Wow

When was your last “WOW” moment in nature? Sometimes the beauty of God’s creation makes us skip a breath.

Yesterday, we experienced a big “WOW” at Mirowitz. A yellow garden spider — with an abdomen an inch long — was weaving an orb-shaped web right outside the windows in the Kindergarten hallway.

Many teachers modified lessons to take advantage of our friendly visitor. There were sketches and stories and google searches that revealed the benefits of this particular arachnid. Students learned new hebrew words (עַכָּבִישׁ means spider), new blessings (for seeing something awe-inspiring in nature) and were reminded why the Yotzer Or prayer contains the words Mah Rabu Ma’asecha Adonai, “How many are your works, oh God.”

At Mirowitz, we use the nature and the outdoors for learning, not for a break from learning.

In the past week, 2nd graders have released monarchs into the butterfly garden.

3rd graders have learned to identify trees by their bark and leaves, and 4th graders have begun a unit on prairie restoration.

And tonight starts the festival of Sukkot, during which we are instructed to spend time outdoors, no matter the weather, and connect with the rhythms of the earth. Immersing ourselves in nature inspires us, slows us down and helps us recall some important truths:

• We are part of something bigger than ourselves.
• We have been gifted a beautiful planet.
• It is our sacred obligation to make this earth a better place.

We look forward to the WOW moments that await in the week ahead, and to the memories we will make together under the Mirowitz Sukkah. I hope you will join us for our Sukkot Picnic on Wednesday at 4 p.m.

This Sukkot, I hope your children will inspire others with their goodness, and that you carve out some time to be outdoors whatever the weather. Sit out under the stars with your children and ask them how they can use their power to better the world.

Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sukkot Sameach,
Morah Raquel