Fifth Graders Share What They Learn In CE
Character Education is an integral part of our elementary school curriculum. It is more than just a program that is offered at Mid-Pacific Institute. I often see it as "food for the soul" and a way of providing a "complete" education for our children. Acknowledging that a child is more than a body and a mind, CE recognizes the soul and spirit also, and provides nourishment for strengthening that aspect of a child's being.
The fifth graders were asked the question, "What have you learned that you think is important to remember about CE? Why does it matter?" Here are some of their responses-
"I learned that all people pass away, even loved ones. And once it happens you're sad and depressed. There always will be a hole. It matters because my great grandma passed away. We can talk about this in CE." S.R.
"I learned that you have to treat others the way you would like to be treated. It matters because you should treat people nice. Would you like to be bullied?" R.C.
"I learned that a little argument can cause a big war. It matters because it reminds you not to fight over small things." R.N.
"Happiness. It matters because it brings peace." J.C.
"I learned that you shouldn't judge people. It matters because if you do, people won't like you that much." C.O.
"I learned that you need to be responsible. It matters because you shouldn't let someone else do it for you." K.C.
"I learned that when you take responsibility and give up your recess to do your job for Peace Team, you are growing older and you are helping your community. It matters to me because when I do something that is very helpful, I'm growing up and learning more." E.C.
"I learned that you cannot ask God to win something, or have the opponent do bad. You should ask him for you to do your best. It matters because you should never expect things to come to you. You should work to make it happen." N.L.
"Helping others is always a better thing to do. Doing Peace Team helps to show people what you should do. It matters because it helps our community to be a better place." D.E.
"I think prayer is important because you can let your feelings out. It matters because it is not good to keep feelings in." M.K.
"I learned that UNICEF helps kids in other places that don't have resources. It matters because all kids need help." A.O.
"I learned that writing someone a card or even a thank you card is important to remember. It matters because you are doing an act of kindness to someone and it makes them feel good inside." H.S.
"I have learned that being kind and generous to others is important. It matters because it makes people feel good and it can make their day, knowing that someone cares." C.P.
"I learned that fighting with others gets you nowhere. It matters because you get more hurt emotionally and physically than you need to." K.Y.
"I learned that when you're nice to a person, then that person will be nice to you. It matters because you don't want to be the mean person and everybody hating you." M.N.
"I learned how to do Peace Team and being of service. It matters because in the beginning, I was clueless about being of service." C.S.
Lessons such as what these fifth graders have shared are priceless. These lessons help our children grow as caring and civilized human beings who respect themselves, each other and our world.
