A belated Happy Chinese New Year
to all Chinese Parents! First of all,
let’s express our sincere appreciation to all parents for their unending
support in assisting their children to settle down into the school learning
environment.
It was always our desire to
provide a fun learning environment for all children. We have planned that many teaching
lessons will be taught with songs and videos for easy understanding especially
for the younger age children. However, learning such as handwriting for 4 years
old children will have no shortcut and require ample motor skills training
practices. As such, your continuous encouragement to your children is greatly
needed as these handwriting skills may only come after few months of
consistency practice where children might feel tough during these initial months
of training.
Moral
intelligence is the capacity to understand right from wrong; it means to have
strong ethical convictions and to act on them so that one behaves in the right
and honourable way. Moral intelligence consists of the personal, social, mental,
emotional, and moral skills that make up solid character and guide moral
behaviors. It is what your child needs most to counter negative pressures and
do what's right with or without your guidance. Emotional intelligence is more
important than I.Q. for success in school—and in life.
Moral
intelligence differs from our cognitive, technical and emotional intelligences.
Moral intelligence is our mental capacity to determine how universal human
principles (such as integrity, responsibility, compassion and forgiveness —
universal human principles that cut across the globe and are not gender,
ethnic, cultural or religious specific) should be applied to our personal
values, goals and actions. Our moral
competence can indeed be enhanced throughout life. “The question is, how can we
bring intelligence to our emotions—and civility to our streets and caring to
our communal life?” And one of the best ways to teach kids tolerance is not through our
lectures but through our example. So be a living textbook of tolerance for your
child and for all other children.
Happy
reading!
Top 10
Reasons to Build Students’ Moral IQ – By Dr. Michele Borba
Moral
Intelligence is what helps youth act right with or without our guidance, and
the best news is that this critical intelligence can be taught. Here are 10
reasons why we must build our students’ Moral IQ.
1. Nurtures Good Character. The foundation to good character -- or
"moral intelligence"-- consists of seven core virtues: empathy,
conscience, self-control, respect, kindness, tolerance, and fairness. These
ultimately form our children's character and are the principles they'll use to
direct
the
course of their lives long after we are gone. Building Moral IQ is our best
hope that kids will have the foundation to good, solid character.
2.
Teaches How Think and Act Right.
In these troubling times, parents need to know ways to help their kids learn to
not only think morally but also to act morally. After all, the
true measure of character rests in our actions -- not in mere thoughts. Moral
Intelligence teaches the specific moral habits that will get our kids on the
right course so they do act as well as think right.
3.
Moral IQ Is Not Guaranteed. Moral IQ is
learned, though developing it is far from guaranteed. To ensure kids acquire
it, we must intentionally model, nurture, reinforce, and teach it. If we don't,
the result is tragic: an increase in insensitivity, dishonesty, aggression,
incivility, cruelty, hatred, and injustice. We must be deliberate.
4.
Protects Against Toxicity. The truth is,
toxic influences are so entrenched in our culture that shielding kids from them
is almost impossible. That's why it's crucial to build Moral IQ. It will serve
as their moral compass so they have deep-seated convictions to stand by their
choices and counter any pressures from inside or outside that go against the
principles of good character.
5.
Teaches Critical Life Skills. Moral IQ is
comprised of the skills needed to protect kids' moral lives such as resolving
conflicts, empathizing, knowing right from wrong, asserting themselves, controlling
anger, learning tolerance, negotiating fairly, communicating respectfully,
cooperating, using self control, sharing, and knowing right from wrong. These
skills are needed in all life arenas, and especially in today's troubled world.
6.
Creates Good Citizens. It's
important to remember that the most important measure of a nation is not its
gross national product, its technological genius, or its military might. It is
the character of its people. Moral intelligence consists of seven timeless
virtues that are the bedrock of good citizenship and responsible living.
7.
Counters Temptations. Moral
Intelligence gives kids the power to counter outside and inside vices so they
do what's right. It's what helps them navigate through the ethical challenges
and pressures they will inevitably face throughout life and make the right
moral choices so they do act right, with or without adult guidance.
8.
Prevents Violence and Cruelty. Of the
26 wealthiest countries, our youth are the most violent. And peer cruelty is rising.
Yet we continue to erect metal detectors and hire guards to "protect"
students from themselves. The best protection is fortifying them with Moral IQ
and teaching them the three core virtues that lay the foundation for
nonviolence: empathy, conscience, and self-control. Without them, kids become
time bombs just waiting for explode. We can't afford not to build their
Moral Intelligence: it's our best hope.
9.
Inspires Good Behavior. Moral IQ is
comprised of the essential moral virtues needed to help our kids become decent,
caring, and respectful. Those seven virtues become a template for creating our
kids' character, guiding their actions, and ultimately defining their
reputations as caring, good human beings.
10. Shapes Moral Destinies. Moral growth is an ongoing process that will
span the course of our children's lifetimes. But the habits and beliefs of
Moral Intelligence we instill in our kids now will become the ethical
foundation they'll use forever. It is what will greatly decide our children's
moral destinies and what will be our greatest legacy.
