Math, Writing, and Compassion
Some of the most valuable lessons don't come from behind a desk.
This week's opinion will be brief, but I want to maintain a routine. Speaking of routine…
Children need routine, and teachers are an integral component of that. I read an article (whose link I misplaced🤦🏼♀️) where a parent questioned the appropriateness of their child's teacher informing the students their mother had died; this was done to explain the teacher's absence. Talking to students about death isn't inherently problematic as long as members of the team - such as parents, teachers, school counselors - are informed.
We had a personal example recently. S’ teacher shared with the fourth grade class that another teacher's parent had died. This information was shared to explain why the teacher would be absent for a period of time and why some school activities might be different than previously planned. Sharing the information let the students know the changes weren't arbitrary. It also gave the students a lesson in compassion. When the teacher returned from their absence, they informed me that S stopped by the classroom to check on them. I was proud of my child for caring about others and I was grateful for the opportunity to support him in his support of others.
That's a beautiful lesson even more valuable than math and writing.
