--- title: Launching Young Children into a Lifetime Love of Learning description: St. Luke's Head of Middle School highlights the benefits of a 5-12 grade education including the positive influence older students have on younger children. image: https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/190307_dscuttherope2_101happygirlsfx2.jpg --- [![](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/logo-2025.png)](https://www.stlukesct.org/) [![SLS-Logo-2025-white](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/SLS-Logo-2025-white.png)](http://www.stlukesct.org/) ![blogleadingvoices banner.jpg](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hs-fs/hubfs/StLukesSchoolDec2016/image/blogleadingvoices%20%20banner.jpg?width=1000&name=blogleadingvoices%20%20banner.jpg "blogleadingvoices banner.jpg") [Inquire](https://stlukesct.myschoolapp.com/page/admissions/apply-to-sls/inquire-online) [Visit](https://www.stlukesct.org/page/admissions/visit-us) [Apply](https://www.stlukesct.org/page/admissions/apply-to-sls) # [Launching Young Children into a Lifetime Love of Learning](https://blog.stlukesct.org/benefits5-12) by [Amber Berry](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/amber-berry) ![Amber Berry: Former Head of Middle School](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/Amber%20Berry.png) I am always asking myself, our faculty, and families the same question: How can we best support our children as they grow and become *their best selves?* How can we guide them as they navigate competing social and academic pressures? As is often the answer, *it takes a village.* Students benefit when parents and teachers work in partnership, but there is another often overlooked influence on younger students—older students. As the Head of Middle School I can (and do) give a lot of advice and many times, students listen. But get an Upper School (9-12th grade) student to deliver a message and the entire Middle School (5th-8th) is all ears. Looking up to “big kids” is natural—think of an adored older sibling or a favorite babysitter. Because St. Luke’s is a 5-12 school, we can leverage this relationship by intentionally connecting our older and younger students in a way that benefits all. ![St. Luke's All School Musical - School of Rock](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hs-fs/hubfs/School%20of%20rock.png?width=888&name=School%20of%20rock.png) We see this *at play* in the drama program. Our theater tech group is for 7th grade and up because of the level of responsibility required to use tools and build sets. Older tech students work with Middle Schoolers to develop their skills so that one day the younger kids get more responsibility and independence, and the older kids deepen their own understanding by teaching. This symbiosis continues onstage as highlighted this year in our inaugural All-School Musical where performers of all ages collaborated. ![St. Luke's Hackathon for Upper and Middle School "hackers"](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hs-fs/hubfs/190119_Hackathon%205D_041olderyounger.jpg?width=5760&name=190119_Hackathon%205D_041olderyounger.jpg) Another rich environment for multi-age interaction is our [designLab](https://www.stlukesct.org/page/center-for-leadership/designlab). Here’s this big, beautiful fabrication space buzzing with students. There may be two classes at the same time as well as students working independently on special projects. Some of the tools are advanced and for Upper School use only. This makes the setting aspirational—little kids looking up to big kids, watching what they do and imagining the next-level projects they’ll create one day. The space is filled with the artifacts of students at all levels, which cultivates respect for all ideas from US to MS and MS to US. designLab Director Michael Mitchell runs the [St. Luke's Hackathon](https://www.stlukesct.org/center-for-leadership/designlab/st-lukes-hackathon) another multigrade experience and chance to learn from one another. ![Field Day](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Field%20Day.png?width=1086&name=Field%20Day.png) Then there is the rich opportunity to teach sportsmanship. Varsity athletes take turns going to Middle School practice in the free time before their own practice begins. It’s a small thing but so exciting for the younger kids to be watched and coached by Upper School athletes.  I remember one Middle School soccer player who was feeling insecure about being the goalie. For half a practice, the varsity goalie worked with the young goalie practicing when to dive, when to nod and when to stay or leave the box. Both students came away with more confidence and a new friendship. Even our fifth graders, who have their own dedicated space and less contact with the Upper School, are beyond excited when it’s time for our Pep Rally or other all-school assemblies. Middle Schoolers feel part of something important and larger than themselves. It’s really something to see a sixth-grade girl belting out a song next to a senior playing saxophone in Blues Band. ![6th grader sings with St. Luke's Blues Band](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hs-fs/hubfs/181116_dsbluesband5D1_0071sixthCR.jpg?width=5664&name=181116_dsbluesband5D1_0071sixthCR.jpg) I’ve worked in different schools with different structures which helps illuminate the many benefits of St. Luke’s composition. Above all else, it gives our young students a true sense of the wonderful journey ahead.    Read more... [Three Ways Schools Can Build Confidence](https://blog.stlukesct.org/three-ways-schools-can-build-confidence) [Parenting Teens: Anybody Have a Map?](https://blog.stlukesct.org/parenting-teens) [Letting 5th-Grade Minds Run Wild](https://blog.stlukesct.org/5th-grade-fun-learning-that-lasts) [Parent Perspective: The Private School Experience](https://blog.stlukesct.org/privateschoolparent) --- **St. Luke’s is a private, secular (non-religious) independent school in New Canaan, CT serving grades 5-12. St. Luke’s mission: An exceptional education that inspires a deep love of learning, a strong moral compass, the commitment to serve, and the confidence to lead. **    - - - - [![Learn more about St. Luke's - download our brochure](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2035825/45ec86aa-f07f-4c17-bcfd-1ed3b8453a3e.