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!
In January 2016 I began a series that I was intending to publish as a book but since it has been languishing… I have decided to re-run since it is three years since it was last posted.
The title came about as I dipped into a Thesaurus to find some words for a poem I was writing. I noticed that a great many words that reflected (see what I mean) key elements in our lives began with the letter ‘R’. In the original series there was an introduction, but I am skipping that to dive straight into what I believe is becoming extinct in many areas of our world and our own lives…..
The posts are a bit longer than the average.. so I hope you have a cup of tea handy!
The R’s of Life – Respect.
It is always so easy to criticise and I don’t want these…
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A Teacher's Reflections 
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. ♥
You are most welcome, Sally. And thank you for writing about the big picture. ❤️
Words of wisdom, from the lovely Sally.
Good reblog indeed, Jennie. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
Yes, indeed. Thank you, Pete.
Oh Yes!! Respect, love, tolerance, empathy, responsibility – the things that are so much more important than exam results!
Yes!!!
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.
I find it incredible how many just don’t have this. It’s so simple, yet so powerful. Thank you, Marlene.
Jennie, thank you for an important and powerful post!
You are welcome, Charles. Sally said it very well.
The most important “R” of all. Hugs to you both, Jennie and Sally.
Indeed it is, Teagan. Hugs to you!
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
Thank you, Miriam. 🙂
Loved both of your posts here, Jennie and Sally. Beautiful words spoken by two beautiful ladies. Love to you both xx
Thank you, Janice!
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.
Well said, Elizabeth. And, thank you!
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.
Amen!