This past month in our Happiness Project, our fourth- and fifth-grade class at Love Elementary focused on something extremely important for happiness—social connections. After learning about kindness, mindfulness, and gratitude, we spent December talking about how friendships and relationships help people feel happier, healthier, and less alone.
Scientists say that having strong social connections can actually help people live longer. When you feel connected to someone, like a friend, a family member or even a new person you meet, your brain releases chemicals that lower stress and increase joy. So basically, friendships are good for your body and your brain, too!
To help us understand this topic better, we invited guests from the Mastick Senior Center to be on our class podcast, Little Minds Big Talks. They taught us that older adults need social connections just like kids do. At the senior center, people make friends by doing activities, talking together and supporting each other. Our guests told us stories about seniors who felt lonely but became happier after joining the center and meeting new people. We are considering joining 45 years from now when we are allowed to!
One thing we learned is that loneliness can affect anyone, no matter how old you are. Kids can feel lonely. Seniors can feel lonely. Even our teachers can feel lonely. That’s why staying connected is so important. One classmate said, “I guess I have to have play dates and play sports because it’s good for my brain and health.” Another student said, “Social connections make people feel seen and heard and like they matter.”
Our conversation inspired us to take our learning even further. Next month, we are going to take a field trip to the Mastick Senior Center to meet the seniors in person. We are planning to create a special project together. It might be a book of stories, a collection of poems, or an art piece that shows how two generations can connect. We’re still brainstorming, but we know we want it to be meaningful, and we will keep Alameda posted on the project.
Before we close out December, we want to share a community challenge:
Try making one new connection this month. For example, say hello to someone new, check in on a neighbor, or spend time with someone who might feel left out.
Scientists say that simple moments of connection can brighten someone’s whole day. We hope you are responsible for someone’s smile.
Next month, our Happiness Project will focus on growth mindset. Growth mindset is learning how our brains grow stronger when we try new things, make mistakes and keep going even when something feels challenging. We’re excited to keep learning and keep making Alameda a happier place.
We hope you’ll follow along. In our class, we believe that little hearts can make a big difference. And together, we can help everyone in our community feel more connected.
Ryan Brazil and Love Elementary Fourth and Fifth Graders.
