Observing Joy

Every afternoon I take a break for some exercise as part of a well-being routine. Today's workout was a run. In Portland, our weather is very mild compared to the Central and Eastern United States. We get snow on occasion, but this is unusual in the land of liquid sunshine.

During my run, I noticed two adults and two children standing outside. The adults were talking, and the children were waiting nearby. In a flash, flakes of snow started to fall from the sky. The children noticed the snowflakes, and big smiles emerged on their faces. The children looked at each other and started running on the sidewalk. The children stuck out their necks and pointed their tongues toward the sky, trying to catch as many snowflakes as possible. The children were laughing and talking. Each time one of the children caught a snowflake, both would stop and high-five to celebrate this achievement.

In our work with children, scenes like this happen all the time. Educators observe the same enthusiasm in block play, painting, and climbing. We witness the children's joy as they notice a butterfly or build with cardboard. We see the joy of children doing, connecting to life, and savoring the moment.

In the Book, Play, Stuart Brown shares four elements that create a playful experience. Play is deep inside us; others do not form it. Play connects us to the outside world and expresses the needs and desires of the player.

Joy, the feeling of great pleasure and happiness, is often the partner of children during play. Joy is the feeling that is often a part of a moment like the one I observed today. Attributes like focus, being active, attentive, and supportive accompany joy. Excitement and sheer happiness were on display in a single moment during gentle afternoon snow.

These are essential elements not only for children but also for adults. As educators, we can embrace joy as we engage in the playful co-learning journey with children. Educators can become busy with our work tasks and forget that one of our roles is to be in the moment with the children. Each day we have an opportunity to savor the gift of observing joy through the eyes of a child. Try to be in the moment where true life exists. Take the time to experience joy when your moment arrives. You will be glad you did.