After a rejuvenating weekend away on retreat, I remembered that part of the reason we homeschool is to allow our children to immerse themselves in our family values. What we value is modelled to them on a daily basis (for better or for worse) and it certainly inspires me to be as clear and consistent in my integral values as possible.
I found a great book at the retreat and did some really fun values based activities which prompted a decision to do a few more 'formal' lessons on what we value and how we choose to manifest that in our lives.
Our first concept is 'peace'.
What does peace look like?
This was the first conversation and had my 5 year old nephew acting out 'peace' and 'conflict' with his teddies. We acted out peaceful eating and playing and even cleaning. Good fun.
Then we brainstormed on the whiteboard for behaviours and words that either belonged to a 'world of peace' or a 'world of conflict'.
Following this I brought out a stack of magazines and everyone got stuck into finding images of peace and conflict. We laughed at funny pictures, discussed ones we weren't sure about and whooped when we found a 'good one'!
The whole family participated and great insight was flowing freely.
Kids are so perceptive and all agreed that although conflict can be tempting and seem like fun, it is actually peace that will bring us joy and happiness.
They both exist, have always existed and may always exist,and I hope the children can realise when they have one foot too deep in conflict and pull themselves back to peace as its a much nicer and more productive place to live:)
A fun, bonding and heart expanding activity to do on the deck on a sunny morning.