Something to Think About – The R’s of Life – #Respect in our modern world by Sally Cronin

Posted on January 18, 2019 by Jennie

Respect is fundamental, and the root of how we grow. Lack of respect appears to be far too common and is eating away at the culture of humanity. I am all too aware of how behaviors have far reaching effects, good and bad. But, I can make a difference and you can, too. Yesterday I went into a pizza shop and ordered a pizza. At every question I was asked, I answered, “Yes, please.” in a rather confident voice – the same voice and words I teach my preschoolers to say. Because it will make a difference to someone listening. It may take a hundred times for people and also children to “get it”, but they will. I have the good fortune to teach young children, and respect is a given part of my classroom. Lack of respect is an opportunity to teach respect. The books I choose to read aloud always have an element of respect. Milly the quilter started as a way to connect generations. Respect. New and different cultures among children are opportunities to learn about the world. Respect. I have a simple thing I do when a child displays an act of kindness that is above and beyond; I say to that child, “Kiss your heart.” The child then kisses his or her fingertips and touches them to their heart. I am showing respect and kindness. And the other children watching? Boy, do they get it! I am sure that we can all make a difference to this world by showing respect. Sally’s article is an important read and says it well. Thank you, Sally!

About Jennie

I have been teaching preschool for over thirty years. This is my passion. I believe that children have a voice, and that is the catalyst to enhance or even change the learning experience. Emergent curriculum opens young minds. It's the little things that happen in the classroom that are most important and exciting. That's what I write about. I am highlighted in the the new edition of Jim Trelease's bestselling book, "The Read-Aloud Handbook" because of my reading to children. My class has designed quilts that hang as permanent displays at both the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, and the Fisher House at the Boston VA Hospital.
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20 Responses to Something to Think About – The R’s of Life – #Respect in our modern world by Sally Cronin

  1. Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life. says:
    January 18, 2019 at 8:19 am

    Thank you Jennie for the work that you do that has made such a difference to your students and everyone that they come into contact with in their futures. And of course for sharing. ♥

    Reply
  2. beetleypete says:
    January 18, 2019 at 8:21 am

    Words of wisdom, from the lovely Sally.
    Good reblog indeed, Jennie. 🙂
    Best wishes, Pete.

    Reply
  3. Opher says:
    January 18, 2019 at 8:29 am

    Oh Yes!! Respect, love, tolerance, empathy, responsibility – the things that are so much more important than exam results!

    Reply
  4. insearchofitall says:
    January 18, 2019 at 9:23 am

    That’s it in a nutshell! Respect for others and respect for self. My children (adults) still say “yes, or no please” and “Thank you”. Without it, you have chaos, obviously. It’s incredible how many in the world haven’t learned this. Thanks for sharing it.

    Reply
  5. frenchc1955 says:
    January 18, 2019 at 10:45 am

    Jennie, thank you for an important and powerful post!

    Reply
  6. Teagan R. Geneviene says:
    January 18, 2019 at 1:28 pm

    The most important “R” of all. Hugs to you both, Jennie and Sally.

    Reply
  7. delphini510 says:
    January 19, 2019 at 4:34 am

    Sally and Jennie, I loved this article about respect and the way you, Sally, put it forward.
    That you both put this out is wonderful and so important.

    Miriam

    Reply
  8. jjspina says:
    January 20, 2019 at 12:13 am

    Loved both of your posts here, Jennie and Sally. Beautiful words spoken by two beautiful ladies. Love to you both xx

    Reply
  9. Elizabeth says:
    January 20, 2019 at 2:03 pm

    I believe that kids learn what they experience. Children treated with respect, as are the ones you teach, can learn to respect not from fear but from love. Keep up the good work.

    Reply
  10. rabbitpatchdiary.com says:
    January 26, 2019 at 8:32 pm

    I could not agree more.I tell my older students, all of the time that treating others well is MORE important than any academic success or athletic ability etc.

    Reply

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