On Mondays

On Mondays Tucker has the opportunity to tell classmates about his weekend.  Last weekend he went to the Buckeye spring game with his Grandpa.  He had a playdate with some kindergarten friends and built an indoor obstacle course with his little brother.  He spent one morning at the playground, enjoyed delivery pizza on the patio, made a trip to the library for new front porch books.  What he chose to tell his class about, though, was the science experiment he read about and conducted right before bed.  He made paper flowers and folded the petals over to conceal small bugs drawn inside.  The flower petals opened when he put them in water, the thinner the paper, the faster the unfolding.  It had something to do with the wood fibers soaking up the water he said he told his friends.  And then he invited those who might like to know more to find him at recess.

There are so many things I love about Tuck.  The way the whole world is a workshop, the way he shows up early for every course, full of skeptical interrogation and sincere inquisitiveness.  The way he wears his emotions right on the surface, how his eyes, the color of rich compost, brim with empathy and how, when he smiles, it feels like the sun is coming out.  The way he is patient with his brother, his compassion often leading him to sacrifice what he really wants simply for the happiness of his sibling.  The way he remembers his sister but lives mostly present tense, the way he doesn't worry too much.  The way his smart sneaks out even though he knows it's far more important to be kind.

Throughout the week we've done more science, the big book of experiments from Aunt Molly his latest obsession.  We made tornados in a mason jar with dish soap and vinegar.  Next up is a bottle with holes at the base that will spin as it drains to demonstrate water power.

I know that great minds don't all think alike.  But I've been a little afraid to ask whether anyone actually found him at recess.

photo by Jeff Shirazi