Why Not Celebrate Grandparents' Day? Strong Reasons Not to Miss This Invaluable Opportunity with Your Students

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Every Sunday, Sarah would race to her grandmother’s house, drawn by the irresistible smell of freshly baked bread. Her grandma, with flour-dusted hands and a warm smile, would greet her at the door. The smell of the house, her grandmother’s hair, and her clothes made her unique as if she were a perfect being who did everything well and perfectly.

Together, they would knead the dough, sharing stories as they worked. Grandma would talk about her life, about the struggles and the joys. She would tell the same story several times and laugh at the same moment each time, with the same intensity as if it were the first time she told it. She’d always finish with a lesson wrapped in a tale, a lesson Sarah never forgot.

Years passed, and one cold winter morning, Grandma’s kitchen was quiet. The smell of fresh bread was gone, replaced by a silence that echoed through the house. Grandma had passed away peacefully in her sleep. Sarah found herself in the empty house and kitchen, the place that had once been filled with warmth, laughter, and love.

With tears in her eyes, Sarah pulled out the old recipe card, worn and faded from years of use, the one her grandmother guarded like a great amulet and had promised would be hers when she was no longer there.
Sarah, full of tears, decided to bake the bread, and the kitchen began to fill with that familiar, comforting smell. It was as if Grandma was there with her, in every fold of dough and every breath of warmth from the oven.

At that moment, Sarah realized that her grandmother had given her more than just recipes. She had passed down memories, beliefs, lessons, a spirit of resilience and a love that would stay with her forever. At that moment, while she dried her tears, the only words that came from Sarah’s heart and mouth were, ‘Thank you, Grandma. I will love you, and you will be with me now and forever.

Grandparents like Sarah’s Grandma play such a vital role in the lives of our students. They are keepers of wisdom, tradition, and love—qualities that are worth celebrating in our classrooms. About 10 years ago, I started celebrating Grandparents' Day with my students. At that time, I didn't fully understand why or how to do it. At first, I didn't see it as very important. We celebrated Mother's Day, Father's Day, and later, Family Day. But grandparents often got left out.

Over time, I have come to realize that Grandparents' Day is not just another celebration. It is a truly valuable opportunity that makes a real difference in children's lives. It doesn't matter whether students have biological grandparents or not; it’s about giving them an experience that enriches their hearts and minds. Here are some reasons why this day is worth celebrating:

Cultivates Appreciation for the Elderly's Effort

Whether they are our biological grandparents or not, we can all recognize that much of what we enjoy and have today comes from the hard work and effort of many grandparents in their youth. Without technology and often without opportunities or education, they built entire cities and families. Grandparents' Day teaches students to express gratitude and value the love and sacrifices of their older family members, fostering an environment of respect and appreciation.

Develops Social and Communication Skills

Listening has become a rare virtue; the desire to be heard or pay attention to what someone says fades easily. Activities like interviewing grandparents or sharing life stories help students develop communication skills. Learning to ask questions, listen actively, and share stories strengthens their social and linguistic skills. Many of my students used to think that grandparents' stories were pure fiction, but when they listen and understand the extent of what their grandparents have achieved, they deeply value those moments and the life lessons they bring.

Values the Current Reality

We live in a world that is changing rapidly, where immediate stimuli prevail; often this happens because children are not familiar with other ways of living, used to instant excitement and believing things are achieved or solved with a click. Hearing stories of overcoming adversity from older adults provides awareness and inspiration, showing young people that even in difficult times, there are ways to overcome challenges. It also teaches them that things take time and sometimes take years to achieve.


Promotes Respect for Wisdom and Experience

Grandparents' experience in areas like money, life, and health remains invaluable. Many schools do not provide complete preparation for facing life; children engage in numerous activities and projects, often disconnected from everyday reality. Sometimes, it seems they are kept from an essential truth: they will stop being children sooner than they think and will have to face adulthood with the tools they have, being responsible and wise. Listening to an older adult gives young people the opportunity to appreciate reality and, often, wisdom.

Creates Lasting Memories

After many years of celebrating this day, I have seen some students, now adults, remember this event with fondness and nostalgia. Whether their grandparents have passed away or there was a special connection that day, the impact is profound and lasting. I remember one student who reminisced about the time we celebrated Grandparents' Day in class; it was his last day with his grandfather, and also the day he truly understood who his grandfather was: a man whose strength and wisdom were hidden behind white hair and wrinkles. This student learned that his grandfather was a model of strength and resilience, having lived through a war and many adventures only he could have endured.


Fosters Awareness of the Passage of Time and Human Vulnerability

Celebrating Grandparents' Day gives students the chance to reflect on the passage of time and aging. It helps them understand that just as their grandparents have lived through different stages of life, they will too, promote empathy towards older people. Most children live in the present and have the mistaken idea that grandparents are vulnerable people who no longer have anything to offer. However, today we see very active grandparents, many of whom are athletes; it is a way to view old age from vitality and energy, understanding that while the body deteriorates, the mind can achieve many things, and old age is just another stage at which much can also be gained.


Encourages Active Listening and Intergenerational Learning

Many of my students find it hard to listen; often it is not a matter of attention but of interest, of making them aware of what they can gain and what they can become by listening to others and the right information. Life is easier when we learn from those who have already traveled the path and can save us years of effort. Talking with grandparents and listening to their stories teaches students the importance of active listening. This skill strengthens their personal relationships and allows them to learn from the experiences of previous generations.


Promotes the Exchange of Knowledge and Experiences

Knowledge and learning are endless, no matter how old you are. When children see themselves teaching their grandparents some knowledge, concept, or skill, and then learning from them, they recognize that learning has no age; there must only be willingness and humility to understand that no one knows everything and that every day we can learn from many people, situations, and circumstances. Grandparents' Day is a great opportunity for exchanging knowledge. Students can share what they have learned at school, while grandparents can offer their wisdom and experiences. This mutual exchange enriches both sides and strengthens the bond between generations.

To make this celebration truly meaningful, it is important to prepare both the children and the grandparents in advance. Set a clear objective for what you want the students and grandparents to learn or share; you can focus on one value or several values. Teach children to ask valuable questions and to listen carefully. Invite grandparents to share a story, a phrase, or a piece of advice they wish they had received when they were young. This way, both children and grandparents can enjoy a rich experience that will leave a lasting impression on their hearts.

After many years of celebrating Grandparents' Day in my classroom, I wanted to make it even better. I have designed special resources to help you plan a memorable and educational celebration. These materials are created to make introducing and working with the theme easier, ensuring that the event is meaningful for both students and grandparents. Don’t miss the chance to turn Grandparents' Day into an unforgettable experience for your classroom! Explore the resources and see how they can make your event a great success.













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