Friday, August 20, 2010

Wonders of the World

Wonders of the World, a Child's Perspective

Awhile ago, I got an email that I'm sure several of you have received before too. But this time it really stuck out to me...The Story is this...

A group of young students were asked to list what they thought were the present "Seven Wonders of the World." Though there were some disagreements, the following received the most votes:

1. Egypt's Great Pyramid
2. Taj Mahal
3. Grand Canyon
4. Panama Canal
5. Empire State Building
6. St. Peter's Basilica
7. China's Great Wall


While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one student had not finished her paper yet. So she asked the girls if she was having trouble with her list. The girl replied, "Yes a little, because I find so many wonders in the world that I cannot quite make up my mind which seven to choose.

The teacher said, "Well tell us what they are and we may be able to help you."

This was her list...
1. To See
2. To Hear'
3. To Touch
4. To Feel
5. To Laugh
6. To Live
7. To Love

So, I decided I would do a Wonders of My World group with my kiddos at work. I kinda did it the same way the story went, asking the kids what they thought the wonders of the world were and I couldn't believe how smart they were, they named several of the possible Wonders of the World and knew where they were! Then I read them the story and asked them if they felt they had there own Personal Wonders in their lives. They created books and put their own wonders in the books. This is a compilation of what the kids see in their lives as wondrous...

freedom, computers, cameras, dogs, paper, cell phones, helicopters, America, birthdays, music, heat, A/C, to smell, toothpaste, love, family, museums, police, brains, movies, friends, civilization, not to be like negative roles models in their life, hearts, fire fighters, fireworks, Grand Canyon, pets, video games, Walt Disney, education, to see, Facebook, imagination, life, helping others, encouragement, positive roles models, feeding the homeless, playing with kids, teaching, prayer, making others laugh, hope for a better future, to hear, celebrations, religion, food, growth, individuality, dreams, feelings, love, fun, Jesus, small towns, clothes, bedtime stories, church, laughter, teachers, hugs, radio, wishing on stars, books to read, drawings, hospital, to breath, experiences to learn from, smiles, someone who listens to me, choices, and playing

It turned out to be a fantastic group and kids said they really liked it. They talked about how easy it is to overlook the simple things we take for granted and how easy it is to get caught up in all the bad and forget about the good.

So, just a little lesson from young hearts. What are your Wonders of the World?

2 comments:

Abby said...

Walt Disney for sure :) I love that answer!

My Wonders would be...
1. Love
2. Faith
3. Joy
4. Laughter
5. Vacations
6. Memories
7. Family

Great post, Kelly! That made me super happy!

Kelly Rae said...

Thanks Abby, I guess I should've added mine too!
1. Family (This includes my friends too because they are my family when my 'family' can't be there)
2. Laughter
3. Faith
4. Forgiveness
5. Love
6. Marriage
7. Memories

So hard to just choose 7!