Our future world changers

Sometimes I have to stop and remind myself that each student is going to grow up someday, and be an adult.  They are the future decision-makers of the world WE live in.  They are going to be politicians, police officers, doctors, musicians, teachers, lawyers, artists, etc.  When I'm old, these students will be entering the career field, making a difference in the world and affecting MY life, too.

Unfortunately, we can't bottle them up and keep them little forever.  I forget that their world doesn't stop at the end of the school year, and that even though you will get a new bunch of students to start over with, they will continue growing up and learning to be an adult, hopefully making it into the real world.

Yikes.  No pressure, right?  

There is so much more to school and teaching than instructing lessons and giving tests in order for students to learn what the curriculum says they are supposed to  learn.  I wrote a blog entry a while back about teachers being SO much more than just "teachers" (see the blog click here).  They are parents, counselors, doctors, party planners, detectives, etc.  You get the idea.

I've caught myself lately feeling more like a parent.  With it being winter, I think kiddos get feisty and a little restless.  I can't begin to tell you how many times I've said the following in a day lately:

"Keep your hands to yourself, please!"

"Only worry about yourself, not others!"

"Unless it's life or death, please don't tattle!"

"What are you arguing/fighting about?"

"Please pick up after yourself"

I'm hoping you're chuckling to yourself because you know you understand where I'm coming from.  :)

Those statements revolve around basic social/life lessons that I thought my fourth graders knew pretty well.  Maybe not.  Whether it's the mid-year disease, restless syndrome, or they are just being a little naughtier than usual, I can't tell.  But one thing I do know is that as their teacher/mother/detective/counselor/etc, it's my job to also teach the social and behavior skills necessary to arm them with the proper values necessary to be a functioning adult in this world.

Let me remind you, they WILL be in charge when we are old and feeble.  Yikes again!

I try to remind myself that these life skills and values are equally as important as the curricula.  One of my favorite quotes (and posters) that I have reads:

How fitting for the occasion?  Yes, our students - whether you have 5, 18, 25, or 40 - are as 'they' call it, future world-changers.  If we can make a difference in their minds now, imagine how bright the future will be!

Emily :)