Column: Teachers and students get by with a little help from our friends

Ask a second-grader to tell you their favorite things about school and chances are they’ll say their friends, of course. When students go back to school this fall, they’ll crave a classroom reminiscent of pre-pandemic times. Most of all, they will want to see friends, sit next to friends and talk to friends.

After taking time off to raise a family, I’ve returned to my career in education. I’ve rejoined the field at a time when teachers are needed more than ever. Given the pandemic’s disruption to instruction, academic achievement tops the list of priorities, but it’s clear a big portion of my job is helping my students navigate the seemingly simple task of making friends.

Because of their limited experience with sharing space, materials and air-time, their adjustment to classroom life will include jostling for position in their rug spots, chatting nearly constantly and fumbling for the proper words when trying to iron out discord. Before proceeding with an academic lesson, I’ll have to teach my students to exist harmoniously in the classroom, which means scaffolding peer relationships and friendships, just like I do with instructional strategies.

During reading, writing and math lessons, we intentionally practice sharing, taking turns and cooperation. Partner games and group work have simultaneous goals of sharpening skills and working together amicably. Community building activities emphasize active listening while supporting and encouraging each other. As a result, students learn to articulate feelings and manage the uncomfortable moments of working out conflicts with peers.

The wonderful thing about second-graders is their ability to absorb everything enthusiastically. They devour lessons on math strategies the same way they do when learning to regulate their emotions. They adopt a growth mindset and use mistakes to make immense progress academically as well as socially. It’s just as gratifying to watch them solve a complex math problem or answer a challenging comprehension question as it is to see them happily enjoying their new, hard-earned friendships.

My passion for teaching has always been rooted in the ability to make a difference in a child’s life. Leaving a positive impact on my students continues to fuel my desire to teach. Helping them reclaim the human connections they so desperately missed is among the most rewarding parts of my job. It illustrates how important collaboration and partnership is among peers of all ages. As we head back to school together this fall, we will continue to grow, blossom and have fun with our friends.

Angela Gagnon is a second-grade teacher at The Frances Xavier Warde School in Chicago.