This Week

This week I watched the preps and grade ones (5 and 6 year olds) practicing their dance for the school performance. They were on the outdoor stage for the first time and they were so excited.

“I’m the cat with the base and drum, going round like bom bom bom!”

As the music started and the little kids began their dance I noticed the audience of older kids jump up and join in.

As the little kids danced on the stage the big kids danced down in front of the seats. Despite having dances and songs and lines to learn of their own, the big kids knew every move and joined in enthusiastically dancing and singing.

And when the little kids were done and the music stopped, the big kids erupted in lots of clapping, yelling and whistling. There were high fives for the little kids and shouts of ‘you guys are awesome’ as they made their way off the stage. The little kids faces were alight with excitement and pride.

I helped back stage and watched both night’s performances which were fabulous, but it was that moment, watching the little kids practice and be lifted up by the older students enthusiasm, that has stayed with me.

That is why our teachers worked tirelessly for months. That is why parents sewed costumes and baked cakes and worked on the stage and lighting. That is why our local community donated time and goods and support. Not just for the two nights on the stage in front of a large audinece, but for the smaller moments, when it brought everyone together.

Big kids supporting little kids, parents supporting teachers, the community supporting the school, to show our kids that amazing things happen when we all work together.

Here are some other amazing things I’ve discovered this week…

• Five Ways to Love your Life More Today.
• Three Little Tricks to Deal with People Who Offend You.
• Play Dough Picture Scenes – why have we never done this before???
• Ghost Finger Puppets – even if you don’t celebrate Halloween where you are, these are too cute to miss.

And in case you need a new ear worm – this is the song that 25 or so mini Chesire cats danced to at our school performance!