“Now I Can Give You a Hug.”

Dear Families,

It seems like such a small thing, combining a couple of groups of children here and there. Yet the impact has already been seen and heard. “Hi! What’s your name?” “Are they in our bubble?” “You can bring your crate next to mine because we can be together.” The Sea Lions and Flying Squirrels are now a cohort together outdoors, as are the Dolphins and Eagles. The yard has been effectively cut in half and they anticipate rotating every week, rather than every day. Teachers will be able to set up areas for children for a longer period of time, allowing children to revisit experiences, work on projects over time, and feel a bit more settled into the space.

Children quickly began seeking each other out, curious about these new children, and connecting with both new and familiar teachers. “Are you our teacher now?” “Yes, I am!” One child went up to her previous Sea Lion teacher and said, “Now I can give you a hug” and hugged the teacher as if she would never let go.

The connections were immediate and strong. Two girls, one Eagle and one Dolphin, found one another right away and played together for the entire day. It was an instant friendship. The younger children are watching the veteran five-year-olds with a critical eye, trying to write like they do, climb up the pole like they do, and build with the blocks like they do. The older children are acting as mentors and guides for the younger children, accepting them in their play, sharing stories, and leading them on adventures. “I’m almost five so I am going to show you how to do things.” “If you need help, you can ask me.”

It is quite clear from watching everyone that this was the right thing to do. Children, and teachers, have been operating in such small silos. They have made it work beautifully, and children have thrived, despite the pandemic. Yet, as I watched children today, I feel such a huge sense of relief. It is as if we have set the children free. There was no hesitancy on the part of children, or teachers. The excitement was palpable and the joy was visible on everyone’s face, including mine. And this feeling lasted all day long.

Children will have new challenges to face and new problems to solve. They will have new conflicts to resolve with children they are just meeting. They will have new opportunities to negotiate with peers, figure out how to add friends to their already strong friendships, and how to learn from each other. Their rewards will be rich in learning, growth, and new connections.

Ask them who they met today. Have them tell you one thing about a new friend. Open up the conversation with your child and see what spills out.

Be well,
Ellen