I recently attended a meeting at my children’s school. The presenter spoke to the entire 2nd grade class along with their parents and shared a poem with us – Children Learn What They Live by Dorothy Law Nolte. I had read this poem many times when I was a classroom teacher. In fact, it was a permanent fixture on my desk and served as a constant reminder of how important my role as teacher was. I hadn’t thought about this poem in many years.
It was amazing to hear it again, especially now that I have children of my own. Today, I am still a teacher, but more importantly, I am a parent. As such, this poem offers a new and different perspective. I wanted to share it with everyone so we can a remember how special our roles are as parents and teachers are.
Children Learn What They Live by Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D.
If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect. If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.
Happy Learning!!!