This semester I have been working full-time at an elementary school as the school counselor intern. I have learned a lot regarding the actual job of caring for children and supporting them in social, emotional, and academic ways, but I have also had a lot of fun interacting with and having conversations with these kids. Here are some things I have learned from kindergarteners to third graders this past semester:
- It never is too early to eat an entire sleeve of Oreos…even if it is 7:45 in the morning.
- Cleaning a table with disinfectant and a paper towel can be a fun activity if done right.
- The only correct response to finding out Wednesday follows Tuesday is to throw a marker across the room.
- There is no shortage of books about mailboxes.
- Kids will let you know when they like you…and when they don’t.
- Positive reinforcement really does work.
- Having one bad day does not make the entire week bad.
- Slime is the greatest invention of all time.
- Kids can make anything if you give them 5 paper cups, cardboard, glue, string, and 6 popsicle sticks.
- Markers are way more exciting than crayons.
- You can never predict what a kid is going to say.
- Kids will call you out for being an outfit repeater.
- If you are enthusiastic about an activity, the kids will be too.
In all seriousness, I love working with kids. They have amazed me in their resiliency to overcome obstacles and ability to problem solve in creative and sometimes silly ways. I love listening to their ideas and helping them explore their emotions. I look forward to working as an elementary school counselor in my future. Kids need reliable and supportive adults in their lives to help them grow and thrive.