Since it's February and cupid's arrows are flying freely, I deemed there no better time to explore the timeless conundrum called "love." For answers, I turned to my young, yet insightful students. Here's what they had to say.
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| Our Class Valentine's Day Celebration |
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| I make "celebrations" educational. Yes, I'm one of those teachers. |
"Love is caring." - Ruby
"Love is missing somebody a lot when they're far, far
away." - Dominic (This one really hit home.)
Daniel's comforting response: "If they're far away you can send them a letter and put a Valentimes card inside it." Is it obvious why I love Daniel?
"Love is sharing your toys." - Yazzie
"Love is sharing your toys." - Yazzie
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| Happiness |
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| So Many Sweets |
"Love is when somebody makes you feel happy." - Nehemiah
"Love is when you respect people." - Aislyn
"Love is when you give someone cards." - Ethan
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| Graphing Data on Conversation Heart Candies |
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| Check out that loot! |
"Love is giving." - Aaliyah
"Love is being nice to someone." - Nicolas
"Love is not pushing or shoving." - Daniel
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| Card Delivery Time |
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| Proud Baker of Homemade Cupcakes |
"Love is sharing." - Vanessa
"Love is not hitting." - Christian
"Love means you like your dog, cat or someone very, very, very much." - Gabriel
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| Decked out in Heart Attire |
"Love is when you take care of people." - Xavier
"Love is being nice to your brother." - Charlize
"Love means you buy people stuff like folders and notebook papers." - Sean
My life as a teacher gives me the daily pleasure of escaping a world often pervaded by cynicism and jaded, artificial views of love. However, love according to first graders is simple, sincere and, in my opinion, spot on. It's refreshing and a blessing to be surrounded by the version of love that is their reality. Thanks to them, it has become mine too.
