I was having breakfast the other morning with some friends, two of whom are school teachers, and we began talking about the beginning of a new school year. One of the teachers was telling us that she always likes to begin the year in her math class with what she calls a fun formula. “What’s a fun formula?”  We asked.

She gave us the following as an example: Think of a number between one and ten. Then multiply the number by two, add 10, and divided the result by 2. Finally, subtract the number you initially thought of. The result will always be the same – it will be five. It works every time. Try it.

After we all tried out that fun formula and were amazed by it, we asked that teacher why she began her class with that kind of formula. “I do it,” she said “Because I want my students to be in awe of the wonder of learning. I want them to get excited about discovering amazing things. I want them to love learning. I want them to be full of expectation.” 

Wouldn’t you love to have her as your teacher? I know I would. One of the greatest gifts we can give each other is the gift of enthusiasm and joy.  As a new school year is about to begin, why not make a point of passing on some of your enthusiasm to the children in your life?  In fact, pass it on to the adults too!