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Welcome to a celebration of the
Laws of Life!
To register for the 2009-2010 Laws of Life Essay Program (click here
for PDF or
MS Word versions) or see the links following this text.
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| Connecticut Laws of Life finalists celebrate with SEE’s Laws of Life Coordinator, Shannon Romagnolo (far left) on May 6, 2009. |
The Laws of Life
essay program is a writing assignment that supports student
character development. Laws of Life provides students in grades
5-12 the unique opportunity to reflect and write about their
core values, principles and ideals that will guide them
throughout their lives. Writing with Laws of Life encourages a
dialogue between students and their teachers, parents and
community members to advance excellent writing, positive values
and character. The writing process for Laws of Life can be
integrated into many academic subject areas such as English
literature, language arts, history and health. Laws of Life is a
non-sectarian, academic activity that typically identifies
universal ethical principles and laws of life such as – love,
service, perseverance, honesty, respect and courage. These
values are recognized to be life affirming, support positive
citizenship and transcend religion, culture and national
borders.
The School for Ethical Education has been administering the
Laws of Life essay program in Connecticut since 2000. Public and non-public school participants have recognized the great value in having students write from the heart to identify their laws of life. The program was established by Sir John Templeton in 1987. With the support of the Templeton Foundation, the
Laws of Life essay program has been established as an effective writing and character-building activity with students participating from nations around the world.
Benefits of Laws of Life Participation
- Provides students the opportunity to write, reflect and discuss their values with peers, teachers, parents and others
- Motivates students to “write from the heart” to produce excellent narratives
- Integrates the writing process with effective character education
- Encourages schools to obtain community support to recognize student writing
- Provides schools a positive opportunity to recognize students’ values
- Promotes a sense of positive community within the classroom
- Prepares students for writing process on standardized tests (in CT, the CMT and CAPT)
- Fits easily into any writing curriculum (Language Arts/English, History, Social Studies, Health)
- Encourages students of all writing ability to participate
During the 2008-09 school year, approximately 3,400 writers participated in
Laws of Life. On May 6, 2009 over 110 guests celebrated with the Laws of Life essayists at the Anthony’s Ocean View Restaurant in New Haven, Connecticut. The evening theme was “Character Celebration!” as SEE celebrated another successful year of the
Laws of Life essay program.
Connecticut’s ten essay finalists, family members, teachers and statewide judges were invited to participate in the celebration. Two students volunteered to read their essays that focused on developing strong individual character and integrity.
All of the students’ essays were published in the Celebration’s program handbook and are available on-line at
www.ethicsed.org. To participate in the Laws of Life program, complete the
Registration Form [MS
Word Version] and return to The School for Ethical Education by email at
lawsoflife@ethicsed.org or fax—(203) 783-4461.
Congratulations to the Connecticut Laws of Life 2008-2009 Essay Winners!
Click here to read their Laws of Life!
SEE is a non-sectarian 501(c)3 education organization that obtains most of its financial support from public and foundation grants, fees for services, and gifts from
Wright Investors' Service of Milford, Conn. SEE is not affiliated with any religious organization and does not espouse or represent any specific religious belief.
Laws of Life has been approved for implementation in Connecticut schools by Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) and endorsed by National School Boards Association and is on the National Association of Secondary School Principals’ National Advisory List of Student Contests and Activities.
Laws of Life is an excellent opportunity to advance ethics in action, and SEE is grateful for support in 2008-09 by the Bic Corporation, Bigelow Tea, BlumShapiro, ConnectiCare, Ann T. D’Addario Family Foundation, Dworken, Hillman, LaMorte & Sterczala, PC, Eaton Vance Corporation, The John Templeton Foundation, NewAlliance Foundation, St. Vincent’s Health Services, State Street Corporation, Wright Investors’ Service and other private donors.
Further Program Information
2009-2010 Program:
General Information:
Previous Year's Programs
(2009-2000)
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SEE is a
non-sectarian 501(c)3 education organization that obtains most
of its financial support from public and foundation grants, fees
for services, and gifts from Wright Investors' Service of Milford, Conn.
SEE is not affiliated with any religious organization and does
not espouse or represent any specific religious belief.
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