• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Bits of Positivity

Inspiration | Quotes | Parenting | Character Education

  • Home
  • About
    • Contact Me
    • Terms
    • Privacy Policy
  • Character Education
    • Best Books for Kids
    • Gratitude
    • Kindness
    • Making a Difference
  • Growth Mindset
  • Mindfulness
  • Best Quotes
  • Freebies

Hugs, High Fives, and the Grace of Children

June 16, 2015 By Deb Chitwood 27 Comments

Previous article: Make a Difference by Walking with Charity Miles App
Next article: Celebrity Photoshop + “Looking Like Cindy Crawford” Word Art Freebie
Tweet
Share
Share
Pin

Hugs, High Fives, and the Grace of Children by guest blogger Lisa Nolan of Motherhood May Cause Drowsiness 

Hugs, High Fives, and the Grace of Children by Lisa Nolan

My special needs son JJ started attending public school Kindergarten a few years ago. I admit I was worried. Would the other children accept JJ in spite of his Down syndrome? Avoid him? Sneer at him? Make fun of him? Or worse, bully him?

We hear stories practically every week about children who are bullied. And so the discussion begins, how do you react to bullies in school? But what we need to also talk about is how to teach children to be accepting of others who are different, who have special needs, or who just stand out in the crowd.

According to Montessori child development, at around age five, children begin the developmental transition to the Abstract Reasoning stage. More broadly, five-year-old begins the “Why, mommy, why?” phase. Why is the sky blue? What makes the wind? In Montessori elementary education the focus also changes as children at age six span out from the me, myself, my family, my school to the Universe, the planets, and the stars. It is a complete u-turn.

It is also the age when Montessori teachers introduce the People of the Word, where they live, how they live, as well as their needs: food, shelter, transportation, clothing, and defense. Here is where I would include other children who are different: who have Down syndrome, who use a wheel chair, or who speak a different language.

Compare it to nature. We have so many different animals, plants, flowers, birds, and trees: oak, pine, apple, and how boring the world would be if all the trees were the same. And what if every sunset was the same?

So it is with us: different color skin, hair, eyes, languages, as well as different and unique abilities. Ask your children to think about how enriched our lives are because of diversity, to picture an orange Monarch butterfly resting in a pine tree; the red hot lava flowing from a black volcano; a green humming bird hovering over a pink rose; a yellow leaf falling from a brown branch; a little girl sitting in a steel, blue wheelchair; a tan boy with black curls speaking with his hands; a toddler with a purple bonnet wearing glasses and crawling across a white kitchen floor.

This helps children develop tolerance for diversity. You can share the diversity in your extended family through stories about grandma growing up on a farm and uncle Joe cooking Italian food from his home country.

You can discuss the little boy in your child’s class who has Down syndrome and needs extra help so he has a special person with him called an aide.

If we educate and expose and talk about diversity in the world starting at five and six when they are hungry for information about the world and beyond, the more accepting your children will be, and more enriched their lives would be.

Friends (Photo by Lisa Nolan)

Friends (Photo by Lisa Nolan)

It’s morning time and my son and I are getting ready to walk to school. He puts on his jacket, I assist his little hands, and together we zip it up. His backpack goes on next, then he grabs his lunchbox, and we are out the door.

On the way to school my son says hi to everyone who passes.

As we reach the school yard children and parents file in and my son is greeted with hugs, high fives, and the grace of children.

My heart feels full.

And I am thankful.

JJ and Friend (Photo by Lisa Nolan)

JJ and Friend (Photo by Lisa Nolan)

OK, my dear readers, now it’s your turn! Leave a comment and tell us how you introduce diversity at home or in the classroom?

Photo Credit: Photos by Lisa Nolan

Motherhood May Cause Drowsiness: Mom Stories from the TrenchesWant to read more stories by moms, stories that will make you laugh, shed a tear or two, and make you feel inspired? Be sure to check out Motherhood May Cause Drowsiness: Mom Stories from the Trenches, compiled and edited by Montessori mom and teacher, Lisa Nolan

“From start to finish, this book is a gem. I can’t think of a mother who shouldn’t read it, whether you have a newborn or grown children, you will totally relate to these funny and heartwarming stories. This second edition includes 18 new essays from some amazing authors. Having bought the first Motherhood May Cause Drowsiness, I was delighted to read this new edition. One of my favorite quotes from the book: ‘Organic homemade cakes made out of kale and promises.’ This book is funny and then funnier.”—Stephanie Marsh.

