Lent 2012
The Kindness Project will be a special emphasis for St. John Lutheran School during the Lenten season of 2012. The project will be introduced in classrooms on Thursday and Friday, February 23 and 24, after Mardi Gras break. The project will conclude at the Maundy Thursday chapel on April 5, before Easter break.
What is the purpose of the project?
Our school, like many, faces the reality of children being unkind to one another and their teachers. Instead of telling students what they should NOT do (bullying), this project will give students the reasons for being kind and ideas for showing kindness.
"The peer culture is a powerful influence on student conduct and character. If teachers and schools do not take proactive steps to shape a positive peer culture, peer norms such as cruelty to those who are different will typically prevail. By contrast, when teachers and schools create a strong sense of community, children learn morality by living it. Respect and care begin to become habits—part of their developing character. And school becomes what it clearly must be: a place where all children feel welcomed and safe." (Lickona, 2000)
Why during Lent?
* God showed his supreme kindness to us by sending His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross and take our sin away.
* When faced with the kindness of God, we want to respond in kindness to others. "Students learn to care about others when they feel cared about themselves." (Lickona, 2000)
* The 6 week time period is optimum for forming the kindness habit.
* Lent is a season of repentance. "Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?" (Romans 2:4, ESV)
References
Austin, B., & Sapaugh, C. (1970). Try a little kindness [Song performed by Glen Campbell]. In www.youtube.com. Retrieved January 7, 2012, from http://youtube/KaCBTSQZq1E
Lickona, T. (2000, September). Sticks and stones may break my bones AND names WILL hurt me. Our Children, 26(1), 20. Retrieved from http://www.character-education.info/Articles/Preventing_Peer_Cruelty.htm
What is the purpose of the project?
Our school, like many, faces the reality of children being unkind to one another and their teachers. Instead of telling students what they should NOT do (bullying), this project will give students the reasons for being kind and ideas for showing kindness.
"The peer culture is a powerful influence on student conduct and character. If teachers and schools do not take proactive steps to shape a positive peer culture, peer norms such as cruelty to those who are different will typically prevail. By contrast, when teachers and schools create a strong sense of community, children learn morality by living it. Respect and care begin to become habits—part of their developing character. And school becomes what it clearly must be: a place where all children feel welcomed and safe." (Lickona, 2000)
Why during Lent?
* God showed his supreme kindness to us by sending His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross and take our sin away.
* When faced with the kindness of God, we want to respond in kindness to others. "Students learn to care about others when they feel cared about themselves." (Lickona, 2000)
* The 6 week time period is optimum for forming the kindness habit.
* Lent is a season of repentance. "Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?" (Romans 2:4, ESV)
References
Austin, B., & Sapaugh, C. (1970). Try a little kindness [Song performed by Glen Campbell]. In www.youtube.com. Retrieved January 7, 2012, from http://youtube/KaCBTSQZq1E
Lickona, T. (2000, September). Sticks and stones may break my bones AND names WILL hurt me. Our Children, 26(1), 20. Retrieved from http://www.character-education.info/Articles/Preventing_Peer_Cruelty.htm