January 28, 2017

Quote of the Week

"We shall never know all the good a simple smile can do." -- Mother Teresa

The Power Of A Smile

"Many people do not realize the power of a smile. It can work magic, it can heal emotional pain, and it can remove physical pain. When you smile at another person you not only let them feel that they are wanted, accepted and appreciated, but you also give encouragement as well.

One simple smile has the power to calm fear, insecurity, hurt, and anxiety. It has the power within it to change the world because smiles can be shared. They are contagious. When you smile at another person you pass all the wonderful benefits of smiling on to that person."

This week we feature an article that you can read together with children to learn about the power of a smile.  [read more]

Reading Corner

Title: One Smile
By: Cindy McKinley
Ages: 4 and up

"Even the smallest acts of kindness can powerfully impact the lives of others. This truth is beautifully demonstrated as we follow the far-reaching effects of young Katie's innocent smile.  With this simple gesture, she ignites a circle of warmth that flows from person to person, touching the hearts and lives of people she may never even meet." -- Publisher

Be the Change

Encourage children to look for someone not smiling at school this week and make an extra effort to give them a smile and see what happens.  Perhaps they can even ask this person to join them on a smile adventure and both of them can go around the school together and finding others who need a smile!  How many smiles can you share on your smile adventure? 3, 5, 10, more!

If your children enjoy learning through writing and drawing, invite them to draw a chain reaction story about a smile that traveled around their world-- from their class to recess to after school, at home and in their neighborhood.