While teaching grade 4 at Van Bien (they were such an amazing and beautiful group of students), I asked the children to write down anything and everything that came to mind when they thought of the word "Friendship." Just like the "Creativity" brainstorm I did with the grade 6/7's at Malaspina, I felt as though it was so important for the children to begin to think about abstract things like these and come to formulate their own thoughts and feelings surrounding them.
Some of the answers are generic (i.e. what does "nice" truly mean?), for society instils within us certain "definitions," however, they are the start of perhaps some futher deep pondering for these students. So often we formulate our opinions based on what everyone else says... it's almost like a collective consciousness surrounding certain abstract concepts. However, I believe there is still some individuality in thought!
What this exercise also reinforces is that there is no right or wrong answer and that we are so beautifully unique in our thoughts. It is a necessity that we are unique for it is in diversity that collective consciousness is possible. It also reinforces that concepts like creativity, friendship and love cannot be described with words but must be felt by the heart and spirit.
As you read, here is a question for you: Is friendship something you do or something that you are? Do you think you could be "friends" with everyone and if so, what would that friendship look like?
So here we go! :)
"Kind, friendly and nice. Not bullying to other people."
"Compassion, love, honesty, sharing, kindness, care, taking time, nice."
"Being kind to people. 'Can I play with you?' 'Sure!'"
"I think a friend is somebody who stand up for each other and cares about each other."
"I think friendship is being loving to others." (And so what does it mean to be loving towards each other?)
"Loving and caring; letting people join you; helping them; having fun with people; hugging."
"Don't ever turn on anyone; be caring; is not limited; don't say abusive words; not bullying; if you don't have anything to say don't say it." (I love the not limited part!)
"Don't leave people hurting; being kind to one another; help the poor; being friendly; help people if they are stuck in life."
"Kind, nice, sharing, caring."
"Love, honesty, compassion, laughter, kindness." (Laughter is so important!)
"Being kind by waving or talking nicely. Hug means friendship by loving and caring to each other."
"Love, kindness, treated nice, hugs, not having wars, accepting others for who they are, being friends to everyone."
"Being kind, nice, sharing, caring, helpful, friendly, standing up for each other and being fair."
"Friendship means loving someone. Friendship means caring about someone."
"It means being friendly, including others, playing with people."
"Friendly feeling about people, treating people the right way, being together happily, being the right person, being friendly to everybody, respecting all of people, knowing you can trust somebody, never being alone."
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