LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE BIG CHRISTMAS WISHES

I recently spent time with a first-grade class that was made up of mainly low-income, Hispanic kids. The school was within a few miles of Atherton, one of the wealthiest neighborhood in California.

 

We were discussing the upcoming holidays and the students were expectedly shy when one boisterous boy yelped, “I can’t wait for Santa!” The climate immediately changed. All the students sparkled with thoughts and anticipation of Santa’s visit. Their lists to Santa included exactly what you would expect. One bright-eyed little girl requested a toy puppy for Christmas, which was followed by three other students promptly jumping up and exclaiming they wanted, “REAL puppies!”  A timid boy murmured he wanted a “pumcuter.” His neighbor quickly came to his aid articulating, “He means COMputer.” This gave rise to many requests for iPads and Xboxes. Two kids asked for Chapstick, causing me to notice many dry little lips. Other wishes by these wiggly, silly six year olds included a horse, a thousand dollars, and a fairy doll. One smiley, brown-eyed girl asked specifically for “a Hispanic fairy doll.” Every appeal was followed by nods and giggles.

Their desires were not exclusively self-centered. They also spoke of their hopes and desires for the people they loved, mom being at the top of the list. When talking about their families, they visibly became calmer and serene, many whispering their requests. The reverence for their families was palatable.

A student with special education needs wanted me to know he was very satisfied with his own situation but put in an appeal for his brother. "My Christmas wish is for Santa to bring my little brother presents because I already have enough." A little girl named Gabriella - she loudly spelled out her name so there was no confusion - wished that her sister could walk. I was struck with concern but my worries were assuaged when I discovered that Gabrialla’s sister just turned one.

Kaley wanted help for her mom, “so she could buy food.” Martin wanted to give his sister a necklace and Luis wanted a chair for his dad. Roberta wanted to help her mom make cupcakes and Alexander wanted to buy his mom flowers. Aylin, Alexa, and Maria all wanted a car for their moms.

Clearly these energetic, animated and bright young children have well thought out aspirations for themselves and their loved ones. These kids, who have very little, give to the world all that money can’t buy. I took with me their enthusiasm for life and optimism for the future and left feeling very much the spirit of Christmas. If you are in need of more holiday cheer and wish to be lifted to happy heights and filled with love and compassion, there is plenty to be had and it’s free for the taking. Simply talk to a child about their hopes and dreams.

Contact Margaret Lavin at elementarydays@gmail.com.

WAYS TO WANE THE WINTER DAYS

If you and your family are embarking on a Mediterranean cruise for the holidays, Bon Voyage! No need to read further. However, if you’re worried about the down time between family gatherings and wondering how to keep the kids out of trouble, here are a few educational and philanthropic pursuits.

First, check in with your child’s teacher to see if there is any extra credit or make up work to be done over the break. Often, teachers have ready-made packets for just such occasions. Even if the kids are pulling all A’s, going above and beyond the call of duty, especially scholastically, is a life skill that will no doubt pay off in the future. If there is a certain area of academic need, ask the teacher for specific supplemental material.

Make an “if bored” list, including assignments like: floors to mop, homework to complete, letters to write, people to call, neighbors to visit, books to read.

Ask the kids to take a walk around the neighborhood, playground, or church and pick up trash. For an entrepreneurial jaunt, hand out 25 cents for each piece of rubbish collected.

There are many benefits to learning a foreign language. It improves mental development, opens doors to other cultures, gives students a head start in language requirements for high school and college and increases job opportunities. You may consider buying language-learning software, or better yet, check out materials from your local library. There are also online sites that offer language assistance. Of course no one becomes fluent overnight, but the extra, unclaimed study time may be sufficient to peak interest in becoming bilingual.

Playing a musical instrument is also both good for the head and heart. If interest is aroused and ample practice time is available, playing may become an enjoyable habit. Even if your rock star wannabe does not become the next Bon Jovi, studies have shown that playing music can significantly enhance the brain.

Teens can start a temporary babysitting service. Call some working parents in the neighborhood and ask if they need help with the kids over winter break. A CPR class will compliment this endeavor. The American Heart Association website, www.heart.org has a list of classes, including ones online.

Volunteering is an opportune way to meet new people and develop new skills besides sending positive messages about taking part and giving back. For a plethora of groups in the Bay Area, go to http://www.volunteerinfo.org/.  Keep it simple and ask an elderly neighbor if they need help walking their dog, cleaning their yard, or grocery shopping. The local church or synagogue can also steer you in the right direction.

However you enjoy your holidays, I hope it includes both time with loved ones and learning. In the words of the great Greek philosopher Aristotle, “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.

Contact Margaret Lavin at elementarydays@gmail.com.