As finals season rapidly approaches, one can’t help but wonder what this time of year was like during their first years of school. It’s difficult to recollect a time where the class’s winter holiday party and vacation plans were the only topics of discussion during the final weeks of the semester. In this seemingly difficult time, here are some of the overlooked, forgotten moments everyone experienced in elementary school.

1. Recess

Everyone’s favorite time of the day, even more so than lunch. Recess was a time to play tag, hide in the bushes, learn how to hang upside down from the playground equipment or even just sit around and talk with friends. From hopscotch to full-on soccer games on the field, the possibilities to have fun were endless!

2. Physical Education

Unlike middle school and high school, physical education at elementary school consisted of games that everyone enjoyed, even those who were not athletic at all. The variety of the units was interesting because you could go from cup-stacking one week to learning how to fall properly the next week. Oh, and don't forget the famous parachute games.

3. Friends

Elementary school was a time where everyone was friends because everyone was approachable. There were no cliques, and exclusion was kept to a minimum. If there was ever a new kid at the school, everyone rushed to be the first to befriend them.

4. Teachers

For the most part, elementary school teachers are some of the sweetest, kindest and most patient people I have ever met. Unlike some middle and high school teachers, these teachers genuinely enjoy their jobs (or at least pretend to) making the kids feel safe and welcome always.

5. End-of-the-year parties

Instead of ending the semester with finals, we got to kick off the upcoming break with activities, music, game and fun! The only worry on any kid’s mind was whether or not the class across the hall had better activities planned.

6. Valentine's Day

In elementary school, everyone was your valentine! There was no feeling single or forever alone when showered with the puns on those store-bought cards, and you received more candy in your hand-crafted Valentine mailbox than you ever will in your whole life. Plus, the classmates that gave out Fun-Dip were definitely the cool kids for the week.

7. Visits from the Leprechaun

In addition to pinching all the unfortunate few who forgot to wear green, coming in from recess to find the classroom destroyed by the "leprechaun" was a golden (pun intended) elementary school tradition. For some strange reason, the leprechaun was never caught in the elaborate yarn traps we set before leaving the classroom...Nevertheless, seeing the green toilet water, glitter spilled all over the classroom floor and gold chocolate coins at every desk had us feeling really lucky!

8. Field day

Hands down, field day was the best day of the entire year. A day full of water games, popsicles and cheering for your class could never go wrong. Watching the teachers play tug of war was a personal favorite!

9. Enjoying learning

When we were younger, school was something to look forward to each and every day. Engaging programs such as science force or the TAG program consisted of thought-provoking yet entertaining projects. The ability to challenge our creativity and actually learn the material rather than worrying about the letter grade we would receive is the spark that no longer exists as the pressures around us consume us.