On February 19, 2012, I was engaged in my usual routine when my second grade son, Michael Craddock Haddad came and gave me a work he had completed. I took the note book. I turned the page opened before me. The truth is, initially when I took the notebook from son, my attention was divided. So my first glance was done in a somewhat reluctant manner. But then my first hasty glance at the page drew my attention to the captivating subject [Science) and topic: George Washington Carver. That captivation compelled me to look again at the work. This time, I looked eagerly and intently at the work and was honestly pleased that I took the few minutes from my work to look at what this second grader had done. I was delighted for his initiative, and truly happy to see that my son was demonstrating what he had learned in such a logical manner.
Most importantly, in order to also motivate creative expression, learning and also to reinforce positive behavior, I expressed my genuine admiration for my son’s work in many ways: hugs, smiles, and verbally told him that his work was amazing, also noting his initiative and creativity. This is the work my son voluntarily did on that day: Click image to see larger view
