A Spiritual Moment

In the corner of the classroom, Jake was absorbed in the world of nature. A smile of delight crossed his face as he listened to the sounds of the sea.

At the recent teacher meeting we reflected on the work of Rachael Kessler on the hunger of young children for joy and delight: "'There is no knowledge without reverence,’ said Abraham Heschel. ‘For Heschel, education must begin with the development of the individual’s ability to wonder, to be amazed at the mystery of being.’” (Gross 1989). Before we can become catalysts for joy in the lives of young people, we must reflect on how we adults may actually inhibit our students’ experience and expression of awe and wonder.”

I was struck by the opportunities the teachers provide in allowing children to experience this joy and delight and how the children seem to find it in such simple ways.