By: Jason Gerber 

Parents are their children’s first friends, teachers and mentors; such an important role they play. Their mentorship can be incredibly powerful in childhood development. It provides young people with guidance and unparalleled support. Effective mentorship can bolster a child’s confidence, improve their skills, and help them feel connected in new environments. 

In the book “Sampson the Square,” by Danielle Willmott we see a touching story about a young boy named Sampson who moves into a new town and feels sad and lonely. Thankfully, his mom, Ms. Cube, advises him to keep a journal. 

On his first day at his new school, Sampson meets his teacher, Ms. G. Ometry, who pairs him with an older student named Pentagon. This pairing becomes a form of mentorship that significantly impacts Sampson’s growth and learning.

Mentorship can be incredibly powerful in childhood development. It provides young people with guidance, support, and someone to look up to. In Sampson’s case, the Pentagon helps him navigate the new school and the challenges that come with it. Initially, Sampson is embarrassed to share his private thoughts and feelings with the Pentagon. 

However, Pentagon shares his own journal with Sampson, showing that mentorship can also be about mutual growth and learning. By exchanging journals, they help each other improve their spelling and writing skills. This simple act of sharing and supporting each other builds Sampson’s confidence and makes him feel less alone.

Mentorship offers several benefits to children. Firstly, it gives them a sense of belonging. When Sampson first walks through the school, he feels like he doesn’t fit in. He doesn’t see anyone or anything that resembles him. By having Pentagon as a mentor, Sampson feels connected to at least one person in the school. This sense of connection can make a significant difference in a child’s emotional well-being.

Furthermore, mentorship encourages learning and skill development. The Pentagon’s role in helping Sampson with his journal is a clear example of this. By working together, Sampson and Pentagon not only improve their writing skills but also learn from each other’s experiences. This kind of one-on-one interaction is very effective in helping children understand and retain knowledge.

Another impactful aspect of mentorship seen in the story is the nurturing of confidence. When Ms. Ometry asks Sampson to share his story with the class, Sampson gathers the courage to calmly ask if he can do so. 

This newfound confidence likely stems from the support and encouragement he receives from the Pentagon and other positive interactions, such as spending time with his mom at the billiard hall. Feeling confident in sharing his experiences makes Sampson more engaged and willing to participate in class activities.

For schools and communities aiming to implement successful mentorship programs, there are several key steps to consider. Firstly, it is crucial to match mentors and mentees thoughtfully. In “Sampson the Square,” Sampson is paired with Pentagon, a fifth grader who can provide both academic and emotional support. Making such pairs based on complementary needs and strengths can enhance the effectiveness of the mentorship program.

Training mentors is another essential step. Mentors should be equipped with the skills and knowledge required to guide and support their mentees effectively. Just as Ms. Ometry helps Sampson by providing structured activities and tasks, mentors should have access to resources and training that help them fulfill their roles.

Maintaining regular interactions is important for the success of mentorship programs. Mentorship shouldn’t be a one-off event but rather an ongoing relationship where mentors and mentees meet regularly. This continuous interaction is vital for building trust and allowing the mentor to provide consistent support. In the book, Sampson and Pentagon meet several times, working on different tasks together, which helps solidify their mentorship relationship.

Creating a supportive environment is also crucial. Schools and communities should encourage a culture where mentorship is valued and supported by everyone. Teachers, parents, and peer groups should recognize the importance of mentorship and contribute to a positive atmosphere that nurtures these relationships. In Ms. Ometry’s class, the environment is one where students are encouraged to read, share, and learn from each other, which further enhances the impact of mentorship.

Lastly, setting clear goals and monitoring progress can make mentorship programs more effective. Mentors and mentees should have specific objectives they aim to achieve together, whether it’s improving academic skills, building confidence, or simply providing emotional support. Monitoring progress helps ensure that the mentorship is beneficial and allows for adjustments as needed.

In “Sampson the Square,” we see these principles in action. The mentorship between Sampson and Pentagon is thoughtfully arranged, supported by their teacher, and involves regular, meaningful interactions. This relationship provides a blueprint for how mentorship can positively impact a child’s development.

Final Words

To sum up, mentorship plays a vital role in childhood development by providing children with guidance, support, and a sense of belonging. As illustrated in “Sampson the Square,” a good mentorship relationship can boost a child’s confidence, enhance their skills, and make them feel connected.

By thoughtfully implementing mentorship programs in schools and communities—through careful pairing, training, regular interactions, a supportive environment, and clear goals—we can help more children thrive and reach their full potential. 

For a touching example of the power of mentorship, consider reading “Sampson the Square” by Danielle Willmott and discover how a little guidance can make a big difference in a child’s life.

Published by: Josh Tatunay