I Don't Remember

"I don't remember," is Lewie's everyday answer to "How was school today?"  This has been his answer at age three, four, five, and now...even six.  Since I'm not satisfied with the answer, I start prodding some more, "Did you study a letter?"  Did you learn a sight word?  Did you read a book?  Did you do a craft?" 

The "I don't remember..." answer usually stays in tact, but thankfully I see the work that he brings home, and we start reviewing it together.

One day, his teacher sent home a poem called "Nothing."  After a quick Google search, I couldn't find the author, but I did see that it is shared quite often in many school districts.  I thought it would be worth repeating here because it's definitely been our theme for the school year so far...

Nothing

 

When children come home at the end of the day,

The question they're asked as they scurry to play

is, "What did you do at school today?"

And the answer they give makes you sign with dismay.

"Nothing. I did nothing today!"

Perhaps nothing means that I played with blocks,

Or counted to ten, or sorted some rocks.

Maybe I painted a picture of red and blue,

Or heard a story of a mouse that flew.

Maybe I watched the fish eat today,

Or went outside on the swings to play.

Maybe today was the first time,

that my scissors followed a very straight line.

Maybe I sang a song from beginning to end,

Or played with a special, brand new friend.

When you're in Kindergarten

And your heart has wings,

"Nothing" can mean so many, many things.

 

I'm so glad our teacher sent this poem home the other day.  I might not be happy with my little boy's answer, but I know he's learning because it does come out often in very unexpected ways...