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Little Moments that Change the World

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I’m finding more and more that flexibility is the key to truly creating an environment that is conducive to educating my children. I truly don’t know how public school teachers are able to teach large groups and stay on task. My little ones have so many questions and we end up deviating from my lesson plans just about every day. I have ended up delving deeper into topics I had no idea my children would be so interested in.

Lately, my kids have been super interested in the religions around the world. Each religion started in one region, and spread across the globe. Hinduism is the topic of conversation right now, and we are learning about the many different gods and their purposes in the lives of the Hindu people. It’s fascinating to watch my kids devour information on people around the world and begin to understand the reasons why we are different and yet so much the same.

About three weeks ago we were covering the reality of poverty around the world. My children have never faced a night of going hungry, and I wanted them to understand just how wonderful a blessing it is to have an abundance of food. I didn’t think the video I chose would have the intense impact on my children that it ended up having. Seeing the conditions many people live in, both within the United States and around the world, had my children in tears. I had not intended to put them into a state of total despair, but that’s where we ended up.

My daughter looked at me as soon as the video was over, and with tears streaming down her face she declared that we must somehow make a difference in these children’s lives. We have decided, as a family, to put aside more money each month to donate to those in need. One way my kids have helped make this possible is by slowing down on the amount of food that is wasted in our home. Their commitment to change has had an enormous impact on our budget. I was amazed at their commitment and ability to make such a huge dent in our weekly finances.

Again, this was one of our many tangents in education. We spent hours researching what poverty looks like and how we can help make the lives of those who struggle just a little less difficult. I’m so incredibly thankful to have the time and opportunity to work with my sweet children as they learn about the world around them. Who could have possibly known that a lesson on cultures could take us down the path that would lead my children to a place of empathy and love? I want them to believe that one person can make a difference, and it is a priceless experience to watch them pursue their plan to make the world a better place. Such a sweet moment as a mother and as a teacher.

Wisteria Jane Hummell

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Watch out world…Wisty has arrived. I can’t believe the Wisteria Jane Hummell books are here. This little lady has been living in my head for years, and now she is out in the world making her mark. Wisteria is an amalgamation of all things “kid” and all that is right with this world. She is innocence and truth unleashed.

This sweet child is learning about her surroundings in the best possible way. She is living life, and making mistakes as she goes. Wisty is not afraid to take chances, say what she thinks, and has the magical passion that can only be found in a five-year-old child.

Writing this series has given me the opportunity, and excuse, to really dig into my memories of life as a young girl. I remember my mother taking my siblings and me on walks to the park. On our way we would stop to watch the squirrels jump and dance around the trees. I’m sure the park was fun, but I don’t remember much about playing on the slides, and swinging from monkey bars. I remember those squirrels with their bushy tails flicking in the sun, and thinking how wonderful it would be to live life as a squirrel.

There were several years, about age 2 to 7, where I was convinced that through trial and error I could learn to fly. Unfortunately, my belief in human flight did not pan out. I ended up in the emergency room about half a dozen times with stitches, to different regions of my head, as a result of my need to be airborne. Thankfully, none of my crash landings were life threatening, but they were lessons in gravity and the reality that birds can fly, but little girls can’t. Yes, I had to learn the limits of my powers at a young age, just like Wisty.

Wisty believes all things are possible.

It has been quiet a process bringing this book to life, and I have enjoyed the entire journey. We are getting geared up for book number two right now. Let the countdown begin.