The story of how to set goals for children and inspire wonder from a child’s point of view.
Pamela lives in a quaint little town called Farmingdale. She’s in third grade, wildly smart, and is always dreaming of magic. Her favorite teacher, Mrs. Flowers, is equally fond of creating magic and loves to help set goals for children.
Every morning, Mrs. Flowers gathers her students in a circle. She grants each of them a turn to visit a special nook in the classroom known as the Wishing Corner.
Each child looks forward to this moment when they’re allowed to enter the colorful, sparkly corner to make a special wish for the day ahead.
Pamela, of course, believes with all her heart that her wishes will come true so she makes sure to choose something delightful every day.
One Friday morning, she decides to wish for the chance to have lunch with Mrs. Flowers. This is as special a wish as she can ever hope to come true.
While she tries to wait patiently as the other kids make their wishes for the day, her legs are squirming as she closes her eyes to imagine the beautiful moment when she’ll sit next to Mrs. Flowers in the lunchroom. In her vivid imagination, she sees them laughing and chatting as they eat their sandwiches together.
To her utter delight, when everyone springs up from the morning circle, Mrs. Flowers announces: “Pamela, you’re the lucky one. You get to have lunch with me today!”
Subsequently, Pamela does a dance of joy. Her wish came true.
As they’re eating their sandwiches, Pamela asks her teacher something she’s been longing to know for months: “Do you really believe in magic?”
Mrs. Flowers stops chewing and takes a sip of water. “Do you?”
“YES! I know there’s magic. I wished and wished to be chosen. And I was.”
“I believe too,” Mrs. Flowers says. “I believe what we wish for, hope for, and pray for is the most powerful kind of magic. Choose your words wisely for what you wish for. Your words have power in them.”
Pamela leans her body closer to her teacher. She doesn’t say a word because she wants this moment to last forever.
Mrs. Flowers takes a bite of a juicy red apple, and whispers quietly in Pamela’s ear, “When you believe in something with all your heart, and take steps towards your vision, the magic of the universe will rise up to meet you.”
Pamela carries this marvelous message with her, her entire life. She excels in school, attracts wonderful friends who support her dreams, and becomes a teacher herself.
Of course, she creates her own Wishing Corner to help her students believe in the power of stating a goal, working hard to pursue their passions, and noticing the magic that arises when the universe conspires with them to succeed.
“I SAY WHO I AM” DEFINING MOMENT:
Try these three magical tips to help a child feel a sense of wonder and possibility in the world:
1. Appreciate the Little Moments of Wonder
As an adult, you can help open a child’s eyes to the wonders and magic that exist in the world around them. Point out the enchantment of a rainbow and its shimmering, fleeting colors. Stop to watch a butterfly land gracefully on a tree branch. Encourage them to wish on a star, in a wishing well, or when they find a penny. By doing so, you can help them cultivate an appreciation for the little moments in life, and foster a sense of wonder.
2. Say Positive Thoughts Out Loud
Focus on saying out loud the positive things going well around you. Although it’s human nature to notice the negative, make a conscious effort to voice gratitude. If it rains, point out how the crops will soak up the much-needed water rather than focus on the muddy roads. This sets a powerful example of how to overcome daily challenges with optimism.
3. Compliment Kids Often
Acknowledge and praise their hard work and efforts. Notice when they’re treating their friends kindly, or helping around the house without being asked or finishing their homework early. Get creative in what you point out: “You have the best laugh” “You inspire me” “That was brave. I’m proud of you”. Frequently offering compliments to children will help them internalize their self-worth, be appreciated for their efforts, and be empowered to spread magic with an atmosphere of affirming positive words.
Give the gift of childhood empowerment through books like, “I SAY WHO I AM”, by Priscilla Harris
