"And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them" (Mark 10:16 ESV)

With just one day to officially celebrate National Lutheran Schools Week, students were excited to Play Together during a school-wide game hour. We give thanks for our minds and bodies - blessings from the Creator - allowing us to pray, learn, serve, and play.

Play Together - Mrs. Schmick

Children + playing = learning. Hands-down, one of the best equations ever. Our days in the Jr. include a wonderful balance of not only instruction but also play. Whether a student is completing a puzzle inside or participating in a game of tag outside, they are learning. Both surroundings are perfect environments for little minds and bodies to use kind words (Mrs. Schmick, may you please play animals with me?), increase patience (as they wait in line to kick a soccer ball), and build muscle strength and coordination (as they climb steps and ladders and catch footballs).

More importantly, the underlying theme ever present in any environment is the second and greatest commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). Our little ones practice this big concept daily. While at play they learn: we are all friends; we are all neighbors; we all play together; we like to win but can lose with a smile; we have feelings that can be hurt but can forgive. With added benefits of increasing problem solving skills and following directions, they will learn to pump themselves on their swings and sit on the sidelines when they are out. Their love of playing will continue as they grow and learn that they will never be too old to play; that their physical, mental, and spiritual activity will contribute to their personal well-being. The Jr. Kindergarten class invites you to come play with us. Come be a princess or a good guy, an evil foe catcher or a leper. Let’s be neighbors and play together.