Informational Fact Sheet

The Laws of Life essay program is a dynamic writing and character building activity. The program is most effectively implemented as a classroom writing assignment that includes the full writing process of brainstorming, outlining, drafting, peer editing, revising and final writing. The Laws of Life essay program invites all students in grades 5-12 to be given the unique opportunity to reflect, understand, and write about their values. More than 30,000 students have participated in Connecticut's Laws of Life essay program. Teachers, parents and students have all praised the program's value.

“It taught me that I want to live by being honest, trusting and being a good person inside, and that’s how I want to live.”
High School Student

“The program touches the heart. I believe every child has something important to say on his/her values or ‘laws of life’. To tap into the well of feelings and reactions to the world of the adolescent is so important. This contest opens up a whole realm of possibilities and the authentic voices that emerge are powerful and, in many cases, inspirational.” Middle School Teacher

“The Laws of Life Essay Contest is a powerful, uplifting intervention that promotes the development of character and literacy.”
Dr. Maurice Elias, Rutgers University

The Laws of Life essay program has many benefits:

students discover their personal values, leading to positive decisions
develops a sense of community within the classroom
helps prepare students for standardized tests (CMT and CAPT)
fits easily into any current writing curriculum
allows students of all ability levels to participate and succeed
offers students public recognition for achievement in writing
is available to your school free of charge
is approved by the Connecticut Association of Schools
is endorsed by the National Association of Secondary School Principals
provides lesson-plans to catalyze laws of life essays

SEE accepts Laws of Life registration by local schools or districts	September-January
Local essay programs are completed and encouraged to include the writing process within relevant academic subject areas. Essays are graded with a Laws of Life rubric	September - February
Statewide Laws of Life Celebration	First week of May

We invite your school to participate in Laws of Life. For more information or a registration packet, call The School for Ethical Education in Milford, CT at (203) 783-4439, e-mail lawsoflife@ethicsed.org, or visit www.ethicsed.org/programs/lawsoflife/.

Put ethics into action through writing! Start a Laws of Life program in your school.