Lessons on Friendliness: Character Education Curriculum from CharacterLeads®

“Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love." 

       -- Mother Teresa

Friendliness is a trait that involves being warm, kind, approachable, and approachable to others. According to research, acting kindly and warmly towards others can help establish social communities and may have significant implications for mental and physical well-being. (Cacioppo, Capitanio, & Cacioppo, 2014). Being friendly can be demonstrated by showing interest in others, offering support and help, and engaging in positive interactions.

Demonstrating friendliness can have many benefits in various contexts, such as in the workplace, social situations, and educational settings. In the workplace, being friendly can help to build positive relationships with colleagues and clients, improve teamwork, and create a positive and welcoming work environment. Being friendly can help make new friends, establish connections with others, and make social events more enjoyable. In educational settings, being friendly can help build positive relationships with peers, teachers, and staff, contributing to a more positive and supportive learning environment.

It is important to note that being friendly does not mean being fake or insincere. Genuine friendliness involves a positive attitude and a willingness to engage with others respectfully and positively. By demonstrating goodwill, individuals can contribute to a positive and welcoming social environment, build positive relationships, and create a sense of community and belonging.

Reference:

Cacioppo, J. T., Capitanio, J. P., & Cacioppo, S. (2014). Toward a neurology of loneliness. Psychological Bulletin, 140(6), 1464-1504. doi: 10.1037/a0037618 

Respect is a vital component of a healthy and productive learning environment. Cultivating respect in the classroom is essential to ensure that all students feel valued, safe, and able to learn. Here are a few strategies to help educators cultivate respect in the classroom.

First, modeling respectful behavior is essential. Teachers should model respect towards their students, colleagues, and other school community members. This means treating everyone with kindness, listening to others, and acknowledging diverse perspectives.

Second, promoting active listening and effective communication is crucial to creating a respectful classroom environment. Teachers can model these skills and explicitly teach them to students through activities and discussions. For example, encouraging students to paraphrase what they have heard or using reflective listening techniques can help students communicate effectively and respectfully.

Third, establishing clear expectations and guidelines for behavior is crucial to ensuring a respectful classroom. Teachers should set expectations for respectful behavior, which should be reinforced regularly. This could include explicitly teaching students how to treat others respectfully or encouraging them to share their ideas and perspectives.

Finally, recognizing and celebrating respectful behavior is essential to promoting a culture of respect. Teachers can acknowledge and reward respectful behavior, such as sharing positive stories or giving shoutouts during class.

By implementing these strategies, educators can cultivate a culture of respect in the classroom, fostering a positive and productive learning environment for all students.

Teaching children how to be a good friend is an important aspect of character development. As educators and parents, we can instill the value of friendliness in children by providing them with opportunities to practice this skill. CharacterLeads® curriculum provides many activities in each unit to use in the classroom throughout the year!