Words Of Wisdom From The Mouths Of (Kindergarten) Babes

By Laurie Borst

Paul thinks he will go to school for 9,032 days. Colby thinks 100 days will cover it. Kindergartners in Janet Vollmer’s morning class at Sandy Hook School shared their thoughts on a variety of questions regarding school when they were visited by The Newtown Bee last week.

Francesca D’Aprile, Adam Gay, Paul Samberg, Jack Sullivan, Tess Trahan, and Colby Troy took a few moments during snack time to consider questions about the school day. The responses proved today’s youngsters are far more savvy than generations past.

In days gone by, many students would stare vacantly when asked what the teacher did after school. She was the teacher — she didn’t do anything else! These students already know Mrs Vollmer has a house and children. Although when asked what she did when she wasn’t at school, Paul thought she pretended to be sick.

Asked why they go to school, Tess replied, “To learn to do things!”

“Like sing songs!” said Jack.

Colby said “learn to write” and Francesca, “learn colors.” Adam believes it is “to get homework.”

“It’s where you learn to read,” offered Paul. “And the alphabet — but I wouldn’t know how to do that!”

When asked who pays for school, responses included mom and dad, the nurse, and the teachers.

All the students knew the principal is Mrs Pagé. But the children attributed different responsibilities to her.

“She owns the building,” said Adam; Colby was also under the impression Mrs Pagé owns the whole school.

Tess said, “You go see her if you aren’t good.”

“She takes care of us,” said Paul and he added, “You go see her when you don’t listen.”

A few different responses were offered regarding their favorite part of the school day. Adam and Francesca like riding the bus. Jack and Paul enjoy going to centers. Tess likes standing in line. And Colby likes everything about school!

Class rules, of course, came up. Mrs Vollmer explained that they were discussing the US Constitution and to help the children understand the concept, she compared it to class rules. The class decided on four rules that would govern their actions.

“Keep your hands to yourself,” said Paul.

“Treat other people the way you want to be treated,” stated Francesca.

Tess offered, “Be a good listener.”

The fourth rule stated “share and care about others.”

“We all signed our names,” said Colby.

Kindergarten is off to a good start. When Paul gets to third grade and learns to divide, he will probably be very upset to discover that 9,032 days, based on a 180-day school year, means he will be going to school for more than 50 years. Maybe he plans on being one of those perpetual students.

Yikes — that’s a lot of tuition!