Preschool Swimmer
Grace Geller on July 22nd, 2010
Three women of various ages and stages of life were entering the warm gulf waters when a tiny voice called out: “Can I come?” A resounding YES was their response. So adorned in her swim ring, the preschooler cautiously dipped her toe into the gulf advancing into the deeper water while holding her swim ring around her middle.
By now you might be a bit worried. We all know that swim rings are not life preservers. But worry not. The women quickly caught her in their arms and so began the little girl’s swimming class. From one set of arms to another she paddled her way. After she arrived in each of the women’s arms, she was rewarded with praise and a hug. She was safely nestled in loving arms as they bobbed together on the surf. After a little while, the second women called “Swim to me Lauren, it’s my turn.” Lauren turned to face the new set of arms and cheerfully paddled off. And so the afternoon progressed. Lauren paddled to and fro and relaxed in the surf, safe and snug in the arms of her care takers. Soon each member was identified. One woman was her mother; another, her aunt and yet another, an older sister or perhaps a young aunt. The day passed with little Lauren becoming more and more confident in her swimming skills and delighting in the peaceful gulf waters.
The next day at breakfast the women and several other family members gathered. I could hear them discussing the books they were reading and lunches at their various schools. Yes, of course, they were a family of teachers. There in this circle of women, little Lauren would learn not only how to swim but also how to teach; just as the adolescent sister/aunt was learning. Teaching was a gift passed down from one family member to another. It was a talent, a skill they honed, reinforced, refined and loved from early on.
Having observed many natural teachers in my career, I can easily envision the learning environments in the classrooms and the innate mannerism of these women as teachers. What a pleasure it would be to learn in their classrooms. They joyfully reinforced the child’s attempts at independence while allowing her to move at her own pace. When they saw that she was comfortable they encouraged her to move another step forward. Their delicate encouragement was as quiet and soft as the gentle gulf waters. There were no bells and whistles; no showering the child with accolades, just a circle of women welcoming this child forward.
So three soft cheer’s to the natural teacher residing in all of us; we just have to remember to gently welcome it forward.
Peace & Light,
Grace
