Part One – R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

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Last year, we had a Word of the Month series that coincided with Joy's travel adventures. In addition to exploring a different country and culture every month, we also wanted to share a discussion about different emotions with parents, caregivers, teachers and kids. Read on to learn more on about the topic of respect.


Hi friends!

I want to talk about a very special word that holds a lot of meaning for everyone on the planet. It is a word that affects us all. It is something that we can show ourselves and others to help us live a happier life in this world that we share together. It is called respect. I am sure you have heard of it and may already know what it means. But did you know why is it so special?

Many of you have probably heard of The Golden Rule that states, "treat others the way you want to be treated." Well, that very old and powerful saying is the root (or beginning) of respect and what people from many world cultures have taught for many, many years! So even though we all come from different parts of the world, look different and act different, we all want to be treated the same way: with respect. To dig a little deeper, let's look at the words below to see some what it means to show respect: 

Remembering others' feelings


Every person matters


S
howing care & love


P
atience & understanding


E
very thing matters


C
ompassion for yourself & others


T
olerance for everyone's  differences


Wow! Can you imagine how much more awesome our world would be if we respected all living creatures and things!?  I wanted to share some ways that I practice showing respect with you:

  • I show respect to my Papa and Mama by listening to them when they speak to me, because I know it comes from lots of love and care. But sometimes I get distracted when they are teaching me something. I don't mean to ignore them, but it can hurt their feelings when I don't listen. And I may miss out on learning something very important! So, just like you, I am learning and when they are explaining something to me, I do my best to pay attention and respect them because I know they are trying to help me.

  • I show respect for myself by not doing anything that may not feel right to me. Like last week, some of my friends decided to climb a log across a wild river. I wanted to join them on the adventure, but I was nervous that it was too dangerous and we could get hurt. I thought they may get mad at me for not wanting to cross with them, but I decided to respect myself and share my honest feelings. They were a little upset at first, but then they understood and appreciated my care and decided not to cross the river. 

  • I always do my best to respect nature and animals. Even if a plant or animal can't speak, it does not mean that they are not alive or can't feel anything. I would not want anyone mistreating me just because I am a sun bear and do not look or act like them. 

Here's a great video for you to enjoy by Sesame Street that talks more about respect.


So how do you show respect to yourself
and others?

Take a few minutes and write down or draw how you show respect. I would love to know what your answers are, so please ask your parent, guardian or teacher to send them to [email protected] or comment on the the post below. 


Aliyah, a six year old from the United States of America, drew the picture above, a story of a boy pushing a girl in line, but then he learns that "everyone needs respect". After learning to respect his classmates, they became friends.
 

Also, your parent, guardian or teacher can post your answers on my Facebook page and share with my other friends with the hashtag #joyofrespect.

Resources for Parents, Teachers and Caregivers

Before I go, here is a helpful website for your parents, teachers and caregivers (including some worksheets, colorings pages and more) to explore more on the word respect and other good character traits: Talking with Trees.

I also wanted to share these great books via Scholastic that you can read at home, school or the library that talk about respect.

Thanks friends and take care!

Respectfully your friend,

-Joy Sun Bear

joysunbear
Author: joysunbear

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1 thought on “Part One – R.E.S.P.E.C.T.”

  1. The work you are doing for children is amazing! I love the video, so cute and easy to grasp for kids!! Great article and can’t wait to read more on the other values you share. <3

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