The Hokey Pokey

Last summer I saw a wall plaque that read- “What if the Hokey Pokey IS what’s it’s all about?” I laughed and then felt a little indignant since I have a clear idea of what “it’s” all about. Since then I’ve seen the same question in a few other places. So I’ve decided to take it on.
My husband and I spent 2 years teaching toddlers at our church. We loved it!! We played the Hokey Pokey frequently. The whole class loved it including the teachers and visiting parents (who were required to join in). Here are the things we learned from doing the Hokey Pokey:
1. We learned to listen carefully to instructions. They were apt to change regularly.
2. We learned to watch and follow the leader’s example.
3. We took turns being leader so we all had a chance to learn about leadership.
4. We learned to work in a group. There wasn’t a lot of room in our classroom. Playing the game meant watching out for those around you so you would not hit them and they could not hit you.
5. We learned that some of us just march to a different beat and that’s OK. There were always the one or two who put their feet in instead of hands or head instead of feet. No one was allowed to criticize them.
6. We learned to mind our own business. We concentrated on our own actions not others.
7. We learned to help one another. Our class ranged in ages of 18 months to 3 years. The older children would often help the younger ones. Kindness and gentleness was highly encouraged.
8. We learned that to continue in the fun we couldn’t get mad, whiny or throw a fit of any kind. That ruined the game for everyone! Those who did were removed from the game until they could “play nice”.
9. We learned that sitting on the sidelines because of our own actions wasn’t much fun.
10. We learned that when we all obeyed the rules we all had a great time!!
And that’s what it’s all about!!! YEAH!! That’s the view from my side of the street, what’s yours?