I feel like the last post I wrote I said that I’d be writing more often than once in a blue moon…and while this qualifies since the next one is May of 2027…that’s not what I meant!! But I will be writing more soon…things are shifting for me and I will be writing more. I’ll have more details on that soon.
Today, I’m writing about my dear friend, Heather Malley. I’ve known Heather now for over 7 years, meeting her on the grounds of her wonderful preschool (Caterpillar Cottage).
I was gently and very persistently encouraged to visit her program by a parent in my classes…and even though visiting childcare programs wasn’t in my repertoire at that time, I consented, expecting to spend a cursory half hour there. Instead, I spent hours watching children move comfortably through the space, engaged in deep and thoughtful play, connected with attentive and focused teachers…all while talking and listening to Heather.
Heather’s the author of a couple of children’s books that she wrote during the pandemic… My Book (a journal for young children to help them process and move through their feelings during that dark time), Not Forever, But for Now…a phrase that I use to this day to help me in dark times of my own, and This Summer I Wonder. These books are who Heather is…she sees a need and responds. Her latest book is one that I’ve only scratched the surface on, but that’s my fault, not hers, I’ve just been too preoccupied…Peacemaking with Preschoolers. Count on getting a book review of that book when I finally get a chance to read it.
Heather is also the person who’s encouraging me to take the word “just” out of my vocabulary… I told her about a time I was explaining RIE to someone brand new and the person reflected back…so it’s like back in the day when we just let kids play in the backyard with a hose? And Heather said, what if you said “It’s like back in the day when we let kids play in the backyard with a hose.” It sounds simple, but try it…
- Just trust that she can figure it out herself… vs Trust that she can figure it out herself
- Just slow down and let the moment happen… vs Slow down and let the moment happen
- Just let her try an open cup, even if it’s mess… vs Let her try an open cup, even if it’s mess
- Just wait for him to ask for help… vs Wait for him to ask for help
Powerful, right?
So on that note…just drop Heather a line to attend her Open House on Sunday.
More soon!