Let's See...Start with the Sun!
I was talking to my favorite 5 year-old last week about the projects she creates. I asked her, "How do you know what to make or draw?" Her answer surprised me very much. She said to me, "First you have to start with the sun." When I asked why she started with the sun, she stated it was because it was going to be a 'happy picture' (duh!) Wow, what a life lesson. Anything can be accomplished if you start with a sun. Sometimes it is a bit depressing at this time of year when we are waiting for the spring sun to start shining. My little Kaylee was telling me that sometimes we have to make our own shiny sky. If you begin with the sun, then everything following can be a happier picture.
I saw an old friend of mine this morning at the gym. He always has a smile on his face and the room just seems a little brighter when he is around. I realized he was my sun this morning and it really was like the sun starting out my day. I thought of Kaylee's advice and realized how much joy we can bring to those around us if we just 'start with the sun.' That is exactly how I felt when I was a kindergarten teacher. I guess the day is REALLY sunny with 24 suns!
Labels: Morning sun
posted by John Funk @ Permalink2:58 PM
14 Comments:
I love the insight I get from working with children. They say things that are so as a matter of fact to them but I, being an adult, often forget. Of course you should start with the sun! It makes everything brighter and happier!
B. Yardley
Lately, I have been feeling very overwhelmed with school and have only been focusing on what needs to get done each day. I feel like the days have been dragging this week and I cannot wait for some time off on Spring Break. After reading this post, I think that If I just take the time to find my sun each day I can get though school work in a more positive manner. It really is important to take a second and notice the small, but happy things around you. Instead of pushing ahead and trying to finish everything, today I am taking a break to go snowboarding with some good friends who I haven't seen in awhile. Not only will I have the opportunity to be around good friends who make me happy (my sun) but I will also be able to enjoy the sunny weather outside as well. Thanks for this post :)
FCS 5170
Whitney Frankovic
U0566128
This comment has been removed by the author.
I am always amazed at the incredible perspective children offer. I hate to admit it, but this time of year I am at my worst. I cannot stand anymore winter, and the sun seems like only a memory. I am afaid I start being the rain cloud instead of the sun to those around me. I love the idea of starting with happiness. This idea is candy. I will start today to be the sun in my own life.
Caitlin McCullough
FCS 5170
John,
I doubt you remember me, but I wanted to say "HELLO!". I was in your Children's Literature class at the U of U when I was 19. I am turning 27 this next week! Time flies! I only stayed at the U for 3 years, worked at Disney, served a mission to Romania, and then finished my Elem. Ed. degree at Utah State. I am currently teaching Kindergarten in Texas. Amazing where we end up isn't it? I clicked on a link about coloring books being inappropriate for young children and stumbled onto your blog! I did not know how else to contact you, but I would love to pick your brain about some kindergarten ideas. Please email me at cbrinkerhoff@csisd.org
Caytie (Call) Brinkerhoff
John-
When I read this, I smiled. Thinking back when I used to draw those pictures with suns, clouds and trees, I usually started with the sun first too. I never realized it before now and I loved her reason for it. As for what you said about your 24 suns starting out your day, when I worked in a preschool and first walked in each morning, the kids would see me and run over with a smile almost shouting my name. It really did brighten my day!
Britney Dahle
ICAL (TL4330)
I believe the creativity of a child make me more happy than getting an "A". I have a lot of children who love to draw and they always draw a family, a house and a sun because these three things make them happy.I think at this this is the way that they can express their happiness.
I think that it is so interesting what kids have to say and their outlook on life. I can truly say that when I am working with my students I am always happy. I could say that they are my sun. I could be having the worst day or weekend and those kids will make me feel so much better.
What a great way to put things. Children can give great input and it really makes us think. I'm going to remember that and use it in my own life.
Start with the Sun is a reviewer's delight,a didactic work in which the thesis is first stated with great clarity and precision,You have shared a a very delight expression.Thanks lipstick
Kids are always so happy; it takes a lot to bring them down from that sunny place. And I think as adults it’s sometimes just the opposite! So this entry has made me why can't everyone be so sunny! Let’s try to have the kids’ outlook on life.
Elise (1010)
Wow....if we could all have the insight of a 5 year old. Their logic is not clouded over like ours can be. Such a simplistic thought with so much meaning. We all feel happier when the sun is shining - we need to keep in mind every day to start with the sun!!
"Let's See...Start with the Sun!"<---that's what i was looking for
Let's See...Start with the Sun! <--Nice post
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