Leadership is Elementary, my Dear Watson
Discussions about leadership are important for elementary age students because these discussions help teach essential skills like responsibility, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving from a young age. By exploring what it means to be a leader, children learn the value of helping others, making positive choices, and taking initiative. These conversations also encourage confidence and empathy, fostering social-emotional development that can benefit them throughout their lives. Additionally, understanding leadership encourages students to see themselves as capable of making a difference, inspiring them to develop their unique strengths and contribute positively to their communities.
Today, I finished up my High Ability Mentor Group work for the school year with 126 first through fourth graders at Hamilton Heights Elementary School. I love working with these students and continue to always be inspired by them. We finished our time together this week with a discussion about leadership. I am always amazed at how in tune these young men and women are with what good leadership looks like. Leadership is not reserved for adults; leadership opportunities come in various shapes and sizes for all ages.
This week, the students in each grade created a top five leadership traits to develop. Here they are:
First Grade:
- Be nice
- Get smarter
- Listen more
- Be quiet
- Creative
Second Grade:
- Be an example for others to follow
- Less talking
- Be kind
- Be a listener
- Learn and get smarter
Third Grade:
- Be patient
- Influence
- Help others achieve their goals
- Be a better communicator
- Inspire friendships and be aware of others’ feelings
Fourth Grade:
- Take responsibility for my actions
- Earn trust
- Don’t be quiet when I need to talk
- Focus on growing myself
- Building continuous friendships
Pretty impressive list! Students learning leadership skills not only benefits their development but it also helps their interactions with others. Students build leadership skills as they learn how to communicate, negotiate, listen, persevere, solve problems, and cooperate. While becoming leaders themselves, students realize that leadership is not a title but someone who sets an example quietly, whether it be on a sports team, or by doing the right thing when others are not looking.
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