This is a two-part exercise, a story followed by the Wisdom Share. The story sets the tone for the share instilling in the hearts that through our collective voice, we have wisdom. It lets each child know that they are important- all they do is important, all they say is important, and all they feel is important. Their voice is their expression and their expression is God. As with all storytelling, read this first and then recite to the children with eyes and hearts connecting.
The Story-
Anansi stories originated in West Africa, in Ghana from the Ashanti. I love to start my Anansi stories with a verse that I say and the children repeat:
Anansi was a spider, a lazy, greedy spider; a trickster, who took everything he could for free.
Anansi Tries To Steal All The Wisdom In The World
Watch me tell this story on YouTube below
A long time ago, Anansi the spider, had all the wisdom in the world stored in a huge pot. Nyame, the sky god, had given it to him. Anansi had been instructed to share it with everyone. Every day, Anansi looked in the pot, and learned different things. The pot was full of wonderful ideas and skills. Anansi greedily thought, “I will not share the treasure of knowledge with everyone. I will keep all the wisdom for myself.” So, Anansi decided to hide the wisdom on top of a tall tree. He took some vines and made some strong string and tied it firmly around the pot, leaving one end free. He then tied the loose end around his waist so that the pot hung in front of him. He then started to climb the tree. He struggled as he climbed because the pot of wisdom kept getting in his way, bumping against his tummy. Anansi’s son watched in fascination as his father struggled up the tree. Finally, Anansi’s son told him “If you tie the pot to your back, it will be easier to cling to the tree and climb.” Anansi tied the pot to his back instead, and continued to climb the tree, with much more ease than before. When Anansi got to the top of the tree, he became angry. “A young one with some common sense knows more than I, and I have the pot of wisdom!” In anger, Anansi threw down the pot of wisdom. The pot broke, and pieces of wisdom flew in every direction. People found the bits scattered everywhere, and if they wanted to, they could take some home to their families and friends. That is why to this day, no one person has ALL the world’s wisdom. People everywhere share small pieces of it whenever they exchange ideas.
(Another version here)
The Wisdom Share
Share is a key component in teaching and connecting with children. Learning comes from within and embodiment of that learning is given form through voice. A teacher may guide with words, but memorization of words given by a teacher is not true learning. Each child must be recognized for their contribution to the circle, for being present and being a part of it. They also are recognized for what they are truly- expressions of God- and to do this, they must be seen and heard. When in circle, we often feel resonance in our own lives in the experience others share and are inspired to give voice to that oneness. Thus understanding dawns that together, as One Mind, we experience true wisdom.
In share, we each are given equal time to speak. The leader is given the same amount of time as the children. Before beginning we remind each other of the rules of share:
- The person with the share stick talks
- All others listen with their whole bodies. This means eyes and ears on the person speaking and our hearts are facing them.
The leader may choose a topic to spark ideas but children are allowed to speak about what is relevant for them in the moment. They are also allowed not to speak if they choose. I love for the children to share stories from their home and heart. If they feel they must bring an item, I limit it to only one which is put away after their turn. Sometimes having an item to talk about is easier for those new to sharing.
Sharing at home
This is essentially the same as the family meeting from parenting literature but without the problem solving aspect. It is a chance to let every member of the circle have an equal voice and been seen and heard by everyone else. Use a talking stick or other item to recognize the person talking and agree in advance on the time. In my home, we pass around a tiny pottery storyteller. A person may speak about anything that is important for them in that moment. Unlike the family meeting, a wisdom share at home can be done daily. This is an incredibly powerful and empowering practice for children. It creates family connection and teaches self worth, reciprocity, oneness, patience and listening. Kids LOVE this practice and really look forward to it.
Keeping time
In larger groups or at home when time is short, allow 1-minute per person. At home and if there is time, you may experiment with longer shares but its good to keep it consistent and fair, as adults tend to have longer shares. Try these three ways to keep time:
- An old fashioned sand timer
- A digital alarm
- A human time keeper. This is better in groups of many children, as it provides a chance for movement. It would not work as well in a share at home. The time keeper begins by standing behind the person with the share stick. They walk around the outside of the circle, not to fast, not to slow. The time keeper is instructed not to draw attention away from the person talking by being distracting or walking loudly. When the time keeper reaches the beginning spot, the share is over. The time keeper dances a jig and the rest of the group follows along.
- A fidget spinner
Image Credits
Images are free for commercial use from Pixabay.com. Thank you to the following image authors:
Clasped hands- truthseeker08
Spider – CESAR AUGUSTO RAMIREZ VALLEJO
