Monday, June 13, 2016

Humanity Should

Humanity should = Compassion

Humanity should = Love

Humanity should = Support

Humanity should = Respect

Humanity should = Freedom

Humanity should = Hope

In the midst of yet more sadness and heartbreak in the world,
it's important to look for and celebrate the moments of kindness and hope.

Every classroom in our school boasts a Positive Space poster. We believe in the message.

We have a bathroom for anyone who isn't comfortable using the group bathrooms.

We have books throughout the school representing all kinds of people in all kinds of situations. We read them together. We discuss how we can make the lives of others better.

Posters quoting powerful messages from Maya Angelou, Albert Einstein, MLK Jr., Gandhi, and so many more decorate our classrooms and hallways and spark questions and discussions.

Young voices question the hate they hear about in the news.

Young hearts are devastated to hear how humans sometimes treat each other.

Young people build connections and relationships and friendships with other young people who look/think/act/believe/love/feel/suffer/celebrate/wonder differently.

It's not everything.

But, it's a start.


33 comments:

Tammy Theriault said...

Amen!! I love this.

Heather R. Holden said...

This is beautiful. With how tragic our world can often be, we definitely need to hang onto glimmers of hope when we can!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Let them question the hate - they will in turn seek solutions.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

That's wonderful. We can still shape young minds to be more humane towards each other.

I love the positive space poster and quotes up for students to see. Remember when the Ten Commandments were posted? Thou shall not kill...

Mason Canyon said...

It's a wonderful, amazing start, Jemi. We need that start, hope and inspiration.

Romance Book Haven said...

This is wonderful Jemi. We all need to start somewhere and teach our youngs too.

Carol Kilgore said...

The whole world needs to go back to the classrooms of your school. You do good.

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks Tammy :)

Jemi Fraser said...

Heather - hope is really what it's all about

Jemi Fraser said...

Alex - exactly!!! Questions always lead to interesting discussions which can lead to solutions!

Jemi Fraser said...

Diane - that's a biggie. Wish everyone would follow it!

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks Mason Hope and inspiration are huge!

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks. The young people are our best hope!

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks Carol! We've got a great team and wonderful kids to work with!

JeffO said...

Nicely said, Jemi.

Leslie S. Rose said...

This really touched me. I agree that we teachers have more responsibility than ever before to model love instead of hate.

Beth said...

Yes to everything you said. It sounds like your school is a truly welcoming place, and that's wonderful for students and teachers alike.

Crystal Collier said...

Definitely a start, and any good story has to start somewhere. I appreciate these thoughts so much. It's been a rough week in the Orlando area so far, but we have seen so much good as a result of the bad.

Kelly Steel said...

Agreed! When can all these start?

Jemi Fraser said...

Thanks, Jeff :)

Jemi Fraser said...

We do!!!

Jemi Fraser said...

It is such a great place! :)

Jemi Fraser said...

I hope so! Kids are the future and we need to fill them with hope and kindness!

Jemi Fraser said...

Crystal - People always step up when the horrors hit. Sending hugs and hopes

Jemi Fraser said...

Now! :)

klahanie said...

Hi Jemi,

A Positive Space poster. What a progressive school and positive affirmations can do wonders for the betterment of humanity.

May our legacy be that we reinforce compassion, understanding and the celebration of an all different, all equal world. Here's to a positive continuation of the start. Kudos to you, my lovely friend.

Gary

Jemi Fraser said...

Thank you, Gary & Penny. That would be a wonderful legacy! :)

Anonymous said...

Beautiful post. We need to spread and practice more positivity, hope, and understanding.

DMS said...

Very nice post! We need to spread more kindness and less hate that is for sure. So many adults know what is right for kids- but they do not follow the same protocols themselves when they are posting negative things on social media. This post is a good reminder to spread smiles, kindness, acceptance, and love to those around us. :)
~Jess

Jemi Fraser said...

Absolutely!

Jemi Fraser said...

Great point! As adults we need to be so very aware of the messages we spread!

Stephen Tremp said...

I woke up to the insane horrible news this morning. Yes more love less hate. My God this country is going mad.

Jemi Fraser said...

It's very scary!