At the intersection of magic and science

Hamish had some big news the other day:

 He lost his first tooth!

He told the story of how he lost it, and how he had his first visit from the tooth fairy. This led to a discussion about the tooth fairy, and how she gets into a child's room at night. There were many theories, and I asked the children to write them down. Some children theorized that she was simply so tiny that she crawled under the door.

"I saw a tooth fairy ball."

Others were sure she traveled in a purple ball of light that allowed her to go through walls and doors.

-front-

-back-
"The ball pulls the tooth and brings it into the ball."

 Jack thought she used Santa's trick and went down the chimney.

Regardless of their theories, many children wanted to show off their teeth and tell their stories.

THIS is one of the many reasons I love kindergarteners. There is a whimsical, innocent blend of magic and science in 4,5 and 6 year olds. Through their eyes, science is magic and magic is science. I wish children could hold on to their innate belief in magic a little longer...until they are just a bit older. All too soon, they won't BELIEVE anymore. The ephemeral nature of childhood is why we the teachers honour their beliefs, rather than telling the "truth". To our students, the tooth fairy is truth.

 As adults, our own travels in the magical realm are long passed. But it's a fantastic experience to visit that whimsical world everyday (and get paid to do it). I love this job!