One of my former 5th graders, “L,” has become like family. She and her mom came to my wedding, she helps in my classroom during the summer, and honestly—she’s just a peach. Every time I see her, I think, I hope my child grows up to be like L.
The other day, she said something that stopped me in my tracks.
“So many kids at my high school do not know how to hold a conversation.”
My heart sank.
Why? Because it’s true. Kids are anxious. They’d rather hide behind a screen than talk to a real, breathing human. And as much as we try, we can’t fully compete with the pull of gadgets—and it’s showing up in our classrooms.
The Problem: Screens Can’t Teach How to “Human”
Have you ever watched a child try to use a wall-mounted phone? Half the time, they don’t even know how to hold it. The art of small talk? Lost. The basics of polite conversation? Slipping away.
If kids don’t practice these skills, they won’t just struggle socially—they’ll enter jobs and relationships without the ability to connect, advocate, or collaborate. That thought lights a fire in me.
My Tuesday Life Hack Lessons
This year, I’m starting something new: 20–30 minute Life Hack lessons every Tuesday. No huge curriculum—just meeting my students where they are and giving them tools they’ll actually use.
Here’s what I know they need already:
- How to shake hands
- How to say greet each other confidently
- How to answer the phone and carry on a conversation
Each lesson will cover the what, the why, and the how—with a mix of fun and seriousness. Because before kids can succeed in college or at work, they have to know how to human.
Why This Matters
Students need to know their worth—and it’s far more than the image staring back at them from a screen. This generation must understand the power of showing up, face-to-face, ready to connect. When they “human,” their presence, words, and actions ripple outward, shaping how others feel and respond.
How I’ll Kick Off
Day 1? I’ll get them talking and get them comfy.
When kids feel you care, they open up—and that’s when they grow.
To do this, I will use my 180 Conversation Starters to break the ice and get the party started. If you want to follow along and see what happens, stop by my Instagram or subscribe to my newsletter. I’ll be sharing my wins, my fails, and every life skill lesson in between.
And if you want to start teaching life skills in the classroom through picture books, begin with stories about collaboration—they’re the perfect entry point. And then check out my Collaboration Station Blog.
