There is a very large huntsman on the wall at my daughter's preschool. In my day at school the spider would have been killed without a moment's hesitation. These days schools are more humane and the children are taught to appreciate the spider and the work it does to keep our eco- system balanced.
One by one, excited preschoolers are led to examine the enormous spider whilst some of the mothers cower in fear and swap huntsman horror stories.
I've been sitting this week with the mothers from the preschool, like a group of spiders spinning our webs. In this case we're knitting jumpers for babies in the colder mountain regions of Bali, attempting to give back to the community in this small way. I even (shock, horror) gave up writing time for this exercise. We wanted to show our children giving in action.
The children are fascinated by our knitting. The boys in particular all attempt to use the needles. Children were once taught to knit in schools as a matter of course.
Schools have changed so much since I was a child! I've been touring them recently looking for the school to place my daughter in next year. I have a dilemma between choosing a fabulous traditional school and a truly fabulous creative school. Both have impressive reputations in their different areas.
I spent a pleasant hour yesterday with the creative school's headmaster. His guitar was on the desk in his office. He was filled with enthusiasm for his job. His handsome young face glowed as he described the achievements the children had attained. When we toured the classrooms, the students all ran to him eagerly to show him their artwork, "Excellent! Rock on!" he said to his adoring students.
I felt like enrolling myself over my daughter by the time I had finished our interview.
Have a fabbo weekend.
image source: flickr
