The school buses are serviced, washed, and rolling. Our teachers are rested and refreshed and greeting their new scholars. Students are settling into desks and fall routines. Moms and dads have captured first-day pictures and feeling some relief. Another school year has begun.
One of our granddaughters started kindergarten this year. While very ready for this next step, she is both nervous and excited. And instead of the half-day kindergarten of our era, today’s little ones attend for a full day. Kindergarten is a big step for everyone!
I rode to kindergarten with my grandmother who taught fourth grade at my school, Fulton Elementary. I don’t remember being afraid, which is surprising because I really had never been away from my mother for long. But I know I was excited. In a first-day-of-school picture, my hair is pulled tight in a ponytail, and I am wearing my red plaid dress, the unofficial uniform of most little girls in 1964. Mrs. Dorris Bowman was our kindergarten teacher and she was perfect. She had a kind voice, gentle demeanor, and beautiful smile. I don’t remember much, but I do remember playing with my first friend—Larry Shook—on the teeter totter and circling up for songs and stories. It was a safe and gentle transition into the world of academia.
Our children had wonderful kindergarten teachers at Sunset Lake Elementary: Erma Sell and Gail McCloughan. They were everything a kindergarten teacher should be, and somehow managed to corral and calm the adorable mix of five-year-olds. And like my own experience, our children thrived and enjoyed their first school year.
A video of a darling six-year-old appeared on my Facebook feed, which is normally filled with recipe videos, frisky French Bulldog puppies, and home decorating ideas. This charming first grader spoke with confidence about teachers and the qualities they should exhibit.
These five things make a great teacher: they need to be loving, have big smiles, be patient, be smart, and always be kind. “If they’re kind, everyone will be kind.” So true! I love this little fellow’s list. Can you think of kinder people than those who work with young children?
What if we could all practice and demonstrate their lessons?
Show patience in traffic. In repeating instructions. In our interactions throughout our day.
We could be more loving. We can wrap our arms around the friend who is hurting or a child who feels lonely. We can offer love and forgiveness instead of holding on to anger and resentment.
I do believe kindness can diffuse difficult situations. Maybe we say, “Tell me more” or “Let’s sit down and talk about that” instead of immediately becoming defensive. I know that’s hard for me, but not impossible. It’s something I am determined to work on.
Glenn Campbell recorded “Try a Little Kindness” in 1969. It was written by Bobby Austin and Curt Sapaugh.
“You’ve got to try a little kindness,
Yes show a little kindness,
Just shine your light for everyone to see”
It’s a catchy tune and worked its way to up to number two on the country chart. Take a listen. I find the message of kindness challenging but worth trying. I bet you will, too.
It’s a Fine Life.