Lisa Nolan is the editor and publisher at Monkey Star Press and is working on three parent humor anthologies at the moment. She blogs about Montessori and writes mom lit and memoir. Lisa is also a book publisher, mom to a DS child, and a 3-6 and 6-9 Montessori trained teacher. You can find her at Monkey Star Press and Twitter.

Related Posts

  • “Let Brett Bowden Play” Shows What’s Important“Let Brett Bowden Play” Shows What’s Important
  • Free Equality and Fairness Songs {Character Education Resources}Free Equality and Fairness Songs {Character Education Resources}
  • Kindness Project for Children and Adults of All Ages {100 Acts of Kindness}Kindness Project for Children and Adults of All Ages {100 Acts of Kindness}
  • New Traditions for Our Annual Family Food and Toy DriveNew Traditions for Our Annual Family Food and Toy Drive
  • Teaching Kids to Be KindTeaching Kids to Be Kind
  • 20+ Free Character Education Printables20+ Free Character Education Printables
  • Free Worldwide Character Counts! Week ResourcesFree Worldwide Character Counts! Week Resources
  • Free Courage Songs {Character Education Resources}Free Courage Songs {Character Education Resources}
Tweet
Share
Share
Pin
Previous article: Make a Difference by Walking with Charity Miles App
Next article: Celebrity Photoshop + “Looking Like Cindy Crawford” Word Art Freebie

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Character, Character Education, Parents' Role Tagged With: character, diversity, Down syndrome, Motherhood May Cause Drowsiness, special needs

Previous Post: « Make a Difference by Walking with Charity Miles App
Next Post: Celebrity Photoshop + “Looking Like Cindy Crawford” Word Art Freebie »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Robin Rue ( says

    June 16, 2015 at 7:46 am

    I think my kids are pretty diverse. We expose them to lots of cultures, etc in their every day lives.

    Reply
    • Lisa Nolan says

      June 16, 2015 at 2:24 pm

      Thanks Robin, great to hear it! Such an important lesson!

      Reply
  2. SASSYPIEHOLE ( says

    June 16, 2015 at 8:03 am

    My daughter goes to very unique International school and I could not be happier. She has been going since she was two and is “used” to diversity on all levels; it is her norm. I grew up in a small town in Ohio with ZERO diversity and small minded people. I am so thankful she embraces everyone the same… It’s a gift!

    Reply
    • Lisa Nolan says

      June 16, 2015 at 2:25 pm

      I was lucky to have been raised in San Francisco (before it was too expensive to live there) and it was so diverse, as was my local public school!

      Reply
  3. Christine Luken says

    June 16, 2015 at 10:52 am

    Your son is adorable! One of my best friend’s daughters has Down Syndrome. She definitely has had some challenges, but most kids are very loving and accepting of her.

    Reply
    • Lisa Nolan says

      June 16, 2015 at 2:26 pm

      Thanks Christine! Yes, we’ve been blessed!

      Reply
  4. Tamara says

    June 16, 2015 at 11:35 am

    Aww!! He’s so cute!!
    Now then. Well my daughter started kindergarten this year and I was worried, I admit. She does well socially but she’s very little and I was very little at that age and got teased. Her class is so interesting. One of her best friends has Cerebral Palsy, is the only black kid in kindergarten AND has two dads. He’s also one of the most popular kids. My daughter’s best friend has two moms and her other best friends also has two dads.
    We live in a very unique town but the diversity lessons are almost not necessary because they’re all making connections together.
    It does lead to GREAT conversations at home, though. Positive ones.

    Reply
    • Lisa Nolan says

      June 16, 2015 at 2:27 pm

      Wow! That is one diverse classroom! I think it’s great that children learn about diversity by being surrounded by it!

      Reply
  5. Jeanine says

    June 16, 2015 at 12:27 pm

    This warmed my heart. I’m so glad people are kind and accepting. I don’t see it everyday so stories like this just make me melt. He sure is a sweetheart and so photogenic!

