Spreading LOVE

 "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only LOVE can do that." - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Valentine's Day is always an exciting time in the preschool classroom. Giving students the opportunity to express their emotions and feelings towards one another in tangible ways can be a very gratifying experience for them. This young generation continues to develop and grow in a time of uncertainty and unrest, a time in which we as adults find ourselves grasping for moments of positivity. In spite of all this, we see the abundance of love and kindness in each little heart here at SVK. Every "you can play with us too" and "I made this picture for you", every "you look sad today, can I help?" and "I'm so glad you're here!", every single hug and kind word is an expression of love. These children are unapologetically overflowing with love for those around them each and every day. What a beautiful reminder that we can all do a little more to spread love into this world. 

Valentine's Day Invitations in the Orchid Room:

Valentine's Day Explorations in the Daffodil Room:

An Attitude of Grattitude!

The year 2020 has definitely been one for the books. It seemed as though each new month brought it's own unique set of challenges and obstacles for us to navigate, igniting nearly every possible human emotion within us. But the beauty in these moments is that each one offers an opportunity for us to reflect on and analyze aspects of our everyday lives, an opportunity to adjust the lens through which we view the world, an opportunity to grow. Every struggle we go through encourages us to be stronger, more resilient, to work beyond the confines of what is comfortable to us.  These "uncertain times" (I know we are all so tired of this phrase) have had a significant impact on each of us, a permanent impact that will continue to alter the way in which we live our lives for years to come. 

And through it all there is one overwhelming feeling that takes precedence over all the rest. Gratitude. In all of this turmoil we have re-trained our brains to be more grateful, to appreciate every single moment that we have and pledging to never take them for granted. When SVK re-opened it's doors this past August and our students were able to return, each and every one of their little hearts were exploding with gratitude. Just to be in a familiar space again, to see and hug and laugh with friends again was the greatest joy. This feeling, this "attitude of gratitude" continued to guide learning in our classrooms. It was evident in a hundred small ways, even down to students leaving kindness notes for friends in their cubbies or singing songs to comfort them in times of sadness. From decorating our classroom with Grateful Trees and Gratitude Chains, to taking mindful moments in yoga to reflect on all that we have to be thankful for, we have continued exploring this feeling with a sheer determination to never let it pass. 

And so, we challenge you all to follow the example set by our littlest humans and do the same. Whether it means taking a special family moment to share what you are thankful for each day, or finding an intentional time to sit in nature and appreciate this amazing world around us, whatever gratitude looks like to you, embrace it each and every day with a full and open heart. 💚