Stories and activities are a great way to teach lessons by looking at a different perspective. It definitely takes a village to raise children. I believe this based on my own experience (growing up as we all have) and from what I have seen with my own children. Sometimes lessons are best received from another person’s perspective. Would you agree? Do you remember a time where your parents would try to tell you something over and over again and you couldn’t see the reason or value in what they where trying to tell you. THEN someone, maybe a family friend, says the same exact thing your parents where saying and ALL OF THE SUDDEN it CLICKS? May be this is my own experience. But I quickly understood why it is also important to be among similar minded people or people who hold the same values and morals because you never know what lessons might stick.
Sorry to go off on a tangent. Reading fun stories with my children is on of many ways I broaden their mind and get them to see a different perspective. On a recent family trip to the library—a place that has become a treasure trove of learning and discovery for us—we stumbled upon a gem titled "A Pride of African Tales." Within this collection, the story "Anansi's Fishing Expedition" particularly struck a chord with us. This tale, well-known in Ghana and reflective of our heritage, mirrors the dynamics we often see at home.
This is now a favorite of mine and my children as we laughed as we read the story. Anviel is one of my middle children and of course, cute. He has faced his fair share of hurdles with sharing and learning responsibility, especially with his younger sister. At the age of 3, (I know he is a toddler) he is beginning to learn responsibility and how to complete tasks on his own. As he cannot always ask mommy or one of his sisters to do it for him. I know this comes as a shock to you.
This story helped him see from his childlike point of view a different perspective as he himself grows and learns. In the story, Anansi, the clever spider, teaches a lesson about cleverness, community, and the unexpected consequences of selfishness, which resonated deeply with Anviel. It was a profound moment to see a story articulate so clearly what happens in our own living room, and it has since become a part of my "mommy learning stories," which I refer to often.
Sharing these stories is not only educational for the children but also a reminder of important life lessons for me. The ancestral wisdom embedded in these tales offers us a glimpse into our rich heritage and the timeless lessons it holds. It’s exciting to think about what other insights and empowerment we can derive from future library visits.
Our family’s journey through books not only helps us tackle day-to-day challenges but also strengthens our connection to our cultural roots. We can’t wait to discover more stories that illuminate our paths and enrich our understanding of ourselves and each other. Join us as we continue to explore, learn, and grow together through the powerful medium of storytelling.