Although we still have a couple days until summer break, Calvin has already cleaned out his school locker and brought home a huge garbage bag of stuff. Usually this bag will sit in the mudroom for a month or so, until someone is motivated to sort through. And normally, the kid in question will do the sorting. But this morning, Oliver and I decided to tackle the job and peek into Calvin's world. Traditionally, Cal would just hand me all his completed assignments and I would keep the gems. But this year, in 6th grade, his academic life has been entirely his own domain.
We never really know what's going on in the private minds of our kids, the fullness of how they live in the world when we're not around. But sorting through the pile can give us a clue. What I found today was a stack of beautiful, thoughtful writing and amazing poetry. I am knocked out by the depth of Calvin's perception and the beauty of his expression.
Compare this to my own little "All About Me" packet recently discovered in a basement box. I had written it when I was the same age that Calvin is now. It is a mildly entertaining exercise in least effort:
"Favorite food: spaghetti
Why: because I like it."
Clearly, Calvin is operating on an entirely different plane here. Oliver and I also found some amazing drawings among his big brother's school papers. The drawing of the warrior/knight was so detailed and gorgeous, I scanned it to share here. As always, I am humbled by the good fortune I have to live with this family of mine. Wow, wow, wow.
warrior by Calvin
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Wow... Looks like you have a future artist on your hands. The gift of words and stroke of a pencil are truly a gift! Gently prod him along and he will develop his gift as you have, Becky! By the way, in emptying CJ's backpack, I was "thrilled" to find that he had collected gluestick caps throughout the school year and had accumulated about 40 of them. A treasure he feels the need to keep. Ah, the vision of a child!
ReplyDeleteJust read your latest three, and I haven't stopped smiling since. What joy you bring to us who read. I am blessed with two generations of wow, come to think of it three also those who went before me. Love GG
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