As I wrap up my fifteenth year of teaching fifth graders, I’ve taken some time to make a few reflections. I have taught for thirteen years at a Classical Christian school and two years at a Christian school, but everywhere fifth graders are the same. They are awesome, and I love them!
Recently I ran across a former student who was then in upper school. During the course of our short conversation he quipped about my still teaching fifth grade: “They haven’t let you out yet?!” haha I thought, “No, no, they haven’t, and I hope they never will.”
When my own personal children were in middle school, one of them remarked one day that I used to say that whatever current age or grade they were in was my favorite age. Nope. Not any longer. I stalled out in fifth. I have camped out in fifth grade and remained there. Why? Let me tell you.
Fifth graders can tie their own shoes AND hold a conversation with you, sometimes even simultaneously.
When reading and discussing literature with fifth graders, their initial responses as stories unfold are pure. When something critical is revealed or a connection is made, you see it on their faces. The light bulb moment. The reaction. The understanding. It differs from conversations with adults about books. We tend to over analyze. Over critique. We often miss the point. With fifth graders, you see the raw and real reaction to human endeavors. They call stupid things, stupid and beautiful things, beautiful. They help keep me seeing things with fresh eyes.
I learn from them every day. Every single day.
I remember being a fifth grader and ALL the deep, tumultuous emotions of my 5th grade year. My parents got divorced. My mom and I moved in with my grandparents. I started a new school. I missed a whole week of school in the spring. I had been hospitalized for an unidentified sickness (later deemed to be stress related) meanwhile my classmates were learning fractions. “What is THAT?” I thought upon my return to class. I felt behind for the rest of the year (until 6th grade which was awesome!). Unbeknownst to me, God would sovereignly use every one of these experiences to prepare me to relate and empathize with my future fifth grade students.
Fifth grade was the year that I discovered a love of literature. Betsy and Henry and Ramona and all of the gang. We took weekly visits to the school library (think wooded walls lined with books–two whole rooms). The highlight of the week. It was heaven.
I love the excitement on a student’s face when they “get” it!
I love the joy of the learning and the learning of the joy. Sometimes it is a process. These two things do not always arrive concurrently. Once the joy arrives, it’s almost unstoppable.
Teaching keeps me learning. I need to always be prepared. Locked and loaded with fresh and ready learning. An inquisitive fifth grader can throw you for a loop if you’re not ready for it. They keep me on my toes.
Teaching keeps me humble. Learning to gracefully make mistakes in front of my students. Yes, strive for excellence, but when we fail, and we will fail, do so with grace, and a twist of humor. Learn to laugh at yourself.
Fifth graders are full of potential, yet they are already who they are, who God has made and shaped them to be. It is a beautiful thing watching it unfold along His plan. Human flourishing.
Seeing my former fifth graders fly and soar and fully embrace their fellow man as they follow His path for their lives. Doesn’t get much better.