When I filled in for her she left me copious instructions, which I kept referring to. But there were things I learned today watching her that even she would not have thought to articulate. The way she invites a bossy child to speak kindly, or softens her voice when she shows them a treasure from the woods is second nature to her after two decades. When each child entered the room she greeted them with a cherishing smile, as if their parting had been longer ago than yesterday. I watched how she nudged them to self mastery, but not with a shove into frustration. She told the story with carved figures as if it were a sacred rite, which for her it is. 

 

It is not as if I am a stranger to children. But I have more to learn. Being in her classroom, which is better called a Wonder Garden, I get to follow too.

 

So this is what mentoring looks like.