What’s Love? Ask a First Grader

DENNSIVILLE – Many have tried but few have succeeded. Aristotle, Shakespeare, Tina Turner and even Miss Piggy have all taken a stab at trying to explain the nuances of love. Little did they know it can all be explained by a group of 6-year-olds getting ready for Valentine’s Day.
With the holiday approaching, students in Greta Liston’s first grade class at Dennis Township Primary School were working fast and furious as they completed a Valentine’s Day picture frame for their families. As they worked they shared their views on all things love.
For most of the children, it all comes down to kissing, hugging and general niceness.
Zachary Steelman has a very traditional view of love. “It’s when you kiss someone and hug them,” he said.
“It’s when you do something nice, very nice for them and they don’t even tell you to do it,” said Marlena Glover.
“Sometimes they stare at you a lot,” said Kaitlin Calloway, as she demonstrated the look of love, much to the chagrin of every little boy sitting in her field of vision.
Some students were mindful of the upcoming holiday and all that it entails.
Pandora Gallop had the holiday on her mind. As she sat pasting paper squares to make a border for her frame, she said for her, love is when you give people candy.
“It’s when you give them cards and love them,” said Ben Lynch, agreeing with his classmate that expressions of affection can best be found in the aisle of the local Hallmark shop.
Knowing when you love someone, though, took on a whole other meaning. It was more than just moon, June, swoon to these students.
“It’s when someone is doing really, really nice things for you and giving you stuff,” said Zachary Mendyk.
While they shared their expertise, only one student confessed to being in love at the moment, although virtually all did have a Valentine lined up for this year. Everyone from moms and dads, aunts, uncles, grandmothers and family members galore.
“I love my nanny because she’s nice to me,” said Angel Sneathen, who said she also loved her aunt Laura and cousin.
A learner’s permit was the key to Reagan Gittle’s heart. She said her Valentine was her 16-year-old sister. “I love her and she has her permit.”
One little girl, 6, shared she was in love with an older man. This year she hoped Cupid’s arrow would find the heart of 7-year-old Johnny, however this romance may be headed for the rocks because Johnny was definitely not her Valentine. “He’s mean to me,” she said.
As part of the first grade curriculum students have been learning about rhyme. Using the famous poem, “Roses are red; Violets are blue…” as a base, several students made up Valentine poems.
“Roses are red; violets are blue, I hope you know I love you,” recited Isabelle Phillips.
According to the Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen song, “Love and Marriage,” many of the children opined about the best age to marry. A driver’s license and a high school diploma seem to be key in marriage-readiness.
“Eighteen is the best age to get married,” said Glover. “Because you get to drive and can go on the big rides in Wildwood.”
One child said he thought 23 was the best age because by then you’ve finished high school and maybe even college.
“Fifty,” said Calloway as she colored. When asked why 50 she smiled and said, “It’s a good age because you’re very old.”
If the thought of love and Valentine’s Day may make some school students take pause, Liston’s class was ready for the task at hand. Each student glued multi-colored paper squares to a white piece of construction paper that would frame a cutout of their handprint making the American Sign Language sign for “I love you.”
“Valentine’s Day is when you get to have fun and give out things and it makes you feel happy,” said Glover.
“I think everybody should be a Valentine and have a Valentine,” added one child. And for those of us who find ourselves alone this year? “Then you should ask somebody.”