Sometimes the words of a child will stick in your mind and make a difference in your life. Children usually speak what is in their heart with no thoughts of whether it is appropriate or not.
Such was an experience that has influenced my life for nearly fifty years. It all began when I was teaching first grade at Old Washington Elementary School. The young children were always very special to me plus I had two sons at home. When someone asked, “How many children do you have?” I would often say 35 or however many were in the classroom plus my two sons. They would just roll their eyes in amusement.
One morning the principal came into the room to do a surprise evaluation. My previous reviews had all been satisfactory so I wasn’t terribly concerned. The first graders sat quietly in their seats as they considered him an authority figure. Perhaps it was lucky that Jerry, the class clown, wasn’t there that day.
The principal watched and listened carefully while making notes on a clipboard. At that time of the day, we were using a phonics-based reading program, Open Court, and the sound of the day was the ‘y’ at the end of words. The word being discussed was ‘lady.’
“What is a lady?” the principal asked.
One little girl waved her hand and answered, “A lady is someone like Mrs. Kerr who always wears a skirt and a necklace.” Her answer definitely surprised me and brought a smile to my face.
Later that day, the principal and I passed in the hallway. He had an amused look on his face as he asked, “Did you bribe the little girl to give that definition of a lady?”
“How was I to know what you were going to ask!” was my reply.
To this day, I never leave home without a necklace. It reminds me that the little things we do in life make an impression on children and most likely on adults as well.
Be careful what you say or do as children are watching!
Gypsy Road Trip 
Comments on: "Guidance of a Child" (9)
Kids are a lot smarter than we give them credit for. [we forget how we were at that age]. They soak things up like a sponge.
They definitely keep an eye on what we say and do. We need to set a good example for them.
What a cute story, Bev! Kids can be adorable, can’t they?! ☀️
Teaching first grade was always a joy for me. I taught at a time when you could have fun in the classroom as well as learning.
Engaging
Thanks for stopping by. Remember to be a great example for the children in your life.
Beautiful story 💜
Children are so special and notice everything we do or say.
I hope visit my blog and grow towether 🌹 thanks