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MAXIMize the Moment Junior Volume 4, Issue 35

MAXIMize the Moment Junior Volume 4, Issue 35

May 30, 2005
Document
Topic: 
MAXIMize the Moment Junior
Ethical Value: 
Appreciation
Age Range: 
8-10

Now it's time to MAXIMize the Moment!

Its Memorial Day weekend, and I'm sitting at a picnic table with my grandfather and some of his old war buddies. They just finished marching in the local parade, and now we're having a family Bar-B-Q.

"George, do you know why this holiday is so special?" Before I can answer, he continues, "By ourselves we can enjoy life, but to really appreciate life we must find companionship."

I lean back in my chair and get ready to listen. Grandpa's getting into story-telling mode!

"Sixty years ago, World War II was ending. My buddies and I had to help shut down a concentration camp in Germany. While we were helping the people in the camp I met the most beautiful young woman.

"That woman is your grandmother. Because of the sacrifice of others, I have had her as a companion in life, and my friends and I returned home.

"So today we not only honor our fallen comrades in war, but we celebrate and appreciate all that their sacrifice has provided us. To love and friendship!" Grandpa raises his class for a toast.

I love listening to Grandpa tell stories. He always has the most interesting things to say. And the more I think about, he's right: I get more out of life when I spend my time with those who are close to me.

This week's maxim is "By ourselves we can enjoy life, but to really appreciate life we must find companionship." 

Maxim

  • "By ourselves we can enjoy life, but to really appreciate life we must find companionship"
    Anonymous

Character points

  • Appreciation - I take the time to realize what I have and to say, "Thanks."
  • Thankfulness - I am aware of my blessings; I feel a sense of joy and humility because I do not take things for granted.
  • Joy - I appreciate the good things in life.
  • Gratitude - I recognize the many gifts and opportunities in my life and I appreciate them.

Homeroom Discussion Information

  • Why is it important to appreciate your family?
  • How can you show your appreciation to your family?
  • How does George show his appreciation to his grandfather?
  • What does it mean to appreciate life?
  • Do you agree with the maxim (i.e., you need companionship to appreciate life)?
  • What is the difference between happiness and appreciation?
  • Can you be happy with something without appreciating it?
  • What does companionship mean to you? Who are your companions?
  • How do you celebrate Memorial Day? Is this in line with the meaning of the holiday?
  • How can you celebrate our veterans and troops everyday?
  • Why should we honor our veterans?
  • This May marked the 60th anniversary of the beginning of the end of WWII. How do wars affect you?

Home-Use Information

Five tips for maxim-izing your family time

  • If possible, work through this MAXIMize with your extended family. Words of praise and love are too good not to share with aunts, uncles, and grandparents!
  • Let your kids know how much you love them by telling them some specific things about them that you love. If your children have trouble telling you back, try not to be too disheartened. These kinds of things can be hard to put into words.
  • Use this as an opportunity to institute "What I Appreciate Today" as part of your daily dinner conversation. This means that, at the beginning of dinner, you go around in a circle and each person, without interruption, to say three things that he/she appreciates today. This game is a great opportunity to get everyone talking and to put a positive spin on the events of the day.
  • Talk to your kids about what it would be like to not have a family or any friends. This will help them appreciate the loving relationships they have.
  • Celebrate the life stories of each family member. Encourage your children to spend some time listening to a grandparent, or another older relative, tell about their experiences. Challenge your kids to find commonalities and differences from his or her current experiences.

Discussion starters

  • What kinds of things do you enjoy by yourself that are made better when you have a companion?
  • How can we show our appreciation to one another?
  • What benefits does the companionship of family bring you?
  • What different types of companionship are there? Are some more important than others?
  • George learns how his grandparents met and he realizes that his family is interesting. Let's each share some fact about ourselves that the rest of the group doesn't already know.
  • Is anyone in our family a veteran of a war? How can we honor him or her this holiday?
  • What kinds of things do you have because someone fought for this country?
  • Memorial Day is a holiday to celebrate the sacrifices made by our military servicemen and women. Let's each identify some small sacrifice that we can make for the good of others.
  • How could we, as a family, use our time and talents to help others?
  • Do you think war is sometimes a necessity? Explain your answer.
  • Be sure to acknowledge the courage your children show in talking with you about these issues.

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