5 Life Lessons My Elementary Schoolers Taught Me
Discovering wisdom in the elementary school classroom
Published in New Writers Welcome
Oct 16, 2023
I previously worked in an elementary school, it was my first job out of graduate school. I loved my school and students. It was probably one of the best experiences, and I’d probably still be working there if life didn’t get in the way.
5 Life Lessons My Elementary Schooler Taught Me
Simplicity is so important
My students would do anything for a sticker to add to their collection. They loved their desk pets. I need to step back from life and take moments to adore the simple things in life, like taking 15 minutes to sit outside and drink my coffee. Or when I spend the time folding my bathroom towels properly. The simplicity of miniscule tasks and things are joys in life. I am grateful for those little moments.
Tell everyone you love them
Elementary students are overflowing with love and emotions — endless hugs and invites to birthday parties, dinners, and play dates. I needed the reminder to tell my friends and family that I love them. We never know when it's our last moment on earth. It’s so important to share our emotions and feelings with those who mean the most to us.
Compliments go far
Elementary students are still sweet and innocent and shower you with compliments. I learned to throw them back. I compliment every student. Compliments make me feel good inside, and it’s such a simple task that can make someone’s day. Compliment their cool light-up shoes, their new shirt, and their funny, kind demeanor. It’s also important to complement their personality and effort. My favorite compliment to give is, “You're trying so hard, you should be proud of yourself!”
Learning is hard
Our little students are expected to learn so much in a short period. It’s important to be empathetic to student burnout. These kids are learning multiplication tables, reading comprehension skills, and geography while going through confusing and constant growth spurts. One day a student’s voice will drop, a huge change in their body, and I’m focused on teaching them vocabulary. These kids deserve our empathy.
Flexibility isn’t forever
Little kids are so flexible it’s crazy. This is something I need to practice daily. It’s so important to realize if I don’t stretch, I will lose my flexibility and grace. I am not a 5-year-old. I need to nurture my body through pilates, yoga, flex classes, and barre. If I don’t stretch, my body will start changing and I start squeaking like the Tin Man in “The Wizard of Oz.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, I love being a speech therapist and working with elementary school students. Their life views of empathy, innocence, creativity, and wonder are qualities I strive to implement in my personal life.