
Maria and Oonagh’s Little Hearts
by Maria Brown
Our kindergarteners and first graders want to share the things in their rooms, their pets, their favorite toy. And we patiently hold space for them on these screens, being present, smiling, hoping to teach them, among other things, how to share and show empathy. Today, one of our students said to Oonagh, “I am not feeling myself today,” and Oonagh replied, “Oh, I am so sorry! I am going to send you a heart. I love you and hope you have a better day!” She placed a heart into the Zoom classroom. And then I said, “Me, too! I am sending you a heart as well.” And suddenly, hearts started popping up all over the screen. Our students were sharing their hearts.
This felt like a big moment of connection. After all, isn’t the heart the starting point for all important learning? We are here every day holding up our students. And they are holding us up, too, with their little acts of love and revelation, with their expressions of genuine frustration and enthusiasm. This is the moment we are in.