Coming into a first grade classroom during my sophomore year of college, I never expected to be overwhelmed with so much reassurance. Reassurance that our future is truly in good hands only if we do not skew their current or innocent perspective.
I understand, first graders may or may not have fully experienced the harsh and unaccepting world that we live in. But I would also like you to understand that they may be for the best. Working with these kids and spending time just listening to how they interact with others has made me realize that these students are doing things that our society should really start taking notes on.
Acceptance.
These students do not hold judgments. A public school classroom can be one of the most diverse environments within our communities. A classroom provides opportunities for students of different abilities, races, identification, religions, families, and genders to feel included in the fun that can be learning. Our society can be so judgmental of these micro-cultures that make us who we are. In the classroom, they make no difference to how they work together on a group project about artic foxes and how they catch their food underneath the snow. Everyone still gets to play kickball during their daily game at recess. Nobody is exiled from the group carpet time for being different. This world can be so hateful and excluding, but within the school there is no room for unacceptance.
Fun.
As I have grown up, I have lost my ability to just have fun and let loose. Just today I watched as my group of first graders sang a song about opinions. The song was educational, but it was enjoyable for the entire classroom. Throughout the song the students were singing as loud as the could between their laughs, making up dance moves to follow the words, and understanding the true meaning of this opinion song. There was a lesson behind the song, but it was fun. The seriousness that the world can be outside of a first grade classroom can be so discouraging. No one wants to have fun when social injustice is occurring or the fear of terrorism is prevalent. These students may or may not be hearing about these issues in and outside of the classroom, but they never effect the student's ability to see positivity in other things. During the attacks on Paris, we addressed what had happened that following Monday, but within an hour the students were able to have asked any existing questions and move on to a hands-on science activity. They understood the seriousness and sadness of the attacks but were also able to have fun enjoying their experience with tuning forks and vibrations.
Resilience.
Describing a group of first graders as resilient may seem a little strange, I understand. These first graders are some of the toughest people out there. Many students struggle with reading and writing or comprehending what is being asked of them during a lesson. Others struggle with fitting into a social conversation or fighting their perceived stereotype. But let me tell you something, these students do not give up. They continue to fight to understand their lesson and achieve their goals. They push others to never give up. If a student is struggling with sounding out a word or reading the board another will be the first to volunteer to help in any way possible. I mean it when I say it and I will say it many times, these students never give up. I admire this dedication and their motivation, I certainly wish that I had it. Growing up I was taught to sometimes accept things for what they are. That sometimes giving up may be the best option. I was proven wrong the day that I walked into my placed classroom. It is never okay to just give up. Always fight for yourself and have that first grader resilience.
These first graders may not fully understand that they are exhibiting these traits in their actions during school, but I have observed these traits and have applied them to my life. I truly believe that our world is in capable hands if we allow these students to maintain their current perspective of the world. Understanding reality is important, but by filling their heads with these hateful, discouraging, and serious opinions will do harm to them and others. First graders may be innocent, but they may just have the secret to happiness and being the best that we can possibly be.
