4-Year-Old Spontaneously Takes The Lead, Teaches Older Kids Planets

By Wendy Widom

CHICAGO (CBS) — Four-year-old Cayden took matters into his own hands recently by teaching students, some much older than him, the names of the planets in our solar system.

The students, ages five to 13, participate in an after-school program for English Language Learners who are two years or more below academic level. The class is offered through Carriage House, a childcare service located in Homewood, Illinois. Cayden saw the older children learning about the planets and eagerly joined them.

Educational consultant Pamela Walker tells CBS 2 that Cayden is typically reserved during class. But during this lesson, Cayden noticed children struggling. Unprompted, he walked confidently to the front of the room, climbed on a chair, and began listing the planets, encouraging students to follow his lead.

"As an educator I love to see his leadership and confidence explode this year," says Walker. "Cayden has volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House with his sister Destiny Watson, who started a Club You Matter 2 to combat hunger."

Nice going, Cayden!