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2035825/45ec86aa-f07f-4c17-bcfd-1ed3b8453a3e)         ## Leave a comment ### Get our latest blog posts! ![Amber Berry: Former Head of Middle School](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/Amber%20Berry.png) [Amber Berry](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/amber-berry) Amber departed SLS in the summer of 2023 after being a member of the school's community since 2010. She was the Head of Middle School as well as a Middle School French Teacher. ![profile_icon.png](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hs-fs/hubfs/profile_icon.png?width=200&height=200&name=profile_icon.png) ### By Author - [Amber Berry: Former Head of Middle School ( 2 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/amber-berry) - [Beth Yavenditti: Director of Global Education ( 3 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/beth-yavenditti-director-of-global-education) - [Carrie Meatto: Spanish Teacher ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/carrie-meatto-spanish-teacher) - [Daphne Teittinen-Schreck: ESS Director ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/daphne-teittinen-schreck-ess-director) - [Dr. Jason Haynes: History Chair ( 2 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/dr-jason-haynes-history-chair) - [Dr. Stephanie Bramlett: Former Director of Inclusive Excellence ( 2 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/dr-stephanie-bramlett-former-director-of-inclusive-excellence) - [Gareth Fancher: Director of Emotional Intelligence ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/gareth-fancher-director-of-emotional-intelligence) - [Georgia Rosenberg '19: Student ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/georgia-rosenberg-19-student) - [Hunter Martin: Summer Program Director ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/hunter-martin-summer-program-director) - [Jacqueline Nelson: Director of Equity and Inclusion ( 4 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/jacqueline-nelson-director-of-equity-and-inclusion) - [Jane Olsen: Fifth Grade Teacher (retired) ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/jane-olsen) - [Jason Giffen: Director of Enrollment Management ( 4 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/jason-giffen-director-of-enrollment-management) - [Jessie Samuel, Fifth Grade Science Teacher ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/jessie-samuel-fifth-grade-science-teacher) - [Jim Foley: Asst. Head of School for Leadership & Innovation ( 2 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/jim-foley-asst-head-of-school-for-leadership-innovation) - [Jim Yavenditti: Director of Studies ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/jim-yavenditti-director-of-studies) - [Joshua Schneider, Upper School Science Teacher ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/joshua-schneider-upper-school-science-teacher) - [Julia Gabriele: Associate Head of School & Chief Financial Officer ( 5 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/julia-gabriele-associate-head-of-school-chief-financial-officer) - [Kate Parker-Burgard: Director of Community Connections ( 22 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/kate-parker-burgard-director-of-community-connections) - [Liz Perry: Assistant Head of School for Academics ( 11 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/liz-perry) - [Mark Chuhta: Asst. Head of Middle School ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/mark-chuhta-asst-head-of-middle-school) - [Mary Halpin Carter: Head of School ( 3 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/mary-carter) - [Nancy Troeger: Director of Marketing and Communications ( 3 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/nancy-troeger-director-of-marketing-and-communications) - [Sonia Bell: Director of College Counseling ( 2 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/sonia-bell-director-of-college-counseling) - [Stephen Vehslage: Associate Director of College Counseling ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/stephen-vehslage-associate-director-of-college-counseling) - [Students: Jack Briggs '21 and Liam Patty '21 ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/students-jack-briggs-21-and-liam-patty-21) - [Tom Owen: English Teaching Fellow ( 1 )](https://blog.stlukesct.org/author/tom-owen-english-teaching-fellow) - Gareth Fancher ( 1 ) ### Recent Articles ### Posts by Topic - [Leadership (44)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/leadership) - [Character (33)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/character) - [Mission (32)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/mission) - [Community (28)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/community) - [School (25)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/school) - [Innovation in Education (18)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/innovation-in-education) - [Lifelong Learning (18)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/lifelong-learning) - [Service (18)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/service) - [teens (18)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/teens) - [private school (14)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/private-school) - [Inspiration (13)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/inspiration) - [Values (13)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/values) - [Moral Compass (11)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/moral-compass) - [Parenting (10)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/parenting) - [Diversity & Inclusion (9)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/diversity-inclusion) - [Global Perspective (9)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/global-perspective) - [Above and Beyond (7)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/above-and-beyond) - [Gratitude (7)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/gratitude) - [Moral Courage (7)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/moral-courage) - [Well-Being (7)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/well-being) - [Freedom (4)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/freedom) - [Mindfulness (4)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/mindfulness) - [SLSHeroes (4)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/slsheroes) - [college (4)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/college) - [Civil Discourse (3)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/civil-discourse) - [College Admissions (3)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/college-admissions) - [Resilience (3)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/resilience) - [Student Voices (3)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/student-voices) - [Technology (3)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/technology) - [humanity (3)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/humanity) - [Meditation (2)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/meditation) - [Parents as Partners (2)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/parents-as-partners) - [Postive (Alumni) Outcomes (2)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/postive-alumni-outcomes) - [Private School Admissions (2)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/private-school-admissions) - [student-led learning (2)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/student-led-learning) - [Athletics (1)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/athletics) - [Family (1)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/family) - [Patriotism (1)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/patriotism) - [middle school (1)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/topic/middle-school) \[see all\] ### Popular Articles #### Related posts [![Enter to Learn. 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Every Word Counts](https://blog.stlukesct.org/everywordcounts) ![Jacqueline Nelson: Director of Equity and Inclusion](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/Nelson_Jaci.jpeg) By [Jacqueline Nelson: Director of Equity and Inclusion](https://blog.stlukesct.org/everywordcounts/author/jacqueline-nelson-director-of-equity-and-inclusion) [![The Best of Our Human Instincts](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/Hubspot%20Blog%20Banner%201200x300%20(2).png)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/bestofourhumaninstincts) ### [The Best of Our Human Instincts](https://blog.stlukesct.org/bestofourhumaninstincts) ![Jacqueline Nelson: Director of Equity and Inclusion](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/Nelson_Jaci.jpeg) By [Jacqueline Nelson: Director of Equity and Inclusion](https://blog.stlukesct.org/bestofourhumaninstincts/author/jacqueline-nelson-director-of-equity-and-inclusion) [![A Curious Talk About A Wildly Different Tool: St. Luke’s School Embraces Emerging Technologies](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/AI%20Blog%20Banner.png)](https://blog.stlukesct.org/curioustalk) ### [A Curious Talk About A Wildly Different Tool: St. Luke’s School Embraces Emerging Technologies](https://blog.stlukesct.org/curioustalk) ![Liz Perry: Assistant Head of School for Academics](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/Perry_Elizabeth470-1.jpg) By [Liz Perry: Assistant Head of School for Academics](https://blog.stlukesct.org/curioustalk/author/liz-perry) - [REQUEST MORE INFO](https://info.stlukesct.org/get-started) - [Come Visit Us](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/admissions/visit-us) - [Apply Now](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/admissions/apply-to-sls) - [Make a Gift Today](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/community/giving-at-st-lukes) - [![Facebook](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/StLukesSchoolDec2016/image/Facebook.png)](http://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Lukes-School/44751060933) - [![instagram](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/StLukesSchoolDec2016/image/Instagram.png)](http://instagram.com/stlukesct) - [![twitter](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/StLukesSchoolDec2016/image/Twitter.png)](https://twitter.com/stlukesschool) - [![youtube](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/StLukesSchoolDec2016/image/YouTube.png)](https://www.youtube.com/user/stlukes377/featured) - [![pinterest](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/StLukesSchoolDec2016/image/Pinterest.png)](https://www.pinterest.com/stlukesct/) - [![linkedin](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/StLukesSchoolDec2016/image/LinkedIn.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/st--luke%27s-school) St. Luke’s School is a secular private school in New Canaan, Connecticut for grades 5 through 12 serving 25 towns in Connecticut and New York. Our rigorous programs and diverse co-educational community strive for excellence, fostering students intellectual and ethical development and preparing them for top colleges. St. Luke’s balanced, multi-dimensional experience provides students with the tools they need for leadership and service in the world. ![St. Luke's Logo and Contact Block](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/StLukesSchoolDec2016/image/footer%20Logo.png) - [377 North Wilton Road New Canaan, CT 06840](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Current+Location/377+N+Wilton+Rd,+New+Canaan,+CT+06840) - [(203) 966-5612](tel:(203)%20966-5612) - [info@stlukesct.org](mailto:info@stlukesct.org) - [**Contact Us**](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/facultystaff-directory) - [![NAIS](https://blog.stlukesct.org/hubfs/StLukesSchoolDec2016/image/NAIS.png)](http://www.nais.org/Pages/default.aspx) Open Sitemap - [Admissions](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/admissions) - [Welcome](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/admissions/welcome) - [Visit Us](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/admissions/visit-us) - [Apply to SLS](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/admissions/apply-to-sls) - [FAQs](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/admissions/faqs) - [Tuition & Financial Aid](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/admissions/tuition--financial-aid) - [Academics](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/academics) - [Love of Learning](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/academics/love-of-learning) - [Curriculum](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/academics/curriculum) - [Middle School](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/academics/middle-school) - [Upper School](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/academics/upper-school) - [Academic Resources](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/academics/academic-resources/advisory-program) - [Learning & Technology](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/academics/learning--technology) - [College Counseling](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/academics/college-counseling) - [Center for Leadership](http://www.stlukesct.org/page/center-for-leadership/find-your-voice-make-a-difference-) - [Find your voice. 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