    Reply
    • Lisa Nolan says

      June 16, 2015 at 2:29 pm

      Yes, and thank you! (I am so NOT photogenic!) It is nice to hear a positive story about children, we read about so many negative stories!

      Reply
  6. Julie Valdivia ( says

    June 16, 2015 at 4:06 pm

    I feel that diversity is one of the most important lessons we can teach our children. Good for you!

    Reply
  7. Lorane says

    June 16, 2015 at 5:37 pm

    This was a great post .. it must have been tough to send JJ to Public School. I agree that it is up to the Parents to teach children to be accepting of others regardless of how they look

    Reply
  8. Lois Alter Mark says

    June 16, 2015 at 6:30 pm

    If only we could maintain that childhood innocence forever. Young kids have no preconceived notions and are curious but accepting of differences. My kids grew up in New York where they can friends of every color, race, religion.

    Reply
  9. Mama to 5 BLessings says

    June 16, 2015 at 6:31 pm

    What a sweet post. Sounds like you are raising your kids in an honorable way!

    Reply
  10. Shauna says

    June 16, 2015 at 6:52 pm

    Awe… that is just awesome. I love hearing storied like this. I see many children being loving with everyone at my kids’ school. Even in 2nd grade, everyone greets each other with high fives and smiles 😉

    Reply
  11. Priscilla - the wheelchair mommy says

    June 16, 2015 at 7:20 pm

    WE know all about diversity around here. 🙂 I’m the rolling example for my kid and their friends/our community.

    Reply
  12. Laura funk says

    June 16, 2015 at 8:55 pm

    JJ is adorable. What a great, inspirational post

    Reply
  13. Carol Bryant says

    June 16, 2015 at 10:20 pm

    This is my favorite post of the day. I love that you foster diversity and encourage open minded and caring kids.

    Reply
  14. Emerald says

    June 17, 2015 at 7:57 am

    What a wonderful post! We must embrace and appreciate the differences in each other!

    Reply
  15. Anastasia says

    June 17, 2015 at 10:53 pm

    A wonderful reminder! Its so heartwarming to hear that your son is surrounded with so much love and appreciation!

    Reply
  16. Krystal says

    June 18, 2015 at 11:34 am

    I hope that my son is exposed to different cultures every day. We travel and explore the world around us as often as we can.

    Reply
  17. Talent Hounds says

    June 19, 2015 at 9:16 am

    “My heart feels full.

    And I am thankful.”

    Beautiful!
    Stopping by from the Friendship Friday blog hop, come say hi!

    Reply
  18. Felix says

    June 22, 2015 at 8:44 am

    I guess this blog would be really helpful and inspiring too. Great share!

    Reply
  19. Carolyn Wilhelm says

    June 26, 2015 at 1:30 pm

    Wonderful post and nicely done! Through the eyes of the mother. This is precious and everyone should read it! Thanks! Pinned and tweeted.

    Reply
  20. Georgette says

    July 4, 2015 at 10:45 am

    Hope everything turns out very well for you JJ. It’s so inspiring to see how you blossom and I pray that all other kids out there who needs special care and attention are as lucky as you are. Thanks you for sharing JJ’s story!

    Reply
  21. natalie moore says

    October 5, 2015 at 4:27 am

    loved reading this post x

    Reply
  22. Janet Parker says

    September 28, 2016 at 6:09 am

    I think kids are generally unbiased and only begin to treat others differently when they learn this behavior. Its great to hear a story like yours and see there is still good in the world.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Connect With Me

   

Search

    Translate to:

    Powered by Google Translate.
Montessori at Home or School - How to Teach Grace and Courtesy

Browse Categories

Categories

Archives

Popular Posts

I Recommend:

How to Get Kids to Listen without Nagging, Reminding, or Yelling

Shop Pura Vida Bracelets Online

Word Art Information

If you want to share any of my word-art files, please share the link to the blog post the word art is on. If you use my word art on your blog or website, please credit me and link to the original blog post. You’re welcome to share any of my word-art images on sites like Facebook, but use the image with the URL. Thanks! 🙂

Footer

You Can Also Find Me

PreK + K Sharing Spring Snow Publications
Living Montessori Now

Connect With Me

   

Copyright © 2025 Deb Chitwood · Foodie Pro · Genesis Framework by StudioPress Themes · Design By The Creative Pad