KAE in the classroom
"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men."
- Frederick Douglass
If you were to have asked us what we were doing this week, we would have answered with "Teaching elementary school students about KAE, our mission and the impact of kindness". Having visited and reflected on the day's events, we realized that we also learned a great deal!
Here are our takeaways from the day:
- KAE believes that you aren't what they call you, but what you answer to. At Florence Avenue School, all the teachers refer to their students as scholars. Which we love. There is power in a name, especially one that encourages and fosters growth and a healthy sense of self. Not only do the teachers call them this term often, but they also do so with with pride and support of their students.
- When you hear the quote, "Children are the future", know that it is not just a catchy phrase, but an absolute truth. They are watching and learning. After telling the kids about how KAE began, the impact kindness has on us and those around us, and the importance of exercising kindness towards all, regardless of appearance or opinion, the scholars were given a chance to ask questions. Each question blew us away with how thought provoking they were. We were even given our own nicknames as 'The KAE Sisters'- which we can definitely get used to. After our presentation, a retired principal came over to share his appreciation of us being two young sisters choosing to work together so closely. It's not often you see or hear about siblings being able to work together so well. We consider it a blessing to be each other's built in best friend in both our personal and business life. The importance of family relationships was taught to us by our parents at a young age. We've learned to never take those we love for granted.
- As we were walking through the hallways, we noticed a teacher speaking with one young male scholar about the importance and definition of 'integrity'. It blew us away by how intently the scholar was paying attention to each word and nodding in affirmation about its significance. This warmed our hearts. It reminded us that educators are much more than people who teach A,B,Cs and 1,2,3s. They are people who, during those hours they spend with your child, teaching them necessary life lessons along the way. We tend to leave out teachers when speaking of 'high-ranking positions' however, what is more important than shaping the minds of tomorrow's leaders? We cannot think of one. We thank Johanna Cedillo, school counselor at Florence Avenue School, for inviting us to share our story and organization with her students. We'd also like to thank Florence Avenue School for such a warm welcome.
As we reflect on tomorrow being Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we cannot help but be filled with hope as we remember the innocent faces of those 200 4th and 5th grade students and their eagerness to learn, ask and share their thoughts. May this blog post serve as a reminder that children are watching our every move. One of Martin Luther King Jr.'s most memorable quotes is, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" Mr. King, our answer is reminding people of kindness- its beauty, necessity, power and impact. May we continue to share the message of kindness and equality for all , as Mr. King passionately and peacefully did.
KAE would love the opportunity to share our message with other schools. If you work within a school and would like to bring KAE to your classroom, please email us at kaecollection@gmail.com.
Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day everyone!
Live loved. Moments matter. Choose KAE.