Middle schoolers often get a bad reputation for being self-centered and unruly, a stereotype perpetuated by popular culture. However, from my experience as both a middle school teacher and a parent of three children who have navigated this stage, I can attest that this age group is often unfairly judged. While they can be moody and awkward, they also display remarkable kindness, thoughtfulness, and a growing sense of justice. They are in the process of understanding significant life issues and their role in the world, and their compassion often exceeds what we might expect.
This compassion was evident in a recent story shared by Matt Eicheldinger, a middle school teacher. He described one of his sixth-grade students who had a touching habit of rubbing his necklace when talking to people. Curiosity led Eicheldinger to ask the student about this peculiar behavior, and the answer was deeply moving.
In an Instagram video, Eicheldinger explained that the student, originally from another country, was known for his friendliness and his habit of rubbing a green square necklace while speaking. When asked about it, the student revealed that the necklace was made of folded paper containing prayers from his loved ones. These prayers, he explained, were for peace, love, and kindness.
The student’s gesture of rubbing the necklace wasn’t just a personal comfort but a way to channel the prayers he received into his interactions with others. This act of wishing good things for others, based on the blessings he himself had received, is a heartwarming example of selflessness.
The story struck a chord with many. Commenter eduwaseem reflected on their own childhood, sharing that their grandmother used to make similar necklaces called tahveez. They were touched by the student's thoughtful behavior. Another commenter, mel_13_mel, recalled a student who made the sign of the cross upon hearing a siren, praying for everyone’s safety, highlighting how small, kind acts can have a lasting impact.
Others expressed their emotional responses, like kendrasmom724, who described the student as a “sweetheart,” and fullmoonshenanigans, who noted the powerful stories of immigrant families and the need to share these experiences to foster empathy and compassion.
This story is a powerful reminder that while we often think of teaching children about empathy, they, in turn, can teach us valuable lessons about kindness and compassion. The student's simple yet profound act of rubbing his necklace to spread positivity offers a beautiful example of how deeply children can understand and embody empathy.