HSP 71-year-old: Learning that 'Cheerful adults are a harbor for children⚓️'
This is GreenSail.
Thank you for coming to read this💕
I work as a learning support assistant.
I am also a grandma to two girls.
Today, I will write about a conversation I had with the SC (School Counselor).
I would be happy if you read until the end.
Yesterday, during a break in the rainy season after the typhoon had passed, during the 20-minute recess (usually between the second and third periods),
I was invited by a third-grade boy who said, "Come to the science room."
"Watch me practice on the unicycle."
"Count my jump rope jumps."
"Let's draw a picture together."
These are things I am often told, but "Come to the science room"
is a first.
"What's there?"
"It's a secret. You have to come."
During recess, I went to the science room.
Unlike the classroom, there were six large tables that looked like they had kitchen sinks attached.
Along the window was a long counter with a row of water faucets. Children were peering into the medaka fish tanks lined up there.
I was tapped on the back, turned around, and said, "Eek!❣"
There were several children wearing Dracula and monster masks.
Why in the science room?
The male science teacher was smiling and said,
"On days when the heat index (WBGT) is too high to go outside, I make it so they can spend time in the science room."
He had set out things like rubber-band-powered cars and simple electrical circuit kits for them to play with.
The SC, who is dispatched from the prefecture, also came in, smiling while being led by the hand by some first-grade children.
"I was invited to come play in the science room."
From some trigger or another, the conversation turned to the work and role of support assistants
in schools.
"You know, I believe that 'cheerful adults are like a harbor for children.'
They can be by your side with peace of mind.
They can talk with peace of mind. They listen to what we have to say, too.
Once they are satisfied, I believe children can think for themselves and start moving on their own," she
said.
Children wearing masks and enjoying a skit-like conversation.
Children with their foreheads touching while observing the medaka.
Children twisting the rubber bands attached to cars to see how far they would go.
Adults watching over them with smiles.
The chime for the start of the third period rang.
"Thanks for coming to see.
Come to the classroom again, too."
The boy said this with satisfaction as he took off his Dracula mask and headed back to the classroom.
Children were also coming out of the library and heading back to their classrooms.
Because the librarian is always waiting with an unchanging smile, it is a popular place for the children to be.
I, too, decided that rather than focusing on what to support,
I would first focus on being cheerful.
I checked my smile in the hallway mirror,
and headed to the classroom I was assigned to.
Being cheerful.
It might sound simple, but it can be difficult.
It might be tough to be that way all the time.
But if the harbor is stormy,
the boats cannot approach.
Both as a support staff member,
and as a grandma.
To be a harbor where they can dock with peace of mind✨️
Thank you so much
for reading until the end💖