A girl in Russell's class (who will remain anonymous because her mom wasn't supposed to tell me all this but couldn't resist) told her mom she loved Russell. Her mom asked her why, and these were her reasons:
1) He's nice. 2) He's creative. 3) He plays chase games but doesn't push me down.
I think it is pretty fun to watch how the kindergartners deal with each other. He has a REALLY sweet class of 21 kids. They seem so supportive of each other and so good at negotiating fun ways to be together. They work well together on group projects, and give each other lots of positive feedback on individual projects. Although there are some special friendships, they mix up their social groups a lot depending on who's doing what.
I hope I always remember a moment in the fall that made me feel so content. Silas and I picked up Russell after school that day, and as usual, we all headed outside with a bunch of the other kids and parents. Russell had made a kite at "center" time (basically, independent play at various stations) by attaching some papers together onto a frame made of paper towel tubes, coloring it, and attaching a string and a toilet paper tube handle. Four of the other boys came out with him and all asked very respectfully if they could help him fly it. Next thing I knew, they were all running across the playground in formation, each holding a part of the kite. They had a great time and did really well with it, but inevitably it did start to fall apart. But Russell, characteristically, was philosophical about that. He was so pleased to have fun with it and figured he could repair it or make another later if he felt like it.
I just love that kid.
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And I just love you for sharing stories about Russell and Silas – and their parents – with those of us who care so much but are too far away to be there frequently. Thanks for taking / making the time to do that, Julie. Keep it up.