What is Kindness?

• Being generous

Being generous means sharing and giving your time and things to others. When you share, you take turns and don't have to go first all the time.

• Being friendly

If you are friendly, you are someone who can be trusted and is loyal. You keep your promises and tell the truth.

• Being considerate

Being considerate and thinking of others and what they would like or what they need before thinking about yourself and what you want or need is being considerate.

Love your neighbour as yourself

Matthew 22:29

Treating everyone in a way that you would like to be treated. It doesn't matter who the person is, how they look, or how they act. You also shouldn't need a reason to be kind to others. Kindness will come naturally after practising it a lot.

Kindness in the Bible

In school, pupils learn two bible stories which illustrate the value of kindness. We talk about who in the stories shows kindness and what it is that they do that is kind.

• The parable of The Good Samaritan (Luke 10: 25-37)

Watch this clip which shows Jesus using a parable to teach people about kindness: 

Parables were stories told by Jesus. He used them to teach people about God and about how God wanted his people to behave.

• Jesus heals the paralysed man (Luke 5: 17-36)

People were excited whenever they heard that Jesus was in their area because they either wanted to see a miracle or be the one who was healed. So, as Jesus entered one of the homes in Capernaum, people quickly gathered around Him.  So many people came that there was no room left, not even outside the door. There were four men who heard that Jesus was in town who decided to carry their paralysed friend on a mat to Him, to see if their friend could be healed. 

As soon as they got to the house where Jesus was, they realised that they wouldn't be able to get through to see Him. Someone decided to take their friend onto the roof of the house.  The Bible says that, after digging through the roof, the men lowered the mat that the paralysed man was lying on to where Jesus was. The first thing Jesus said when He saw that they believed was, "Son, your sins are forgiven."  Jesus knew what this man needed most because he knew what was in his heart.  Jesus knew that being paralysed would be difficult, but it was even worse not to be forgiven.

Some of the teachers of the law heard Jesus forgive the man, and they began thinking, 'How dare this man forgive sins, only God can do that.' Immediately, Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to them, "Why are you thinking these things?" Which was easier to say to the paralytic? 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take your mat and walk?'  But you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.

Then, before He finished, Jesus said to the paralysed man, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home."

The Bible says that the man got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. 

Kindness in school Worship

As well as learning bible stories and what kindness is, pupils learn about the impact that kindness has on people's lives. 

'Colour your world with kindness' is a short animation which shows how acts of kindness can turn a monochrome world into one of bright colour. You can watch the animation here. During school worship, pupils take it in turns to name an act of kindness, and then they paint an area of the world with colour.

 

In class-led worship, the pupils share what happens to someone's heart when a person is unkind to them. They illustrate this by tearing a little bit off a paper heart for each unkind act. The only way to repair a broken heart is with lots of kind acts!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some books about Kindness

There are lots of books that teach about kindness - below are some that we read in school.

What is Respect?

• How you feel about someone

Having respect for someone means you think good things about whom a person is or how they act. You can have respect for others, and you can have respect for yourself.

• How you treat someone

Showing respect to someone means you act in a way that shows you care about their feelings and well-being.

What can you have respect for?

• You can have respect for someone because you admire something about them.
• You can have respect for someone's feelings, their wishes or their rights.
• You can have respect for things other than humans or things that aren't living.

Treat others the way you would like to be treated.

Luke 6:31

Treating everyone in a way that you would like to be treated. It doesn't matter who the person is, how they look, or how they act. You also shouldn't need a reason to respect others.

Showing respect for others includes things like: not calling people mean names, treating people with courtesy, caring enough about yourself that you don't do things you know can hurt you.

Respect in the Bible

In school, pupils learn two bible stories which illustrate the value of respect. We talk about who in the stories shows respect and what it is that they do that is respectful. 

• The Creation Story (Genesis 1-2)

The Christian Creation story recounts how God created the Earth in six days and rested on the seventh.

In Genesis 2:15 it says, 'The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work and take care of it.'

This shows how God is commanding His people to respect and take care of the Earth.

 

• Nehemiah respects the King (Nehemaiah 2)

Nehemiah lived in the city of Susa but his family and people lived in Jerusalem. Nehemiah worked in the palace in Susa. He was a special helper to the king and showed his respect by serving the king faithfully.  

One day, Nehemiah's brother came to visit him from Jerusalem with some sad news that the city where he used to live with his family was in trouble.   The walls and the gates surrounding the city had fallen down.

