by Mattie Stepanek

 

Some people think that

Wishing is childish.

But, wishing is

For everybody.

Wishing can help the

Young grow into the

Wisdom of age.

Wishing is not

Prayer or magic,

But, somewhere in between.

Like prayer and magic,

Wishing brings optimism,

And wishing brings hope.

And like prayer and magic,

Wishing brings new ideas,

And sometimes,

The touch of new life.

And that, is essential

For our future.

 

Stepanek, Mattie J.T. 2001.  Journey through heartsongs.  New York:  Hyperion Books.  ISBN:  0786869429.

 

 

The idea of wishing for something actually bringing optimism, hope, and new ideas is true.  Have the students spend some time making a list of wishes.  Have them pick their favorite wish, write it on a piece of paper, and put it in a wish box, along with the rest of the class wishes.  Put this box away and weeks or months later, open up the wish box and share the wishes.  (Let the students know what your plan is, and if they do not want their wish shared, have them write that on the paper.  Let them know it will all be anonomyous.)