Value of the Month: Kindness and Compassion
Kindness and compassion are not just abstract concepts; they are the core values that Meritton British International School actively instills in its students. As the school year drew to a close, with Christmas and New Year approaching, the focus was firmly on these two virtues, highlighting their importance in both the school community and the wider world.
The Power of the Value of the Month: Kindness and Compassion at Meritton
The school’s philosophy on kindness is simple yet profound: it helps to spread happiness. When we give without expectation, we go beyond our individual selves, which creates a feeling of openness, confidence, and joy. On the other hand, when we are on the receiving end of a kind act, we feel safe, valued, and cared for. This reciprocal nature of kindness creates a positive cycle that benefits everyone.
A Global Impact from the Value of the Month: Kindness and Compassion
A powerful example of this philosophy in action was the international Values-based Education conference co-hosted by Meritton and a partner school in the Philippines. Students from around the world shared videos of their personal projects designed to make the world a better place. The school’s students, in particular, demonstrated their commitment to the environment by creating bird feeders from recycled materials. This project, shared with over 200 students and teachers, proved that even the smallest actions can have a global impact. As the school’s Head of School, Mr. Neil Amas, noted, “the ripples from our acts of kindness have the potential to be felt at every corner of the world”.
Cultivating Compassion: Tips for Families and Educators
The document emphasizes that the best way to teach children about kindness and compassion is by being a good role model ourselves. Children learn by observing and imitating the habits of the adults in their lives. Therefore, parents and educators are encouraged to show what these values mean through their actions and careful guidance. The document provides eight practical tips for families to encourage kindness at home. These tips range from noticing and appreciating a child’s kind acts, to telling stories about compassionate deeds you have witnessed, and creating opportunities for them to show compassion, such as volunteering at an animal rescue centre.
Other tips include showing kindness to others in front of your children, and helping them develop empathy by asking questions like, “How would you feel if that happened to you?”. The “Kind Speech” mantra is also introduced, which encourages children to consider if their words are “true, helpful, and kind” before they speak. Additionally, simple manners like “please” and “thank you” are highlighted as a great starting point for kindness. Finally, the document notes that once a child feels the positive emotions associated with both giving and receiving kindness, they will be naturally motivated to continue being kind.
A Brighter Future Through the Value of the Month: Kindness and Compassion
By focusing on the ” Value of the Month: Kindness and Compassion”, Meritton aims to raise children who not only understand these values but also actively live them. This initiative gives the world real hope for a kinder, more compassionate future, proving that even a small school in Chiang Mai can make a significant difference.
