Learning to Let Grow 

Students in Kindergarten through fourth grades are participating in a pilot program of The Let Grow Experience, a student and parent curriculum that helps young students build real-world independence, self-confidence, and enhanced executive functions. 

Cited in the book "The Anxious Generation," The Let Grow Experience gives students assignments that help stretch the boundaries of childhood incrementally, encouraging them to do something new on their own or for themselves that could otherwise be adult-directed; examples include things like making their own breakfast, running an errand, or making a new friend. 

"Increasing independence is vital to a child's social and emotional growth," shared Lower School Counselor Kate Fierce who introduced the program to teachers in the pilot group. 

"We had such meaningful conversations among teachers and with parents during our fall book discussion of 'The Anxious Generation,'" said Head of Lower School Dr. Lisa Bianco. "In working with Kate and the rest of the CAE, we're excited to pilot this program to give our students and families specific tools to help build kids' confidence and independence." 

Mrs. Minke's Kindergarten class was one of the pilot groups to implement Let Grow. She shared, 

It was a marvel to witness how excited the kindergarteners were to imagine a Let Grow project, plan it with their families, execute their plans, and master their new skills and activities. Our class had high participation, with two thirds of the children completing their goals. We had everything from learning to ride a two wheel bike to working in the garden. The youngest child in the class wanted to learn to do the laundry from beginning to end. A reserved child chose to make his own breakfast, including making toast. His sense of independence and self-confidence magically grew before our eyes. Several children wanted to tackle loading the dishwasher. How proudly they reported their accomplishments to the class. I'm very excited to think about their future achievements as the Let Grow projects build one onto the other.

Ms. Simons' first graders also piloted Let Grow in their class. Ms. Simons reflected, "“The children arrive at school with genuine eagerness, excited to share their Let Grow projects with their peers during Morning Meeting. What’s equally powerful is watching their classmates develop the skills to ask thoughtful questions—and seeing students take time to reflect and share how they approached challenges, what came easily, and how even small milestones, like walking into a building independently, can spark pride and a sense of accomplishment."

In addition to stirring self-confidence in students, the Let Grow Experience also benefits parents.  "Parents have continued to share how their children are now stepping up with more independence at home," said Mrs. Casano, first grade teacher. "It’s clear that Let Grow planted a seed—not just in our students, but in families who are beginning to see all that their children are truly capable of." 

To illustrate the students' progress, each completed assignment earns a leaf on the Let Grow tree displayed outside of the Lower School Office (pictured).

Families interested in learning more about Let Grow can visit letgrow.org for more information and free resources.