On Wednesday something special happened in my class.
It was a small, sweet moment that I want to share.
Just after lunch we meditate each day.
This routine was set up at the beginning of the year.
Students have the choice to either:
follow their breath, count silently to themselves, or to pray.
After meditation is DEAR time (Drop Everything And Read).
Older students will sometimes come in to read with the younger kids at this time.
When kids who have not been in my class come in at DEAR time they sit at the
kidney table by the door and watch our meditation.
On Wednesday four of my students from last year came in to read with us.
One is a Buddhist.
One is a Muslim.
One is the son of a Baptist Minister.
One is not religious.
My former students came in and, without a word from me,
scattered themselves on the floor amongst my current students.
One sat next to me ready to assist me.
I set the timer and the gong sounded to start our three minutes of meditation.
After three minutes another gong sounded to indicate our time was up.
The whole room was silent after the second gong.
A big intake of breath and a sigh out.
Then, in unison, our mantra:
May I be happy
May I be safe
May I be loved
Often teaching first grade is a bit chaotic and moments such as these slip past me.
I’m glad I recognized this one.
