I was moved by this project and hope that you will glean something from this brief video.
For the shorter, more concise video, watch this one:
While chatting with the preschooler today over markers and paper, I noted the letters my little one was drawing in rainbow colors across the tablet of white. I remarked, “I like your letters.”
Preschooler: “I LIKE letters.”
“Me, too,” I responded.
“I like words.” Then, looking up from the markers and papers, these words spouted from little lips: “What do we do with words? Do we eat words?”
I smiled at the innocent question. “We don’t eat words. Sometimes we spit words. Sometimes we say words….”
I know that sometimes people talk of “eating their words” when discussing having to take back words or admit they were wrong…but try explaining that to a preschooler. 🙂 The question has given me pause, though.
In current parenting circles and educational venues, children are encouraged to “use [their] words” instead of acting out with their bodies in frustration or other emotions. Sometimes the phrase “use your words” is used to promote verbal communication. I have used it many times myself with my own children and with other little ones. I find words intriguing, marvelous, powerful tools! I love to use them to describe, to console, to communicate, to empower, to compliment, and to strengthen. And so I leave you with this same question today as you consider life, liberty, and your personal pursuit of happiness:
What do you do with words? 🙂
(And, because every post is better with music…here’s “One Word” from Elliott Yamin that I found on Spotify to share with you…because we all know I love a good, upbeat, positive love song….)
