Put a cork in it

Okay so we have to clarify the phrase "put a cork in it."

We've recently added a visual system of kindness performed at the forest.

There is the "Friend of the Forest" glass jar, "Kind action and Kind word" glass jar and "Eco Effort" glass jar. When an action is committed, such as cleaning a room without being asked, a cork is given to the child to put in the jar.

Yesterday I was catching myself saying, "put a cork in it" all day. I felt like I was in the Cinderella scene where all the birds pull everything together all at once. The kids were suddenly taking pride in their space. Phew...I've been trying to spread this message for 3 years now. They were so into it that at one point I had to say, "put the dustpan down."

Every day I see little buds of expansion occurring in the forest.

Today a broom and a lending hand created a simple and rewarding kind deed.

I knew it struck a chord to the kids when "Maddie-cakes" asked, "Miss Leah can I bring in Halloween decorations to decorate our forest?"

I couldn't have smiled big enough. I knew that she understood the fact that the forest wasn't for us, it was for her. I am so grateful to share these seeds of growth and inspiration. I see it happen every day and I think everyone should learn about the good things that are happening, because there are millions of them.

Sam brought out a broken spoon, 2 buttons, a wooden block, a drum and a mickey mouse hat.

He said to me, "Miss Leah do you want to see what I can make with all of this stuff?"

"Wow," I said. : )