So let's be real. We are all out here doing our personal best (most days). Nobody has the perfect plan, or life. I started working at my son's middle school in May- and the things I've learned! HA! First, it's clear the kids that are struggling, or coming from a potentially unhealthy home environment. They are coming from all different upbringings. Some are clearly exposed to aggressive behavior, lashing out etc. I've seen the reactive kids push desks, overreact, speak hurtfully towards classmates, talk down on themselves and others. They lack emotional intelligence and awareness. They struggle to identify, and process emotions. It makes each day a bigger struggle for them than it should ever have to be. I see these kids daily come in, talk about dropping out at the age of 11! When I was that age, I didn't even know that was a possibility, yet here I am with middle schoolers planning on their academic exit. It's interesting, and frustrating.
It's hard to come in each day and know that some of the kids don't care to try. They've already made the choice to give up on themselves or their academic career. After being here for a few months, it's clear that they may just need some extra help, guidance, or maybe just a person to listen and care about what they're saying. It's not easy being a kid. It's hard, it's loaded with "rights" and "wrongs". It's full of curiosity, questions, moments of learning and overflowing with unsolicited opinions. Go back to the days you were a kid. Remember what it was like constantly being told what you can and can't do, where you can and can't go, what you should and shouldn't be doing, etc. Don't touch this, don't say that, stand up straight, stop talking back, don't slouch, fix your shirt, tie your shoes, stop touching, don't say that, pick up your room, try harder etc. The list goes on and on- it's insane. The expectation of children to behave, think and function as adults is sick. Let them be kids- challenge, guide and listen to them.
So many people look at kids as an inconvenience rather than a learning opportunity. Teachers can look at a kid and see a challenge rather than an opportunity to grow. These kids teach me as much as I teach them. They are just doing their best, same as me each day. They have big feelings, ideas, struggles, and hearts. They are often overlooked because they're kids. I look at them and see the future. I see a room full of leaders, chefs, future law enforcement, teachers, doctors, therapists, artists. I know that their potential is not measured by a test score, but rather by the amount of ambition, determination and will they have. A test score does not define a good or bad person. It is not a fair way to assess students, or their worth for the future. Some of the most successful people I know have never gone to college- it's not a requirement to survive. It's nice, but unnecessary for a lot of today's careers #facts.
These kids didn't ask to be a part of the rat race, and it's long overdue for revamp. I can hope one day our education system gets an overhaul. I can do my part to encourage them, their dreams and push for better changes FOR them all. Kids don't have to be conditioned for a 9-5 job through the duration of school. We all are capable of learning in a multitude of ways. The system is not set up to educate, but rather condition for productivity as an employee. Not everyone is a reader. Some are more hands-on. Some need to watch, try and learn through trial and error. Let them live, experience and figure things out on their own- this is where education actually happens- the little moments we are surrounded by.
Point? Learn to listen to the kids. Learn to put yourself in their place, and remember what it was like to struggle with things at their age. You didn't always have all the answers, and nobody expected you to. Grades are not everything. Stop thinking that today's kids should be treated the same way we were. Now that we know better, it's time to do better. It's time to give them the tools to create a brighter future for our society as a whole. Let them learn to critically think, question, experiment and believe in themselves.
Dreams are meant to be lived, not crushed.
If you are a teacher or a parent, please take the time to listen to the littles. I promise they're not intentionally being troublesome, hurtful, or a handful. They're doing the best they can and know how based on their life experiences to this point. Dig deeper, find the underlying reasons, listen, question, support and love them when it's the hardest, that's when we all need it the most.
Peace and Love,
Samantha J.
a.k.a. Mrs. M
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