Herald News: Letters, January 4, 2013
is also teaching
Regarding "Teaching kids to appreciate what they have in life" (Life, Page D-1, Dec. 24):
I found this article to be very uplifting, in that it provides an understanding of how parents expose their children to being thankful and appreciative.
I teach kindergarten and find this career to be extremely rewarding, especially when discussing appreciation and kindness. Recently, we discussed the typhoon tragedy in the Philippines. Students wanted to help.
The following day, we put out a container to collect money. Each day I noticed a student bring in a few coins in a plastic bag, place them in the container and smile. They were so proud of themselves and were happy for days. The article states "It is ... about teaching appreciation as much as it is about living it."
Many students love learning through hands-on experience. The students can see the reaction from others, especially when it comes from their teacher or parent. When their teacher or parent says "great job" with no physical reward, the student can make a better connection that not all good deeds come with a physical reward. Parents do a great job when they show, not just teach, their child the meaning of appreciation and thanks.