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 Comments from Schools, Youth, Families
Here’s
what participants had to say about their involvement in The
School for Ethical Education’s Laws of Life program:
"Our school found that the program was invaluable, in terms of directing children to think about themselves and others. The impact that the curriculum had on my students, as well as on me, cannot be fully articulated." –
School contest coordinator
"All the information provided - writing prompts, rubrics, etc. - were very helpful for our staff. The feedback from the students has also been very positive.…This was the first time our students had the opportunity to be recognized for their written expression."
– School contest coordinator
"I think this contest is extremely valuable to both a character education curriculum and a writing program. It allows children to reflect in a meaningful way, and the contest gives students a 'real' audience." –
School contest coordinator
"It was a good experience for me and it was a lot of fun. I learned so much about myself and what I'm capable of writing." –
Middle school student
"One child wrote how he was affected by the fact that he stutters. This provided the teachers with valuable insight into how he feels about himself and why he acts the way he does….One child who has had many difficulties as a result of lying wrote about honesty and why it is important. This was an important first step for him in dealing with his problems." –
School contest coordinator
"The essay provides students with an opportunity to talk about their values. They enjoy writing it because it does not follow a required format." –
School contest coordinator
"I learned about how I structure my rules and laws. I had never before sat down and thought about them… I enjoyed writing this essay and I look forward to writing another one in future years. It is a great program that should be incorporated in every curriculum."
– Middle school student
"I learn a lot about my students - what they value, what they do outside of school, their backgrounds and aspirations…. Reading aloud different essays and critiquing them has helped students develop their own style."
– Teacher
"I realized that I should respect others, and putting it on paper helped me". –
Middle school student
"The Laws of Life essay gave students an opportunity to reflect on their lives. One student in particular was able to write how fortunate he was to have a grandfather like the one he had. He had not been able to talk about his recent loss with his family, but the essay let him communicate his feelings." –
Teacher
"My students really enjoyed participating in the contest and wrote some of the best pieces they have written all year. They are very excited about it." –
School contest coordinator
"I realized that I should never give up," – Middle school student
"It is awesome to see students excited about what they write!" –
School contest coordinator
"This contest created an avenue for going beyond the walls of the classroom to involve non-teaching staff, parents and community members in supporting student writers." –
School contest coordinator
"This was a healing process for the whole family. It was difficult, but we are glad our daughter participated." –
Parent
"This has a snowball effect on social behavior. Students recognize that if the teacher makes room for a Laws of Life-type lesson, then it must be worthwhile. –
School contest coordinator
"Our students were proud of themselves. The assignment itself was motivating….For many of the students, the assignment provided an opportunity to forge a deeper connection with family members."
– School contest coordinator
"I realized that I made a lot of good choices in my life, and that made me feel good about myself…When you write this essay you realize how good you are at something and that will build your self-confidence."
– Middle school student
"This was an extremely positive task where students worked on important personal ethical issues while supporting one another. I loved it!" –
School contest coordinator
"It was easier to write about [than other writing assignments] because it was personal." –
Middle school student
"I learned what was important in some students' lives, struggles they've had and experiences that have changed their lives. These things don't come out in academic conversations. I feel closer to my students after this essay contest, and I think I understand them better." –
School contest coordinator
"I learned that I should pay more attention to the important things in life." –
Middle school student
"Most students chose to include their essays in their final portfolios for the year. Many portfolio reflections indicate that this was their favorite assignment of the year!" –
School contest coordinator
"Students truly enjoyed delving into themselves. I saw a sense of duty come across my students, a need to get back to morals/values in order to better the world - a need they had to obey." –
School contest coordinator
"The contest helps develop a classroom sense of community." –
School contest coordinator
"It showed me how to live my life." – Middle school student
"The contest fosters excellent student
writing; students care about what they write!" – School contest coordinator
"This really gives them [the students] the opportunity to focus on their values and communicate them to others. This practice is important if they are going to be able to maintain their values under others' pressure." –
School contest coordinator
"Students became interested in writing. They took it to heart. The emotions expressed in the stories/essays could bring tears to a teacher's eyes." –
School contest coordinator
"It made me think that students keep so much inside. When they started to share their stories and experiences, I felt like we really connected. Some of them discovered that other students had similar experiences, and it was as if a support group was formed….Our school is behind the contest, and we are looking forward to next year." –
School contest coordinator
"You get to discover things that are important, and it makes writing more fun… Please continue this!" –
Middle school student
Further Program Information
2008-2009 Program:
General Information:
Previous Year's Programs
(2008-2000)
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