Nehemiah was worried and wanted to help, but he didn't know how, so he prayed to God to ask him what he should do.

Nehemiah, a faithful and respectful servant, continued to serve the King, but the King noticed Nehemiah's sadness.  He asked Nehemiah what was troubling him. Nehemiah told the King. 

The king asked Nehemiah what he wanted to do. Nehemiah prayed and asked God what to say to the king. Then he said, “Please let me go home and rebuild Jerusalem’s walls and gates.”  The king wanted to help Nehemiah, so he allowed him to go to Jerusalem to work to repair the city. He even helped Nehemiah get the materials that he needed.

When Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem, he rode around the city to see what needed to be done. Then he told the people he had returned to Jerusalem to rebuild its walls and gates. He also told them he would need lots of help.

People from near and far came to help, and they worked hard to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem. When they had finished, they thanked and worshipped God.

Nehemiah served the King with respect and showed respect by asking to be released to go and rebuild the walls.

Respect in school Worship

As well as learning bible stories and what respect is, pupils learn about the impact that respect has on people's lives.

They learn about  how to show respect:

• By being polite and kind
• Listening carefully to someone when they speak
• By being considerate of the feelings, opinions and property of others
• Saying kind things
• Taking turns
• Including others in activities

People in the community play an important part in everyone's life, and the pupils learn and practice how to show respect to them. This links to our school vision, and they develop a deeper understanding of how everyone is precious and valuable and should be treated with respect and dignity.

In class-led worship, the pupils retell The Creation story from Genesis, and they explain that Christians believe that God has given us all the task of respecting the world and caring for it.

 The children talk about other ways in which they can show respect, and they share some sketches to show us how we can show respect for authority, each other, the environment and ourselves. 

They share the worship song 'Golden Rule' and the whole school sings 'He's Got the Whole World in His Hands'.

 

Some books about respect

There are lots of books that teach about respect - below are some that we read in school.

 

What is Perseverance?

• Not giving up

Keeping going and completing a task, even when things get difficult.

• Taking your time

Knowing what a slow and uncertain process learning often is.

• Learning from mistakes

Understanding that it is alright to make mistakes, because the best learning comes from making mistakes.

I can do all things through Him who gives me strength. 

Philippians 4:13

Teachers often say that perseverance is something that children find difficult. Perseverance helps us to learn. As children grow up, they need to understand that things don't always go right in life and that success doesn't come easily. An athlete might train for years before they are ready to compete at the highest level. A musician must practice every day, sometimes for hours at a time, if they are to really master their instrument.

Perseverance in the Bible

In school, pupils learn two bible stories which illustrate the value of perseverance. We talk about who in the stories shows perseverance and what actions they take.

• Noah and the Flood (Genesis 6-9)

God gave Noah a huge job; he asked him to build a large boat, even though he didn't live near a lake or ocean. Noah persevered to finish the job that God gave him, even though he wasn't sure why he was doing it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Watch this clip which shows The Bible story of Noah's Ark: 

 

• The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:10-14)

Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep to show that the Kingdom of God is accessible to all, even those who were sinners or strayed from God’s path.

He uses the example of a shepherd (God) who has 100 sheep and one goes missing.

The shepherd leaves the 99 others and perseveres in his search for the lost sheep.

Jesus stresses that when the shepherd finds the lost sheep he rejoices over it more than the 99 who did not go astray.

This is how God will rejoice when a sinner returns to Him.

Perseverance in school worship

As well as learning bible stories and what perseverance is, pupils learn about the impact that perseverance has on their lives and those of others. There are different ways of thinking about perseverance, such as:

In school worship, consideration is also given to the feelings around persevering and giving up - how there are opposing emotions that can be linked to each of these actions.

The animation below of The Tortoise and the Hare, which is one of Aesop's Fables, shows how the tortoise benefits from persevering by having great success at racing, which is not one of his talents. He did not give up and ended up winning the race!

 

 

If at first you don't succeed, try, try and try again.

William Hickson

In class-led worship, the pupils illustrate perseverance with a dramatic retelling of the Bible story of Noah. We hear how Noah persevered to build the ark and to carry on believing that God would save him even when it looked hopeless. They also share examples of when they have had to persevere and the impact that has had on them.

 

 

Some books about perseverance

There are lots of books that teach about perseverance - below are some that we read in school.

What is Forgiveness?

• Letting go of grudges and bitterness

Forgiving others makes us happier. It helps friends be friends again.

