From the Mouths of Babes

Kids say the darndest things!  As adults, we often muse about this but it is very true.  What’s even more true is that we can learn a lot from the mouths of babes.

Speaking to our scholars is the most informative and fulfilling aspect of my job.  Whether it’s at a Lunch and Learn, during a community forum or while visiting classrooms, my scholars never cease to amaze me.  Here’s why.

Children are brutally honest.  During Lunch and Learn, I ask my scholars to share their hopes and dreams.  Their responses sometimes overwhelm me.  I have met future astronauts, lawyers, YouTubers, dancers and so much more.  These responses bring a smile to my face and joy to my heart.

Yet, some of my scholars simply dream of passing their current grade and hope to be safe at night.  Others dream of being successful and making a lot of money so that they can leave Selma.  These answers always lead to follow up questions from me.

In doing so, I learn that some of my scholars do not feel safe at home and others believe that our community is depressing.  Wow.  How does a third grader know what it means to be depressed? I dare to ask that very question which is really heavy conversation over a school lunch with classmates listening in.

My next question to these inquisitive and amazing young people is what do you need from your school.  This is where I lean in.

More computers, music classes, longer PE, more hands-on activities, and the list goes on and on.  I listen and I take note of this valuable feedback.  I share with members of Team Selma so that we can address the needs of our most important stakeholders.

In education and in life, adults are tasked with making decisions that directly or indirectly impact the lives of our children.  We often do this without including them. This is an enormous mistake as our children are insightful, intelligent and know much more than we give them credit for.

In Selma City Schools, we strive to keep students first.  Keeping students first means that their voices matter.  For that reason, we include our scholars on strategic planning teams, committees and even on interview teams. 

Recently, we included several of our high school and middle school scholars on our Student/Parent Resource Handbook committee and our Bullying Prevention Task Force.  Their input is brutally honest, valued and much needed. The results of these meetings will impact these scholars and their peers potentially for years to come.

If you want to know the truth, ask a child! Truly, from the mouths of babes as we listen, we learn and we grow.

For more information, email me at avis.williams@selmacityschools.org