Listening with Our Hearts: Our Gratitude to Moms

When we learn to truly listen, we often feel a deep mix of connection, awareness, and sometimes even awe. This kind of listening goes beyond our words - it includes sounds of nature, people’s emotions, cultural rhythms, and the quiet moments in between.

Depending on what we hear and how open we are to it, we may feel a variety of feelings. Sometimes we feel empathetic when we listen deeply to others’ situations

There are times we feel overwhelmed or uncertain; therefore, we may take time to respond accordingly. It is natural, and it is completely okay to take time to process emotions and respond intentionally rather than reactively.

Taking a pause and valid reflection can actually lead to clearer thinking and healthier communication. Listening to others can ground us in the present moment and open us to understanding perspectives beyond our own.

Listening with our hearts makes us ponder on something beautiful and heartfelt idea. It allows us to truly connect with the emotions behind actions, especially in something as tender as we making gifts for our Moms. When we put care into creating something, like a homemade body scrub, it is not just about the gift - it is about love, intention, and thought behind it. It is a small but powerful way to say: "I see you, I appreciate you, and I love you." Here is a simple way to frame the experience so it feels special for both of us and Moms.

This week, our space is full of love, sunshine, and the joyful spirit of Mother’s Day. As we gather in play and creativity, we think deeply about the special people in our lives, our Moms.

With a game that instantly sparks laughter and excitement, Luka, Fides, Emily, and Kalyan are invited into a mystery circle. We gently close our eyes while we hide a tiny pretzel inside rhetorical cookie jar. The game begins quietly. The rule is simple, “If you find the pretzel, don’t say a thing.”

The magic is in the mystery, un the silence, in the waiting. This invitation not only supports turn-taking and self-regulation, but also cultivates a sense of wonder, patience, and shared joy. We love it! Fides’s eyes light up when he carefully, curiously lifts the lid up and finds the hidden snack. He says nothing - he knows the game must go on.

Our play is filled with music. Singing offers us a way to express affection and feel connected. These songs echo in our space like gentle hugs, warming each corner of the room. We sing together:

Mommy, mommy, I love you
Thanks for all the things you do
Hugs and kisses all for you
You are my sunshine when I’m blue
Happy, happy Mother’s Day
I love you more every day.

And also the familiar comfort of: 

Skinamarinky dinky-dink
Skinamarinky doo
I love you in the morning
And in the afternoon
I love you in the evening
And underneath the moon.

Later in the week, we begin our special gifts for our Moms. We notice the sunny days arriving and wonder how we can help. With folded origami paper in hand, we draw on the white side. We carefully illustrate things our Moms love and experiences we enjoy doing together.  

Fides draws flowers for Rachel. Nora writes a letter for Mariana. Kalyan draws him and Sam playing with Legos. While Emily says, "I love my Mom to the moon and back.", she decides to draw it including the sun and the planet, too. In this way, she shows how much love she feels for Marika.

These fans are offerings. Acts of love. Each one carries a story, a feeling, and a memory. Through it all, we honor relationships. We see how capable each one of us in expressing love, gratitude, and connection. 

In moments like these, we are reminded that are role is not to lead, but to listen. A single pretzel in a jar becomes a learning in self-regulation. A folded piece of paper becomes a gift of meaning, and love reveals itself in whispers and drawings. 

​As we prepare for Mother's Day, we begin our day with a heartfelt conversation. We ask ourselves, “What are two things you love about your mom?” Our responses are genuine and full of love.

Fides shares, “She drives me to school and she cooks for me.”

​Nora says, “She sleeps with me sometimes and she hugs me when I am scared.”

​Kalyan answers, “My mom drives me to school and sleeps with me.”

Emily tells us, “My mom drives me to meet friends and I miss my mom.”

And Luka says sweetly, “Mom sleeps with me and mom loves me so much.”

​These beautiful sentiments remind us of the deep bonds between ourselves and our families. Our words give us a glimpse into the unique ways our Moms care for and comfort us, and how even the smallest everyday gestures leave a lasting impact.

​To honor our precious Moms, we create rock photo holders. We carefully place colorful beads on wire wrapped around our chosen rock. 

​Each bead is threaded with love and intention, and we are excited to add photos of ourselves to complete the project. This learning experience not only nurtures fine motor skills but also encourages creative expression and a strong sense of purpose.

It is a joy to witness how thoughtful we are throughout the learning experience. Our pride in creating something special for our Moms truly shines through. As we continue leading up to Mother’s Day, we look forward to more moments that celebrate love, connection, and family.

Wishing all Mothers a Happy Mother’s Day! As the world celebrates you today, but in your family, we celebrate you every day. Thank you for being the best Mom anyone could ever ask for.

Kindest,
Children & Friends.