Valentine’s Day is approaching and with it, a lot of adult traditions. At New School-West we recognize that the idea is still very abstract at the children’s developmental age. We do know they love the idea of making notes and cards for each other on a daily basis – and this is always available to them. As they hear from siblings and the community about the traditions of sharing and ideas of love we know that love is ‘in the air’. Teacher Jen read a book that Rea introduced to us called “The Gift of Nothing”. It sparked a very rich conversation. Here is a tidbit of it:
Teacher Jen: If you’re saying love was in the box, what if I turn the book/box upside down and shake it, does anything come out? (Shakes it playfully) How do you know love is in there?
Lily: You can’t see it but you can feel it.
Kirby: You can feel it in your heart.
Lily: In your whole body!
Kou: I feel it in my head.
Ozzy: Love is invisible.
Kirby: Love can reach anywhere.
Sawyer blows a kiss.
Mehana scoops the air and brings it to her heart. “I’m bringing it in. I can love with singing.”
In the West Wing, the children wondered together about love:
“It’s happiness and a hug. It’s a kiss. It’s a love train that goes back and forth.”
As for celebrating this one day at school, we encourage you to celebrate the day in your own way with your family and friends. We will be talking a lot about traditions as they come up. We are asking you to NOT send candy or make an expectation of a card exchange in recognition of the traditional Valentine’s Day because we celebrate love every day and will continue to do so with you at New School-West. . .because. . . we love you. xoxo