You Can’t Sit With Us: Tales From the Second Grade "Cool" Table by Reene McGreevy

I have to admit, I was a little taken aback when I overheard my son say the other day that there is a “cool table” in the cafeteria at lunchtime. A cool table in second grade?! Ugh.

This really resonated with me. My mind immediately took me back more than 30 years ago to elementary school. It was not easy for me to make friends then, and I still remember feeling so out of place and very “uncool.” My son’s comment was innocent, but I felt like it at least warranted a conversation to remind him of a few things that I have learned myself. Here is what I told him:

• Everyone is “cool” in his or her own way.
• People may be different than you and you may be different from them, and that is OK. It’s what makes the world go ‘round.
• If you see a new student, introduce yourself.
• Make great friends, but don’t exclude others from your group.

After I went through this list I asked my son, what makes someone “cool” anyway? He looked at me and said, “They just have to be nice, Mom.” I was very happy to hear this, but still thought this was a great teachable moment and a good reminder to always be accepting of others!