Joy in Learning

At my children's elementary school they do a Famous American's project in 2nd grade.  I do not have a 2nd grader this year, but I do help out in a 2nd grade classroom.  Today during my volunteer time we were working on revising and editing their writing about their famous American's.  I have to say, it was a lot of fun!  Helping out at the school is always fun and I find it to be very rewarding.  Today thoughh was extra fun.  I asked each child who their famous American was and their faces just lit up when they would tell me.  Mary Lou Retton, Paul Revere, Neil Armstrong, Squanto, Abraham Lincoln, Maria Tallchief they told me.  Paul Revere rode his horse to let people know the British were coming during the Revolutionary War!  Mary Lou Retton won 5 Olympic medals!  Neil Armstrong was the first man to walk on the moon!  Squanto helped the pilgrims!  Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves!  Maria Tallchief was the first prima ballerina at the Paris Opera ballet!  Their eyes sparkled as they told me all the things they had learned about their famous American.  I learned something today too, as I had never heard of Maria Tallchief.  I love watching kids excitement as they learn.  Whether it be learning about a famous person from history or learning how to ride a bike.  If only we as adults still found such joy in learning!