Children Will Listen

Children Will Listen

Careful the things you say,
Children will listen.
Careful the things you do,
Children will see.
And learn.
Children may not obey,
But children will listen.
Children will look to you
For which way to turn,
To learn what to be.
Careful before you say,
"Listen to me."
Children will listen.

Careful the wish you make,
Wishes are children.
Careful the path they take-
Wishes come true,
Not free.
Careful the spell you cast,
Not just on children.
Sometimes the spell may last
Past what you can see
And turn against you...

Careful the tale you tell,
That is the spell.
Children will listen.

"Children Will Listen" was written by Stephen Sondheim for the Broadway play, "Into the Woods." It speaks to the message that as teachers and parents, our words and actions are always noted. We can me models of tolerance and understanding.

Perfect Duo, William's Doll and My Princess Boy

As part of the anti-bulling program, Be a Buddy, not a Bully, we read two books to the students, William's Doll by Charlotte Zolotow and My Princess Boy by Cheryl Kilodavis. Each book is about a child's choice of a toy or what to wear. Interestingly, William's Doll was written over 30 years ago and My Princess Boy was published recently. However, the message is the same: toys and clothes do not need to be gender specific and it is the child's choice. Our message to the students was that we all like to play with different toys or dress up in different clothing, but if someone chooses something different, it is important not to tease or make fun. We followed the reading with a game, "What's in the bag?" Each student reached in the bag without looking and picked a toy or something to wear. They told us whether or not they would wear it or play with the item. One little boy picked a hard hat and announced he did NOT like to build things! Once again, the children seemed to recognize the repeated message of It's OK to be Different, respect for differences.

Proud Grandmother

The dedication page of the curriculum for It's OK to be Different is for my five grandchildren with the hope that they will grow up with understanding, empathy and tolerance. This special drawing was given to me by my oldest grandson, Sawyer. I am not only proud of his creative talents but I am very pleased that he knows how much this means to me. Although neither my children nor my grandchildren have had the program, I believe they emulate the philosophy.