Why I Created Reflections from Recess
Once upon a time, in my first-grade class, there were two boys named Johnny and Sam. Johnny’s family had a strong faith rooted in Christianity. Sam’s family were atheists and all values were rooted in science. Sam & Johnny were coloring one day and enjoyed drawing Minecraft characters. I overheard Sam tell Johnny that he was very worried that the human race was so destructive that we would eventually destroy ourselves. WHAT?I I thought to myself. How did they get on this topic and when should I intervene?
Johnny replied telling Sam that he wasn’t too worried about any of that because God was in control and would be there to save him when that day came. Sam was shocked and insisted that was not true at all and that we had to take better care of the Earth. Johnny shrugged and said he would but insisted Sam shouldn’t be worried because God would be there for him too if Sam was willing to welcome God into his life. I’m going to have to step in to end this debate soon or else it’s going to turn into a bigger argument of who is right and who is wrong with Mrs. Duwe having to be the one to declare who is right, I thought to myself. I took a deep breath to prepare my very neutral response.
Sam insisted he would be better off focusing on ways to take care of the planet. Johnny shrugged. Both continued to color and be excited about their Minecraft drawing. I didn’t have to step in. I didn’t have to intervene. The two boys had such opposing views, shared their opinions, and moved on. They agreed to disagree and I was in awe. It seemed like they were carrying the weight of the future of the human race on their shoulders. What a heavy conversation among first graders! They were explaining their different opinions in such a way that they seemed very confident yet they weren’t impacted by the difference. One was insistent that his faith would save him and the other was insistent that something tangible was necessary.
But their differences lasted a moment. Or maybe they’ll last a lifetime. I don’t know. I do know that they were so kind to each other. They each listened to the others’ passion and reasoning. They disagreed without big emotions behind it. It was truly a conversation, instead of a conflict. They showed empathy and understanding in their own ways.
As their teacher, I was wishing that I could help solve disagreements about who gets to the use the green crayon first. Instead, I found myself wishing that I could have a mature conversation like that. As adults, we tend to have conversations with like-minded people. It feels safer. It validates us. As 1st graders, Sam & Johnny were connected over their common interests which made their different beliefs seem a small concern in their definition of friendship. Wouldn’t it be great if we could handle disagreements like that as adults? If someone in your life challenged your beliefs and vehemently disagreed with you, would you remain as calm? Would you still be friends?
