This morning, the kids played Legos at the kitchen table while I graded papers. Because of early conferences, they had no school today, so we enjoyed a relaxing day... a day of where they could just be. Laura suggested they play house with the Legos, and Will happily agreed, breaking out the pieces. "Let's pretend I live in a dump, and this can be my bed," Laura suggested. "Okay," agreed Will. "And I'll come visit you there." Sound familiar? A modified version of Maniac Magee! They were acting out what had been on their minds--our story.
The story has given way to interesting conversations about prejudice and homelessness and illiteracy. Their innocent curiosity and concern found a new outlet through this story. I cannot help but reflect upon the power of story. What I read about, I think about. I dwell on story nuggets and think about characters' eccentricities and behaviors. I learn from what others do and say as much from what they avoid and omit.
Sharing stories with my children is a way they and I develop into more thoughtful and humane people. Textual encounters are personally shaping experiences possessing sympathetic influences which move us.
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