The Pencil Maker

Posted March 25, 2024

Dr. Tamar Andrews

Director of Early Childhood Education

Dr. Tamar Andrews has been working in the field of early childhood education for over 30 years. She began her career as a classroom teacher and then moved into early childhood administration working in schools that were affiliated with Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox philosophies, and has served as the early childhood education director at Temple Isaiah in Los Angeles since 2003. As a university professor, Dr. Andrews has taught courses ranging from the theoretical foundations of growth and development to how social policies affect children and their education. As a consultant and trainer, Dr. Andrews has spoken at over 400 conferences and symposia where she has presented on curriculum models, theory and administration issues. A California Mentor Director and international consultant and trainer, she has worked both extensively in California, the United States as well as in countries as far away as Azerbaijan and China. Dr. Andrews was born in Israel and raised in Los Angeles and educated in our Jewish schools. She is married to Edward Andrews and has four grown children and one granddaughter.

As a mom of four and now a proud Safta (grandmother) of three, stories have always held a special place in my heart. They're more than just bedtime entertainment; they're a way to connect with my children, share life lessons, and spark their imaginations.

One powerful tool I've found for teaching values is the art of storytelling. When advice is wrapped in a captivating narrative, it becomes more relatable and leaves a lasting impression. Today, I want to share a story that has resonated with me for years: The Pencil Maker.

Imagine a wise and kind pencil maker who poured his heart into crafting each pencil. Before sending them out into the world, he'd hold them in his hand and whisper a secret message: He'd say, "There are five things you need to remember..."

"You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in someone’s hand."
"You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you will need it to become a better pencil."
"You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make."
"The most important part of you will always be what’s inside."
"On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write."

The pencil, filled with purpose, embarked on its journey, forever remembering the wisdom of the maker.

This story beautifully illustrates the importance of embracing challenges, learning from mistakes, and leaving a positive mark on the world. Just like the pencil, we all go through periods of sharpening and refinement. These challenges, though difficult, ultimately make us stronger and wiser. The most valuable part of us, however, lies within – our character, our resilience, and our compassion.

Stories have a unique ability to bypass our defenses and allow us to absorb advice more effectively. They make the message relatable by placing us in the character's shoes, allowing us to learn from their experiences. So, the next time you have a message to share, consider weaving it into a captivating story. You might be surprised by how much more effectively it resonates with your students. Let's all keep sharing stories and make sure to leave your mark. Oh! What a world it could be.

by Dr. Tamar Andrews

Dr. Tamar Andrews

Director of Early Childhood Education

Dr. Tamar Andrews has been working in the field of early childhood education for over 30 years. She began her career as a classroom teacher and then moved into early childhood administration working in schools that were affiliated with Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox philosophies, and has served as the early childhood education director at Temple Isaiah in Los Angeles since 2003. As a university professor, Dr. Andrews has taught courses ranging from the theoretical foundations of growth and development to how social policies affect children and their education. As a consultant and trainer, Dr. Andrews has spoken at over 400 conferences and symposia where she has presented on curriculum models, theory and administration issues. A California Mentor Director and international consultant and trainer, she has worked both extensively in California, the United States as well as in countries as far away as Azerbaijan and China. Dr. Andrews was born in Israel and raised in Los Angeles and educated in our Jewish schools. She is married to Edward Andrews and has four grown children and one granddaughter.

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