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August 22, 2007
The Younger Set
Today, I had a wonderful opportunity to visit Burney Falls and to watch learning in action for a pair of young ladies from Kansas. I had just wandered down the trail to the Falls, taken tons of pictures, enjoyed myself completely, and was on my way back to my car when I realized it was 2:00 and I hadn't eaten lunch. The only thing that qualified for food other than snack chips was hot dogs so a hot dog it would be. I doctored mine just right, and headed for the tables outside the General Store.
The tables were large family sized. One was occupied while the rest were empty. I didn't want to sit at a huge table by myself, so I asked the family at the occupied table if I could join them. They graciously agreed, and I had a great time getting to know them, especially Hailey and Annie, while they enjoyed their afternoon ice cream cones.
The girls, three and a half and eighteen months, were there with Mom and Dad visiting Grandma in Susanville. It was rather a long way from Kansas, Toto, but it seems Mom had grown up in Susanville so it was family visit.
As I sat down, Hailey, counted the number of people at the table, "One, two, three, four, five." I made six.
My first comment was, "She's getting ready for school."
"In just a couple of years," was Mom's response.
As we talked and watched other things going on around us, I heard Mom say to Annie, "Dog, cup, spoon," as she pointed out the objects. Her Grandmother told me Annie was just about ready to talk, but hadn't quite made the connection. She understood what was being said quite well, however, because when Grandma mentioned putting their feet in the lake, little Annie lit up with excitement.
I usually stop to watch children in schools and airports, so this was a nice treat to enjoy children out playing in nature. We sometimes don't realize how much learning children take in when they are little. Annie, at 18 months, may not specifically remember the Falls, but her brain is processing everything that goes on around her, sights, smells, sounds, words. She also sensing emotions and tones from those she's with. It's possilbe Hailey might remember some, but, again she is building learning as she takes in and sifts through words and experiences.
What fun to see a family enjoying themselves, each other, and the world around them. I talk a great deal about how important it is for preschool age children to have lots of experiences to build on to form words and concepts. It makes a huge difference when they start to read and take in concepts from print.
These girls have a great headstart on learning just by spending time talking, learning words, and vacationing.
As we were leaving I thanked them for letting me join them. Hailey's response-"You're welcome." Hailey, it was truly my pleasure.
Posted by Dr Joni at August 22, 2007 05:44 PM
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