Nia means purpose. I had a hard time at first explaining this one to my daughters. At first they were stuck on "purpose" as something negative, as in doing something unkind or hurtful on purpose. But that Kwanzaa craft book I spoke of earlier had a wonderful definition:
"To have a plan for the future and use our talents and abilities to achieve that purpose. When we can, we should also help others to develop their talents and achieve their goals."
So, using that definition we talked about their plans and hopes and dreams for the future. Some were more realistic than others. Some will likely change. But the idea is that they have an idea that there are certain things they can do now to "work on" these plans--and even if those plans change the preparation can be important and fun.
One of my daughters wants to be a conductor, so she talked about continuing to learn about music and instruments and maybe taking music lessons at school someday. The other daughter wants to be a princess and a veterinarian. So, she plans to learn more about princesses, and dress up like a princess, and learn about animals and maybe get a pet someday. Both daughters want to marry each other when they grow up. (This is a theme from several weeks ago that resurfaced during our nia conversation. A long story for another time.) I suggested that if they want to go to college together and live together someday, then in the meantime they should work on being kind to each other, cooperating, etc.
We also listened to their "That's So Raven" CD. Don't laugh. It's actually not bad: Not too adult and not too sugary sweet. Yeah Lindsay Lohan is on it, but also Chaka Khan and Cheryl Lynn. Anyway, one of the songs is Des'ree's "You Gotta Be." In a flash of inspiration, I decided that this was a perfect song to encompass our nia lesson for today. I wrote the first two verses and the chorus (with some modifications) on three pages of big printing chart paper my husband bought from a teachers' supply store. These lyrics are now posted in the girls' playroom. Nice inspirational words, whether you're four or forty.
Listen as your day unfolds
Challenge what the future holds
Try and keep your head up to the sky
People, they may cause you tears
Go ahead release your fears
Stand up and be counted
Don't be ashamed to cry
You gotta be
You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser
You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together
All I know, all I know, love will save the day
Herald what your mother said
Reading the books your father read
Try to solve the puzzles in your own sweet time
Some may have more cash than you
Others take a different view
Always try to make up your own mind...
(See this site for full original lyrics.)
Posted by perry032 at December 30, 2004 10:57 AM | TrackBack