To help with creating a theme for the children's books they are preparing to write and illustrate, I asked my sixth graders to share an important lesson they have learned in their lives. As usual, I was amused and impressed by their wisdom.
The number one answer was don't steal, and I think there may be more than a kernal of autobiographical inspiration in those backstories, but these 11 and 12 year olds also know that it's important to be kind and accepting, to stand up for yourself, listen to others, do the right thing whenever you can, know who your real friends are, forgive yourself for mistakes, let others have their opinions, and appreciate your family.
These young writers also understand that it's a good idea to eat healthy, ask for help when you need it, and. Some noted that we should never give others the satisfaction of knowing they've bothered us, we can't always have what we want, and we should go ahead and take care of our responsibilities before playing. Others pointed out that sometimes bad things happen to good people, and there are also times when you just have to be mean.
There was practical advice as well: look both ways before crossing the street, don't use crutches on the stairs, never look directly into the sun, and never swim alone. Although the student who wrote the last one was torn between two lessons, and what she actually shared was Don't ever go into the pool without a stranger!
