This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Joy is a quality of being rather than just an emotion and so although it is related to being happy it is more fundamental and can be sustained when happiness is (hopefully temporarily) diminished. Joy also comes from participating in God’s ministry in the world and from seeing lives being positively changed and relationships enhanced… Joy is a very important but often neglected social value… God does not desire to have a joyless world or dis-spirited people. Joy is characteristic of the life of faith… God is the fundamental reason for being joyful – joy comes from knowing God through Jesus Christ in the power of the Spirit. Joy also comes from participating in God’s ministry in the world and seeing lives being positively changed and relationships enhanced. Joyfulness should mark the life of the Christian community and all relationships between Christians as they live and work together for the Lord. It is important too that joy be a feature of the life of the wider community. Although it will never be the subject of legislation joy is an essential social value.
What are we doing in school to learn about Kindness?
Joy is the expression of inner happiness and contentment. At school we believe that children and adults achieve most through praise and encouragement. We choose to be positive and encourage children to be content so that they will be a source of joy to others.
At school we take every opportunity to celebrate success with:
– House Points
– Celebration Assemblies
– Good manners awards
– Mrs Paterson’s Postcards
– Discovery Schools awards
– Stickers and individual class reward systems.
Kindness at home
Healthy Habits: Well rested, well fed, and active children are more joyful. Help your children establish healthy bedtime routines so they get plenty of sleep. Encourage them to eat healthily and teach them to take care of themselves.
Joy is a Habit of the Heart: Joy is a choice. Make it easier for your children to choose it by teaching them to ensure that they share joy and include others.
Just Smile: As always, set the example for your children. Remember to smile. Singing, reading, playing games together is a great way to bring joy to your home.
Mr. Happy
In this book Mr. Happy’s mission is to spread his joy to another. Many of the Mr. Men and Little Miss books teach children the importance of being joyful and how they can make a difference in the lives of others.