Joyous chatter among the little people.

I am allotted a precious 15 minutes for a break during my 5 hour afternoon shift. During this time I attempt to hide from my charges and my co-workers and have a quiet moment. Sometimes I scarf down a cup of milky tea in our staff room. More often than not I drink my tea and hide in the office that is attached to our main room. Hiding this way I can observe the children and staff, mostly unnoticed. It is opportunity to witness the interactions of the people I spend my afternoons with. I want to see proof that we are doing our best, we are making progress, that attachments are being made and maintained, and that the children are happy in who they are. This past Friday I hear happy voices chatting away. I realize it was Chinese I head being spoken. Then two small people rush past the office door giggling. I poke my head out and ask with a big smile on my face, "Were you two just speaking Chinese to each other!?" The girl who can be quite quiet at times answers with a resounding, "Yes!" I acknowledged, "That is so cool!" It made my heart rejoice that they were using their home language at daycare with such joy and boisterousness. It was a small bit of proof that they feel safe to be themselves. I do not need to know what they were chatting about. I do need to know that they have no shame using home language at daycare.