October 2008
Each Little Dragons Session starts with a general Welcome when the leader of the day sings, “Hello Ziggy, Hello Areya, Hello Isobel!” and so on until each Little Dragon has been identified and acknowledged by name. The very little ones look surprised when their name is called; the 2+ smile and those towards 3 wave and smile. George the Little Dragon and Uncle Sam come out of their basket along with Idris, the Welsh Dragon (unless he is on holiday for one of his quiet times) and everyone joins in singing their song.
What is really interesting to observe is the developing reaction in each child as they listen to or ‘watch’ the story. It is quite tricky producing a story which will engage all, from 6 months to 3 or 4 years. However, if a glazed eye is observed, the story tellers are quite good at bursting into song or vaguely musical chant to attract any wavering attention. It’s a great life – if you don’t weaken!
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At times, when faced with cutting out all the component parts for Spider Windsocks, curly caterpillars or mixing and baking the mixture for gingerbread men, one might wonder, “Why am I doing this? Why don’t I just read a book or go for a walk?” The answer comes when observing the bright little faces during our story time – Circle Time, or when the clamour round the art and craft table gives wings to the spirit making it worth the sticky fingers, felt-penning and intricate cutting out – 20ish body cut-outs, perhaps 80 or more legs, 40ish eyes and various other accoutrements.
These are all small things in a life – but so important. Just like the small things in our everyday lives that may seem at times burdensome but they are the small things that can make the day worthwhile and help us to realise that what we do has worth. Val Butterworth
Val Butterworth