focusing on what one wants and taking action to get it are powerful things indeed. I love the way Beth teaches and the way her Kindergartners us.
With Love,
Russ
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thanks for sharing this, russ )
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Brilliant. You’re an amazing teacher. Your kidlets are lucky to have you. ❤ ❤ 🙂
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ha, thanks! and i learn from them each and every day –
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Then it’s a win-win situation! 😀 ❤
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Love it!!
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glad you enjoyed it, val )
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Great quote..so very true!
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so true –
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teaching them early eh!
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never too early to learn )
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I want to be in your classroom Beth. Such a perfect lesson for the kids who are constantly exposed to the confusion going on around us. This way, they learn it well and stand by their beliefs. That solitary penguin really appealed to me.
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yes, it’s good to experience things hands-on, i think, even if it is still a bit crazy in real life. )
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Love it!
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thanks )
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I just hope she wasn’t disappointed when she found out the bear lied and was running for office for all the wrong reasons.
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i told them at the beginning it was a game, the caucus game, and that we were practicing how the grownups play it. only they were a bit more mature )
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OH my goodness!!! I adore this. Truly wonderful.
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so happy you enjoyed it, melanie )
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Still smiling.
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)))
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How fun! Probably a good thing for everyone to learn, to help make sense of it (though, without getting too political, I think the caucus process is outdated in our political system – stick with primaries, as more people vote in them.)
But, I love this story! I’m voting for the kid who promised ice cream every day.
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i agree about the caucus system, but it’s what in place, for good or for bad. for now. i’ll tell the ice cream monkey that she has your vote )
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Lovely post x
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thank you )
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