More Than Storytime

When she visited her grandson's classroom to read a story to the children, Maria Morera Johnson was reminded of the importance of our gift of presence.

Storytime at my grandson’s pre-school was a mix of chaos and love. When I walked in, I heard my name from across the room and suddenly, I was caught by the knees by a rambunctious newly-minted 5-year-old. The story was almost impossible to read. So many questions, so much movement, so much comfortable presence that these children surrounded me, hugged me, and called me Grandma. It was a delightful break for the teacher, and pleasure for me, and I’ll never forget the pride in my grandson’s eyes that said, “That’s my grandma.”

I remembered this when I read for my older grandson. Reading to a classroom of first-graders proved more humbling than addressing the audience at a professional conference. Would I be liked? Am I going to embarrass my grandchild? Is the teacher going to judge me for my book choice? All my insecurities dissolved the moment my grandchild spied me through the door. The surprise on his face changed instantly to understanding when he realized I was the mystery reader for that day’s book time.

I love this idea of a “mystery reader.” Moms and dads and other family members show up to reading time, surprising their little loved ones with a favorite book to share with the class. On the surface it seems like such a little thing to do. After all, it takes only about 10 or 15 minutes to read a picture book to a group of children. But it’s much more than that. The book needs to be selected with care. What stories are appropriate for the grade level? What will entertain while also provide a lesson the children can carry forward?

I realized that this invitation which I accepted so readily carried more weight than just showing up as a visitor to read a book. It was an act of service for these precious children whom I love.

The Gift of Presence Is Far-Reaching

That moment of recognition when I arrived at the classroom door, a familiar and loving face in an unexpected place, was more than a moment of joy. It turned an ordinary day into something special — I hope for my grandsons, but certainly for me. We often hear about how beneficial it is for children to engage with their grandparents, but the reverse is just as powerful. Seeing my grandsons in their daily element at school gave me a glimpse into their world.

It’s easy for me to focus on my grandchildren, but I also understand that showing up for them was also showing up for the other children in the class. This moment of connection and recognition filled with the warmth and attentiveness of my voice was a sincere offering of my time. It came not out of obligation, as I could have easily begged off the invitation, but because it was a shared moment of delight. The children wanted to share their responses to the events in the story. They validated the action in the story by pointing out the pictures and sharing their own thoughts and motivations behind them.

The engagement was real, and I like to think it helped them learn to connect with other adults of my generation. I delighted in their responses and made certain that I listened actively to each one, grateful for their own attentiveness while I read to them.

As a former teacher myself, I also recognize this as a gift to their teacher. Perhaps those few minutes of respite from having to be “on” for the class was a much-needed break. I saw her complete some paperwork at her desk. I saw her relax for a few minutes when she saw the children engaged and that she could let me lead for a while. And I noted the moment when she was able to observe her students from a different angle, and perhaps that gave her something to think about as these guests reveal a little something about the children’s world outside the classroom. To be sure, she must have felt proud to see her efforts at classroom management pay off in a well-behaved and polite group.

Being Seen; Being Loved

These small and seemingly ordinary moments demonstrate the importance of familial relationships that span generations. This is a different kind of witness that carries with it the presence of extended family, that the children have roots that exist beyond the classroom: that they are loved and known. In many ways, it anchors children in the knowledge of where and who loved them first. These intergenerational experiences are more than just the moment itself but about a lasting message it leaves with the child, quietly shaping their sense of belonging and identity.

In a deeper sense, it embodies the heart of faith: Children learn that love is not abstract but action. Whatever the event may be that disappears into memory, this presence models our faith in the gentle understanding that like a grandparent who draws near, who enters in our day, who delights in us, we have a God who shows up again and again with tenderness and love.

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Copyright 2026 Maria Morera Johnson
Images: Canva