Of eraser shavings

I have a childhood peeve - stepping on eraser shavings on the floor. I didn't ( and still don't) like that gritty feeling and the shavings make my feet itch. So I usually bin them straight into the wastepaper basket. It makes the learning space cleaner for everyone too.

I don't usually insist that the kids do as I do. For some, dealing with eraser shavings my way, in addition to their learning and writing, would be overstretching their attention. I would, however, just sweep the shavings into the bin when they being to accumulate.

During one session, a little was working up a little heap of eraser shavings. It was her scheduled "independent work" time so I didn't intervene. After her task, she got up quite unexpectedly and trotted over to where the wastepaper bin was. She brought it back and placed the bin right next to the table. She carefully swept the shavings into the bin. The best part - she did it so nonchalantly as if she has always been doing it. 

At the end of the session, I acknowledged what she did, "I saw that kiddo. Thank you for helping keep the room clean!" She beamed. 

I guess as what LR Knost had written: Little eyes watch what we do far more than little ears hear what we say. It's how we live, not how we demand they live, that has the most impact on who our children will become."