Awkward is My Specialty

Liberty Common fifth graders participated in their human growth and development sessions this week.  As the permission slips were passed out, the usual gripes and groans were heard from students.  Now that it’s over, I think they would all say, “That wasn’t so bad.”  To which I would say, “Of course it wasn’t.”

After presenting these sessions to fifth graders and their parents over the last 17 years, I can honestly admit it is one of my favorite things to teach, and I will miss it as I move into a new role next year.  I’ve been reflecting on why I am so passionate about this particular topic, and my main reasons are the partnership created with parents, the bond created with the students, and the science content itself.  

Parents as Partners

I will never forget the year a parent gifted the fifth-grade teachers mugs that said “Awkward is my Specialty” as a thank-you for the parent-student session.  It was such a thoughtful gift but my wish would be to make these conversations a little less awkward.  One of the beautiful things about our school is the partnership with parents in the upbringing and education of their children.  This is one of the many great ways we do exactly that.  These sessions give parents a starting point in handling what can be awkward conversations with preteens or adolescents.  Knowing when to start or what to say may be a challenge.  To others, this may come easily.  Whatever your comfort level is, our curricular program is meant to support you, the parent.  We present the information in a fun, engaging, informative way making it accessible for all.  We value choice in education, so we offer parents options in the presentation of the content allowing them to choose what is best for their family. 

Bonding with Students

As strange as it may seem, there is a special bond created.  The students realize their teachers understand and know what they are going through.  Students also realize they are all going through the same thing and they know we offer a safe space for them to learn and ask questions.  Liberty Common students never cease to impress me with their maturity and mutual respect in how they handle the content. 

The Science

Humans are naturally curious about the world, the human body, too.  Kids, especially, love learning about themselves and what is going on inside their growing bodies.  They have so many excellent questions and wonderings.  The Core Knowledge science content covered is relevant and important for children to understand and they crave it.  The night is filled with scientific facts and the students are filled with amazement and wonder by the end.

Whether you have a current, former, or rising fifth-grader, I urge you to take the time to talk to your children about these topics.  Revisit them frequently.  The human body is a marvel to behold and it brings so much wonder and delight.  It shouldn’t feel awkward, but if it does, make awkward your specialty.  After all—it is only science.