Grandparent's Day
Last week, we had the pleasure of welcoming grandparents and special people in the lives of our children to the Primary school.
We understand the role grandparents play in shaping the lives of children. They are often the first to shower their grandchildren with love, they help guide and offer a unique perspective on life. Grandparents can share life experiences, stories, traditions and teach their grandkids about family history and culture.
Many teachers know the phrase, ‘children are made readers on the laps of their parents’. In addition, I would propose that ‘children are made to love stories on the laps of their grandparents’.
Earlier this year, we had Tim Costello come and speak with Flinders staff. Tim Costello is a master storyteller. He also talks about growing up with stories, and what a key part of his life they were. Tim, from his book titled Hope writes, “I grew up with stories. Some were fairy tales where the likes of Little Red Riding Hood was gobbled up by a big bad wolf… Others were flights of imagination, read to me on the lap of my mother and grandmother, both of whom loved Dr Dolittle, Winnie the Pooh and Peter Pan. I now realise that stories told in the presence of a trusted and loved adult are needed to mediate a worldview that even as a child I could absorb… Stories are there for us to interpret or respond to. They open our imagination to possibilities” (p 1-3).
So thankyou to our grandparents for being story tellers, for providing your grandkids with tales that open their imagination and provide a sense of hope.
After all, the Bible states ‘if there is no hope the people perish’. A simple and yet profound statement.
Adam Swain
Head of Primary
