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A Defining Time

What resides in the mind of a 4th grader can often surprise us.  The notions, beliefs, and views of the world that come forth at this age can precipitate a sense of wonderment in the social development of humans.  Witnessing the evolution of the mind and the implications therein, make for a worthwhile journey.

A discussion about friendships, respect, and politeness entered our classroom this week.  The conversation came on the heels of an "Ease the Tease" assembly and classroom presentation.  The message was clear:  bullying is not acceptable. 
  
I watched the performance in the morning as it was a 3-5 assembly.  Hundreds of kids, several teachers, & a handful of PTA members scrunched in the Multi-Purpose Room and learned and reviewed strategies for dealing with bullying, teasing, and disrespect.  The message was clear:  You have the power to stop inappropriate behaviors.

I further watched the classroom presentation following the assembly.  It allowed my students to try the strategies spoken of at the assembly.  It allowed the discussion of "how to treat one another" to be opened.  The message was clear:  Disrespect is not acceptable.

After the "crew" of actors left, I set aside my lesson plans and took the opportunity that lay before me to engage my students in a discussion that quite frankly surprised me with its content.

We began by speaking about respect for one another and moved on to friendships.  The kids became quite involved in this part of the conversation.  They led the discussion to places of exploration such as how to be a good friend; how many friends is desirable to have; how to strengthen friendships when there is a disagreement; how to help a person who finds themselves friend-less.  This group of 26 nine and ten year-olds brought to the table a mature conversation; expressing personal experiences filled with happy moments, sad moments, and even some scary moments.  I noticed that in their frailty of childhood they were strong.  I found that behind their silliness they thought deeply about things sometimes.  I was humbled to listen to stories that ended with tears welling in some eyes only to be quelled by the words of another.  I witnessed a maturing moment in my students.

We all know growing up is not easy...no one ever said it would be.  My students are in the throws of it as I write this and you read it.  They are at a point where they can and will make conscious decisions on who and what they will be to one another.  It an exciting time for them...a defining time at that.

"It makes no sense to try and be someone you're not because that person is already taken."  ~4th Grader

    
Mr. Casten
March 21 2014
Copyrighted material of Michael C. Casten

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