Carly's Lessons Learned

Hello Framed Frosting readers......super excited to take over for the day!

I'm Carly, and I blog over at Lipgloss & Crayons. I'm an elementary school teacher, a newlywed, a Christian, and a fashion lover. On my blog you will find crafts, recipes, beauty tips, and fashion obsessions plus a little info about my life in the City of Angels.

Summer vacation has flown by, and I'm gearing up to go back to school.....trust me, teachers get just as pumped up for the first day as their students do!  As I'm sharpening pencils, making copies, and putting out name tags.....I'm thinking back on my ten (gulp, time flies!) years of teaching.  While I've definitely taught my students some things.....I feel as if the most amazing life lessons have come from the kids themselves.

A few lessons I've learned from my students:

1) See beauty in everything: Elementary school age kids are unspoiled, even the ones in the very tough neighborhood that I teach in.  They notice the changing of the leaves, a beautiful cloud pattern, a cute puppy on the walk to school.  Kids are observers.  As adults, we forget to look around at the world.  We are too busy rushing, stressing or texting.  We miss the simple beauty that surrounds us.  Take a walk, look at the world....and point out the beauty to someone who forgets to look.

2) When you like something, say so: Fourth graders have VERY strong opinions, and no trouble expressing them.  They'll interrupt me in the middle of long division lesson to tell me that they like my nail polish.  I've learned to appreciate the purity of their compliments.  Every compliment is truthful, and kids want you to know that they're your fan.  I wish we all lived that way.

3) Let it go: Kids let issues go like no adult I've ever seen.  I've seen students forgive, and forget.  I'm in awe of the genuine ability they have to give each other a fresh chance and a new start.  If only we could do that as adults!

4) Give each other an "h": As the students file into my classroom each morning, they get to select an "h".  They chose a hug, a handshake, a high five, or a hello.  It's amazing how the grouchiest kid is a little happier once they are acknowledged.  It's human nature, we all need to feel noticed and significant.

So my challenge to you, Framed Frosting readers??? Give an "h" or two out as you go about your day today.  It will amaze you the reactions you receive in return.

While you're at it......stop by Lipgloss & Crayons and give me an "h" of my own!!!!

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