As Naperville families prepare for the new school year, a local grandparent offers a heartfelt reminder of how simple moments in a fourth‑grade classroom can shape a lifelong appreciation for nature and literature.
School memories that still resonate
Recalling the early days of the school year, the writer notes how quickly the summer fades for children who have grown up with the rhythm of school‑year calendars. The excitement of returning to class is contrasted with the nostalgia of a childhood that seemed to stretch until the final carnival ride closed over Labor Day weekend.
One vivid memory centers on a fourth‑grade teacher, Mrs. Volk, described as a lean, gray‑haired educator who always dressed impeccably and taught with precision. A humorous incident involving a grape‑purple wraparound skirt that caused a muted titter in the classroom is remembered, along with the fortunate fact that the teacher was wearing a slip, turning a potential wardrobe malfunction into a light‑hearted story that still brings smiles.
The poem that sparked a love of nature
Beyond the classroom antics, the year marked a deepening love of the school library and a growing awareness of the natural world. That awareness was, in part, nurtured by Mrs. Volk’s regular recitation of Joyce Kilmer’s classic poem “Trees.” The poem, written in 1913, celebrates the simple beauty of trees and reflects the poet’s values, which were also evident in his brief career at The New York Times and the religious newspaper The Churchman.
Learning that Kilmer was a man—something the writer admits not having been taught—adds a layer of discovery to the poem’s legacy. Kilmer’s life was tragically cut short when he died at age 31 during World War I, yet his words continue to inspire readers of all ages.
Why the poem matters today
In a time when many families are focused on academic achievement and extracurricular schedules, the poem serves as a reminder that “humans come and humans go. Trees stand, bearing witness.” This simple truth resonates with parents and grandparents who seek to instill a sense of stewardship and reverence for creation in the next generation.
For Naperville families, the poem’s message aligns with the community’s strong Christian heritage and traditional family values, emphasizing gratitude for God’s creation and the importance of passing those values to children.
Looking ahead
As the newest cohort of fourth‑graders steps into classrooms across Naperville, the writer encourages families to revisit Kilmer’s verses, to read them aloud at the dinner table, and to explore local parks where trees provide both shade and a tangible connection to the poem’s timeless theme.
In doing so, parents and grandparents can help children see that while school years may change, the natural world remains a constant source of wonder and spiritual reflection.
Original reporting: Positively Naperville (Aurora area) — read the source article.
