Lessons Learned from a Sixth Grader
from Annette Elton
I had the opportunity to spend the past two days helping my daughter’s advanced science class do research on animal habitats and enclosures at the local zoo. I went into it thinking it would be a fun thing to do and a good way to spend a little time with my daughter. It was both and it was sooo much more!
I learned that you couldn’t pay me enough to be a sixth grade teacher. Individually the children were wonderful and interesting, as a group their hormones get all mixed up and it is a constant struggle for individuality and peer acceptance. Tough stuff! I spent a majority of the day yesterday trying to keep two wonderful boys from fighting and at the same time make sure they had the information they needed for their project.
I was also reminded to be incredibly grateful for the wonderful teachers my children do have. (and to not be so hard on them when they don’t tell me what I want to hear. )
Lastly, I was reminded to be extremely grateful for finding a profession that I love, that provides a nice income, and that allows me to spend two days with sixth graders so I can learn these lessons!
Life is good!
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Around 6th grade is about the time that peer acceptance really starts kicking in. It seems like each age there is some obstacle to get through.
I used to run a day care out of my home and would have a lot of teachers say to me that they would never be able to do what I do. But in reality I think their job is a much tougher job than mine was any day.
I used to work in education (K-8) and you’re right, the hormones turn those sweet little kids you’ve known since preschool into OMG! kids from another planet.
I coached soccer (6th – 8th grade) for a few years and every day at practice I was reminded why my regular job was working with 1st graders.
That’s awesome Annette, I’m so thankful that I can do this type of thing too. I’ve spent time with my son’s year 6 class and boy they are tough! I’m always in pure admiration of these teachers, I certainly couldn’t do it.
I’ve noticed the whole thing about peer pressure at this age too but also some of them are so grown up, especially the girls! Our school does a dance/disco for them and I helped out, the girls looked so grown up in their clothes and dancing. The boys kinda just huddled or ran around and crashed into each other, LOL.
LOL Annette! Nothing like walking a mile in someone’s shoes to remind you of all that you have to be thankful for. The teacher in me is so glad that another parent has a newfound appreciation of all that it takes to teach. Glad you had such a good time.
Kit
I’m glad that I homeschool so I can learn from my kids on a regular basis. I’m really not sure who’s learning most – them or me.
Thanks for the heads-up on the 6th grade hormones (my oldest will be in 6th next year). Teachers really do have their work cut out for them with these kids and the issues they deal with today. Unfortunately, they don’t get always get parental support.