• Making a decision

Forgiveness is not a feeling; it is a decision, a choice you have to make.

• Forgiving someone

By forgiving someone, you are not saying that what the other person did is alright, but that you have decided not to hold it against them.

 

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God has forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:32

 

Everyone makes mistakes, it's part of being human. Sometimes our mistakes hurt others and then we need to say sorry. Sometimes mistakes made by other people hurt us. When this happens, we need to be able to forgive. Forgiveness can be difficult and costly, but without it, a new start is impossible.

Forgiveness in the Bible

In school, pupils learn two bible stories which illustrate the value of forgiveness. We talk about who in the stories shows forgiveness and what actions they take.

• The parable of The Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32)

There were 2 sons who lived with their father. One day, the younger son asked his father if he could have his inheritance straight away, rather than waiting.  So the father thought about it and decided his sons could have the money now, and he split it evenly between them.

The youngest son then left the farm they lived on and took his money. He took every last thing he had and didn't plan on returning.  He wanted to be grown up and spend all his money as he wanted, with no one to tell him what to do.

While the son was gone, he spent all the money his father had given him. He ate out every day, he bought fancy possessions and he threw wild parties.

After he had spent all his money, the country he was living in became very poor, and they hardly had enough food for everyone.  It was even worse for people who had no money because food became even more expensive, so it was very hard for poor people to get any food.

The son was in trouble.  He had no money, no place to live, he had nothing to eat, so he had to get a job.  The only job he could find was feeding pigs. 

The son went to bed hungry every day and when he woke up he realised something.  When he lived with his father, even the hired men had more food than they needed, and now he was starving to death. 

All of a sudden, he had a plan.  He would go back to his father's house and say to him, 'I have sinned against God and against you.  I don't deserve to be called your son, so hire me and I will work for you." So he headed home.

The son was walking up to the farm but while he was still a long way off, he could see someone notice him and start to run towards him. As the person got closer, he realised that it was his father and he was yelling, "My son! My son! You are finally home!"  He couldn't believe it.  His father threw his arms around him and kissed him.  But the son quickly said, "Father, I have sinned against God and against you.  I don't deserve to be called your son..."  The son wanted to continue, but the father said to one of his servants, "Quick!  Bring the best robe and put it on him.  Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.  Bring the biggest calf and kill it.  Let's have a party and celebrate because my son was lost and has been found!"

In this parable, the father in the story is just like God.  This is how God would be if we ran away from him, and we started doing things we shouldn't.  He doesn't give up on us when we do things that are wrong, and he will always forgive us if we've truly changed and are sorry for what we have done.

The father who had been wronged, was forgiving. In this parable, Jesus gives a clear picture of God and what God is like. 

• The parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18: 21-35)

Jesus' parable focuses on a servant forgiven by a king for an unpayable debt, who then refuses to forgive another. Through this parable, Jesus is teaching people that we should forgive each other because God has first forgiven us. 

Watch this animation of the parable:

 

Forgiveness in school worship

As well as learning bible stories and what forgiveness is, pupils learn about the impact that forgiveness has on their life and the lives of others. 

Pupils learn how to ask for forgiveness through role play, and they learn about and share different situations when they have had to say sorry.

 

The animation of 'The Angry Bee' shows how forgiving others can make us feel better. It helps pupils understand the benefits of letting go of grudges and resentment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In class-led worship, the pupils share the Parable of the Lost Son through role play and music. 

They also share some of their ideas about how we can ask and show forgiveness and sing a special song called 'Forgive one another'. 

 

Some books about forgiveness

There are lots of books that teach about forgiveness - below are some that we read in school.

 

Without forgiveness there is no future... If you can forgive, then you can move on and even help the person you are forgiving to become a better person.

Desmund Tutu

What is Thankfulness?

• Being grateful

A feeling of being happy or grateful for something or someone.

• ‘Counting your blessings’

'Count your blessings' reminds us to be thankful and not take things for granted.

• Appreciating the good things

Thankfulness helps us to make a special effort to appreciate the good things we have in our lives.

 

Be joyful always, pray at all times, be thankful in all circumstances.

1Thessalonians 5:16-18

 

There is so much to be thankful for, and it is important for pupils to develop a sense of appreciation for the things they have or for the people who care for them.

Thankfulness in the Bible

In school, pupils learn two bible stories which illustrate the value of thankfulness. We talk about who in the stories shows thankfulness and how that makes them and others feel.

