“Respect” is the character trait that gets discussed in character chat at my son’s school during the month of September.

This week I visited his class to discuss “Respect” with him and his classmates.  We talked about what it means, read a book, and I asked questions to get them sharing their ideas on the topic.

I started by asking them what they thought respect means.  Several of them volunteered to share in their own words what they thought it means.  They talked about listening to their parents, being nice to others, and doing what their told just to name a few.

After hearing their ideas I thanked them for sharing them and I told them the definition that is in the dictionary.

Respect – A feeling or attitude of admiration and deference toward somebody or something.  Consideration or thoughtfulness.

After sharing the definition with them I highlighted how it related with the ideas they had previously shared.

I then read them the book “The Great Stone Face” by Nathaniel Hawthorne.

This is a story about a young boy who grows up in a small village.  Overshadowing the village is a mountain containing a huge stone face.  There is a prophecy that states someone in the village will grow up to resemble the likeness of the stone face and they will be the noblest person of their time.

In the book there are a few times where the villagers think the prophecy has come to pass as past villagers return after gaining riches, success, and fame.  The first time is when a rich merchant returns, the next time is when a successful general returns, and finally the last time is when a famous politician returns.  However, each time they are mistaken and soon realize they were not the person mentioned in the prophecy.

By the end of the story the villagers realize that the prophecy has indeed come to pass and the noble person they were looking for was there all along.  It was Ethan who had spent his whole life in the village working hard, taking care of his family, looking after those in the community, and always displaying great character.

To me this story was perfect to share and discuss the topic of “Respect.”  It highlights the fact that respect given because of having a lot of money,  success, and fame does not last and eventually fades.  The only way to have genuine and lasting respect is by having great character and treating others with respect.

After finishing the book and reiterating the messages with the kids I asked them some questions to get them thinking and engaged.

I asked them to share some things you can do to show respect towards someone else.  They talked about doing what your told, helping others, picking up after yourself, and many other examples.

Once I thought the kids had shared enough examples I then asked them who they thought they should respect.  Their list included their parents, siblings, friends, teachers, and one little boy had my favorite response “the whole world.”

At this point I let him know that was my favorite response because I believe you should respect everyone.  I also told them that in order for you to get respect you must give respect and that you should always treat others the way you want to be treated.

My hope is that they will remember that respect is not earned through money, achievements, or fame.  It is earned by being respectful, thoughtful of others, and having great character.