Tea cafe

The YIS food fair was a full day of fabulous, for sure. It's always great to be with a community willing to pull out all the stops. I hope we raised lots of money as well.

A highlight for me was the ELC cafe. Miel's school seems sprinkled with fairy dust. Only good happens there. And so with their little cafe today. Their unit of inquiry this year has been the study of tea, a subject generated by the children's interest in making pretend tea in the play yard with leaves and sticks. That's the kind of school it is. From there they have gone to a tea plantation, developed a relationship with a local tea shop where they've had a gallery showing of the cups and tea pots they made, and they've hosted numerous international tea events.

It was natural that they would continue by serving tea to the public, but when you see your 4-year old make a pot of tea, pour it into cups and serve them on a tray, it's one of those ephemeral moments of grace. A time to stop and watch and fully take in the moment.

Which I guess is what tea ceremony is all about.

Comments

[Rebecca]

Rachel,

Usually I prefer to poke around on people's blogs without leaving too much of a trace. However, since there is a huge picture of me smiling included in this post, it seems only appropriate that I leave a comment this time.

I too feel like this year has been a 'special year' at the ELC (although as a teacher I do seem to have 'special years' every year!!) I feel so lucky to spend every day in a magical learning community, in our physically beautiful space, being guided by inspiring colleagues and supported by strong partnerships with the parents, who appreciate how we work with their children.

I have just finished reading Adam Clark's latest blog entry. I always enjoy being invited to share in his knowledge and perspectives. I particularly felt a connection reading tonight’s entry about his interaction with Kai, and sensing the value he placed on it as a parent. I was reminded that you sometime comment on his posts... which is how I found my way here!

While I'm not a parent myself yet, I do enjoy reading about how people approach and embrace that role. I think exploring your thoughts about parenting can help me to become a better teacher (and hopefully a thoughtful parent… one day). I absolutely admire people, like you and Adam, who I believe are fabulous role models, and who can express your thoughts and experiences with such eloquence and ease!

See you in the morning!
Becs