• Jesus feeds the five thousand (Matthew 14: 21-32)

Jesus always sets a good example, and he shows this when he thanks God for the provision of enough food to feed 5000 men and their families. 

The story is set by Lake Gallillee when Jesus had been busy preaching to thousands of people and healing the sick. It was late and people were getting hungry. Jesus decided that they need to be fed. One of the disciples said: "but we only have five loaves and two fish" which was not enough to feed all the people. Jesus said

 “Bring them here to me,” he said.  And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.  They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.  The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.

 

• The parable of The Thankful Leper (Luke 17:11-19)

Watch this clip which is a story about the 10 men who were healed of leprosy and the one who came back to say thank you:

 

 

Thankfulness in school worship

As well as learning bible stories and what fthankfulness is, pupils learn about the impact that thankfulness can have on their life and the lives of others. 

They learn that there are different ways to show thankfulness:

• Say thank you

When someone does something for you or gives you something, look them in the eyes and say thank you. You can also just say 'thank you' to them because you are pleased they are your friend.

• Write a thank-you message

You can write a little thank-you message or just write the words 'thank you' on the front of a blank piece of card. Decorate your message with colourful pictures of things that remind you of the person you are sending the message to.

• Do a good deed

To show someone how thankful you are for them or for what they have done, do something to help them.

 

There is also a focus on thinking about what there is to be thankful for and how being thankful has a positive effect on our wellbeing.

 

In class-led worship, the pupils tell us the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000, or the miracle of the loaves and fishes, and how this helps us think about thankfulness.  They share what they are thankful for and give some examples of when it is important to say thank you, for instance, when someone helps us.

They finish with the song 'Thank You, Lord', which they sing and sign with Makaton.

 

Some books about Thankfulness

There are lots of books that teach about thankfulness - below are some that we read in school.

 

 

If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough

Meister Eckhart

What is Service?

• Helping others

Service is about helping or doing things for other people. When we serve people, we don't do it for a reward. We do it to be kind and to make others feel good.

• Helping ourselves

When we serve others, it helps us to keep strong and healthy minds. It means that we are not just thinking about ourselves but about others.

 

Service is about thinking of others before ourselves.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 

1 Peter 4:10

Each year group demonstrates the value of service in the community through 'acts of service'. As part of their MindUp lessons, pupils learn the benefits of service and then decide what they would like to do to help others. Below are some examples: Reception are weeding and tidying the churchyard at All Saints church; Year 1 are singing to members of the community and Year 2 are tidying, cleaning and planting in May Balfour garden in Marlow.

 

 

Service in the Bible

In school, pupils learn two bible stories which illustrate the value of service. We talk about who in the stories is serving and how they serve.  It is also important to think about how this makes them and others feel.

• The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10: 25-37)

Jesus tells his listeners that a man was once travelling from Jerusalem to Jericho when he was attacked by thieves who stole his clothes and wounded him, leaving him half-dead. A Jewish priest came past, but although he saw the man, he passed by on the other side of the road.

Then a Levite, a member of a different tribe, came past and looked at the poor man, but he, too, walked on by on the other side of the road.

But then a Samaritan passed, and when he saw the man in need of help, he had compassion and he went to him and bound up his wounds with oil and wine. Then he put the man on his horse and led him to an inn, where he looked after the man.

The next day, the Samaritan has to leave the inn, but he gives the innkeeper two pence and asks him to look after the wounded man. He also says that if the innkeeper needs to spend more money on looking after the man, the Samaritan will repay him when he returns.

• Jesus washes his disciples' feet (John 13:1-17)

The night before he went to the cross, Jesus shared a meal with his disciples. During the meal, Jesus got up, took a towel and some water, and washed his disciples' feet. Then, when he had finished, he sat back down and told his disciples to follow the example he had just set for them. Watch this short video and consider what Jesus is asking people to do and why his actions were so significant.

 

 

Service in school worship

As well as learning bible stories and what service is, pupils learn about the impact that service has on people's lives. 

Considering how they can use their talents and gifts to take action at home and in school to serve others and how service features prominently in many different faiths is key. 

In class-led worship, the pupils tell the Parable of the Good Samaritan. They also share some of their ideas about how we can serve in school, at home and in our community and finish off by singing the song 'Proud' which encourages people to do things for others and to make themselves proud of their actions.

 

Some books about Service

There are lots of books that teach about service - below are some that we read in school.

 

 

Give your hands to serve, and your hearts to love.

Mother Teresa