~ Setting ~
Kindergarten Classroom in a Madison, WI Public Elementary School
8:35 AM.
After six-year-olds have thrown jackets in their lockers, put their lunch card in the right slot, and grabbed a book for the first few minutes of the day, their teacher sings out an instruction to gather on the carpet. All sit "criss-cross applesauce".
The morning greetings move around the circle. Ms. R. sits among them and starts welcoming students, one by one.
"Good morning, Melanie."
"Good morning, Melanie," repeats the whole class.
"Good morning, Samir."
"Good morning, Samir," chimes the class.
"Good morning, Labrea."
"Good morning, Labrea."
This continues around to all who are present. But, at one point in the recognition of young names, the teacher makes a shift:
"Good morning, Mother Earth."
"Good morning, Mother Earth," respond the kids.
Up on the wall above one side of the circle hangs a poster of a photo of our planet. As part of the natural routine of wishing all a good day, Mother Earth is included between two other smiling kinders every morning. No big fanfare; simply a daily nod within the greetings of the class individuals. A simple observance of Gaia as a natural member of the class.
Regardless of elementary grades' natural science curricula, or higher grades' concepts of Earth's finite status and natural resource depletion, this group of eighteen 6-year-olds is making a personal connection each morning to our planet. This is huge.
We adults take so much of our good fortune for granted every day and often pass the accompanying global ambivalence along to the young ones as well. A common generational reference now is that we must consider what an unhealthy planet holds for our own children and grandchildren. These are the very souls who currently enjoy their kindergarten mornings each day. [See "Storms of My Grandchildren" by James Hansen]
Beyond climate change issues, callous use of water and specific population numbers this planet can sustain, a simple and affectionate morning lash-up with Earth Mother is critical for future resiliency.
Thanks, Ms. R.
