Every other Wednesday, the middle school students get to help the elementary students. We call it “Middle School Mentors,” and it is a part of our Cookson Hills Christian School service learning focus. Mrs. McLendon takes the 8th graders to work with Mr. Brian’s 4th and 5th grade class; I take the 6th and 7th graders down to Ms. Hodges’s 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade class.
This week, I brought a few extra kids to Ms. Hodges’s class. Most of the kids got to read with their students. The extra kids got to help Ms. Hodges with a project: sorting math flashcards.
I was sitting in front of two girls reading together, and a conversation I overheard went something like this…
Older girl: “The question says, ‘Why does the character gather these items?’”
Younger girl: “Hmmm….um….I don’t really understand…”
Older girl: “OK. Um, do you have toys at your house?”
Younger girl: “Yeah!”
Older girl: “Well, why do you have toys at your house?”
Younger girl: “Because I like playing with toys!”
Older girl: “Ok…so now, why do you think she likes to have those?”
Younger girl: “OH! Because she likes using them!”
Older girl: “Yeah! Good job!”
My older student led this younger student to the answer by relating the idea to something familiar.
That is a skill that can’t be taught. That is a big deal, and if you are a teacher, you understand why it’s a big deal. I’m so proud of this student, and I can’t wait to see her continue to grow!