Surprise!

The element of surprise is something that is often fleeting, pouncing upon us suddenly and then vanishing quick as a wink. But that first moment of wonder is so energizing and intriguing we absolutely crave it. After observing our children in the Eagle class explore cardboard boxes of all shapes and sizes, I am slowly unravelling my own curiosity about the way they have been using the boxes. Despite tape, scissors, and markers at the onset, they did not use the boxes for building right away; rather they used the boxes as gifts for each other (over and over again) as well as hiding spaces. I am thinking perhaps the excitement is the surprise of giving and receiving gifts- what is inside? how will the person react when they open the box? where am I? how can I conceal objects and myself?

I am interested in exploring this idea further- how to we create surprise and how do we allow surprise to live within us, even in the mundane? How can we look at something with a fresh lens so even the familiar can offer a surprise? Can we find a teeny tiny itty bitsy tinge of delight in more things we see, touch, smell, taste and hear? Particularly now, when we are all closer to home, perhaps we can seek more surprises in life’s offerings- can you find a surprise today?

Enjoy these photos, some capturing children surprised, some simply showcasing their work and connections with each other. We adore our Eagles & Owls!