A Preschool Commencement Speech
Lately, my social media feed has been all caps and gowns and proud parents beaming beside their freshly-graduated humans. Every scroll feels like a virtual standing ovation.
At Shir Ami, we’re getting ready to celebrate some incredibly important graduates of our own: our Pre-K and Kindergarten students from the Early Learning Center. Soon, our building will be full of proud parents and grandparents, little voices singing at full volume, and tassels made from construction paper. It’s pure joy in its smallest form.
This season always brings big speeches from big names to stages for commencement — presidents, authors, celebrities — trying to sum up what matters most as we move forward in the world. What if we had a commencement speaker at our ELC graduation? What would they say. What should they say?
Maybe something like this: wisdom for our littlest graduates, and gentle reminders the rest of us could probably use, too.
Be loud about the things you love.
Dinosaurs, space, glitter, your dog — whatever makes your heart feel like it’s about to do cartwheels… Talk about it! Enthusiasm is contagious, and the world needs more people spreading joy.
If you make a mess, clean it up.
Not because you’re in trouble, but because you care. Whether it’s crumbs on the rug or feelings you hurt, taking responsibility is brave. Grown-ups are still working on this one.
Let people sit with you.
On the carpet, at your table, in your circle. Especially the ones who look like they’re not sure where to go. Including others is the quietest and kindest form of leadership.
Ask why. A lot.
Why is the moon following us? Why can’t cats go to school? Why do people forget to say “I’m sorry”? These questions may sound small, but they are actually giant keys. They unlock understanding, imagination, and empathy. Don’t stop asking. Ever.
Try again tomorrow.
Some days are hard. You spill things. You forget things. You don’t feel like doing the work. That’s okay. Take a breath. Rest. You get to start over as many times as you need.
Here’s to all of our graduates: tiny and tall. May you keep walking forward with full hearts and eyes wide open.
