As a children's author and writing workshop facilitator, I have the honor and privilege of working with elementary and middle school children. And, through my work, I have learned that spending time with each of these groups can be as different as brussel sprouts and chocolate sauce.
On their best days, elementary school and middle school children can be more alike than different. They want to be loved, accepted, admired, and respected--and will treat you the way they like to be treated. But on one particular day this past week, well, I observed and experienced glaring differences between the two, and I wanted to share them with you. (Please know that these comments are NOT in any way to say that ALL elementary or middle school children are this or that way--or all time. Also, please forgive me if any of these offend you. This is not my intent!)
ESC: They are shorter and tinier than you.
MSC: They are taller and bigger, and some could bench press YOU!
ESC: They look at you with love.
MSC: They look at you with disdain.
ESC: They do their best to make YOU feel good.
MSC: They do their best to make THEMSELVES feel good.
ESC: They think that YOU are soooooo smart.
MSC: They think that THEY are sooooo much smarter than you.
ESC: They laugh at YOUR jokes + laugh with YOU.
MSC: They laugh at YOU. YOU are the joke.
ESC: They have fun with YOU.
MSC: They make fun of YOU.
ESC: They write YOU all sorts of love letters and draw sweet pictures for YOU.
MSC: They write letters to each other and draw silly pictures of YOU.
ESC: They squeal when someone’s underwear shows.
MSC: They show off their underwear under their clothes.
ESC: They sound out F words.
MSC: They say F words...(sometimes:)
ESC: They make you (almost) wish you taught Elementary School.
MSC: They make you glad that braver souls (than you) teach Middle School. Bless them.
Do you have any differences you've observed or experienced that you would like to add? If so, free to leave them below. (But, please keep them kid friendly!) Thank you! PJM
