5 and 6 Year Olds Discuss: What is a good leader and what do they do?

[NinaD]

Today we had a discussion in my classroom: What is a good leader and what do they do?
I teach 5 & 6 year olds, and I’m always surprised by their answers. I always record their thoughts for reflection and revisiting. The following answers are written as said by my students.

A good leader is;
not bossy
and doesn’t have to be your friend
organisers the pencils
plays with everyone
is a good friend
doesn’t exclude
doesn’t give the answers
helps others to find out what they need to find out
shows where the letter they need might be but doesn’t touch it
helps sound out words the long way
is caring and helps others
helps my group to know what to do
listens to me
packs the pencils in the box
being in Team PD

During this discussion our school principal came into our classroom with group of visitors and asked the children if she was a good leader? Five and six year olds are amazing thinkers, have incredible insight and can be brutally honest. Yes, our Principal is a great leader and I’m sure this feedback will make her day!
This group of children are very supportive of each other, help to keep our school yard clean and have decided to make as many friends as they can. If a child is by themselves in the yard, they offer their friendship. These children are inclusive of all and know how important it is not to exclude others. They are certainly making a difference and many new friends along the way!

Cheers Nina

[NinaD]

And I forgot! You'll love teaching this age group. Lot's of fun and very smart! I've taught all primary ages and when I found out I'd be having a straight prep, frightened was the word. But I love thier honesty, sense of fun and the way they see the world. Cheers Nina

[NinaD]

Hi Mike,
Thanks for the comment. People often underestimate very young children and yet they're at an age where they take in so much. I'm constantly amazed by what they say. It's often that quiet child sitting at the back, who suddenly comes out with something amazing. I try and make everything (eventually) 'student led' in my classroom, so we've spent a lot of time learning the importance of cooperation and team work. Cheers Nina

[Mike Poluk]

Wow, it's amazing how clear young children see the world. It's incredible that your students already recognize the significance of inclusion, guidance (without giving the answers), listening, and caring. Next year it looks like I will be teaching 4-5 year olds for part of the day (I am used to teaching much older students) so I am very inspired by your post. I guess it's never too early to plant the seeds of leadership and true character! You are right Nina when you say that today's students are tomorrow's leaders. Great post, and thanks for sharing!

[NinaD]

As part of the IB-PYP program, my students have been learning the meaning of being 'principled'. Big concept for 5 & 6 year olds. One of my students wrote that a good leader is principled. We're getting there! How does this relate to this ning - well, these students are tomorrow's leaders, will make a difference and will be principled in their actions. Cheers Nina

[NinaD]

The point of this post: Good leaders make a difference! Cheers Nina