This is probably not so surprising since cooperation is at the base of much of what humans achieve. Even though some species possess such native tendencies, humans must learn, practice, build, and maximize them.Įconomists predict that of the top 10 jobs that Primary Day children will encounter when they enter the work force, 6 aren’t even invented yet but they posit that all 10 will demand collaboration. Consideration of differing points of view, compromise, and partnership are delicate arts that, with practice, can lead to accomplishments that are far greater than individuals can achieve on their own. By seizing teachable moments in school, within families, and when we are around our children as they interact with their friends, we can help them hone their cooperative skills and gain a better sense of our interconnectedness. Perhaps, though, it is more important than at any time in recent memory.Īgainst a backdrop of seemingly unprecedented discord and tension, we have to seize every opportunity to teach our children about the importance of working collaboratively toward common goals. While most individuals cannot influence global events, we can teach our children that they can indeed be more in control of their own spheres if they learn the power of interacting positively and collaboratively with others. Given our nation’s evermore frayed political climate, the world’s seemingly countless, intractable conflicts, and our planet’s perilous, much-neglected state, it can feel futile to talk with our children about cooperation, The Primary Day value for January. A more connected, humane, and respectful world can start right here! The suggestions on our front bulletin board can indeed radiate outward. With each little expression of thoughtfulness we help create something of immense significance… a manner that acknowledges the worth of human beings.” This suggests a natural place to begin with our children. Taking the time to emphasize seemingly small expressions of thoughtfulness – for instance, consistently saying “please” and “thank you” – “can have a big role in creating a more humane humanity.” By teaching our children to make “everyday” courtesies more “everyday,” we teach them to respect others, which strengthens their connection to others and every community of which they are a part. After all, as McCullough writes, “Our lives are built one small brick at a time, ordinary day by ordinary day. McCullough asserts that by observing simple courtesies, each of us can help turn the course of our society’s rampant incivility. McCullough maintains that if we “Treat one another with a lack of respect, that lack of respect will spread, not only back to you but toward others. Treat one another with the dignity befitting human beings, and that dignity will in turn multiply. Attitudes and actions are as infectious as a mean virus.” The author’s central assumption is that “people deserve to be treated with respect, not because they have earned it, not because they are always kind or easy to get along with, but because they are part of something bigger than themselves… they of humanity.” This month’s focus on such an important practice reminded me of a small volume I came across a number of years ago called Say Please, Say Thank You: The Respect We Owe One Another. Written by Donald McCullough, a professor of theology, the book focuses entirely on the concept of respect. The board makes this keystone practice very concrete by noting some simple ways our young friends can RADIATE RESPECT: If you’ve seen the brilliant, glowing bulletin board just inside our front door, you know for sure that this month’s Primary Day value is RESPECT.
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