Learning Like a BOSS

It may have only been April, but for almost 100 third graders at Harding Elementary in the Lebanon School District, it was graduation day. Wearing handmade paper hats and big smiles, the students listened attentively to the speakers and then proudly accepted their graduation certificates.

The celebration marked the culmination of the students’ hard work through the Building Our Soft Skills (BOSS) Program. “It was very rewarding to see the students excited and proud as they received their certificate,” said Rayanne Hawk ’20, one of seven LVC early childhood education majors who taught the program.

The concept for the BOSS program originated at Harding, and the staff approached Dr. Dale Summers, professor of education, about LVC students launching it this academic year. LVC students developed and taught lessons on self-esteem, coping with anger, problem solving, and test-taking strategies. They say they all felt confident and up for the task, crediting field placements and observations as early as their freshman year. 

On the days that BOSS lessons didn’t go as planned, the future teachers learned to adjust their approaches based on students’ responses. Sarah Hamonko ’20 said she incorporated physical activities and visual arts because that is what engaged her students.

“I have learned countless strategies from my professors to develop meaningful relationships with my students and teach in a way that not only educates the students about content, but also empowers them to discover and grow as individuals,” added Hamonko.

The staff at Harding noted positive improvements in the students enrolled in the BOSS Program, including fewer disciplinary concerns.

While the LVC students imparted wisdom and life skills in the elementary kids, the kids also left an indelible mark on their teachers.

“I loved when we received little notes or drawings that said ‘I love my LVC teachers,’” said Sierra Painter ’20. “I also loved when the students would tell us about how they use what we taught them outside of the classroom.”

Addison Hayes ’20 said each BOSS lesson in her classroom ended with the same routine. The college students asked, “What does BOSS stand for?” and the elementary students answered loudly, “Building our soft skills!” and then give the teachers hugs and high fives.

“I’ve learned that sometimes my smile may be the only smile a student may see in a day, but my one smile made their entire day,” said Hayes. “My future goals for teaching are to instill confidence, appreciation, and relationship skills, and love to all of my students, regardless of their backgrounds—because some day a math test won’t define them or set them apart from others, but their smile very well could.”