– Really?
– The teacher suggested we study animals, insects and all living things. She hopes we can learn a lot by observing them. She wants each student to bring an example to class that symbolizes something strong. I suggested goldfish.
Dad was delighted to see his son so full of enthusiasm. He too had been a teacher for some years.
– Well, all right. It’s a good time for me to go.
– Can I come with you to pick them out?
– Oh, let me surprise you!
With that, Dad headed off to the market.
He had deliberately gone alone, because he didn’t want to be influenced. How could this teacher, who had agreed that her son should only bring little goldfish, accept such a proposal? What could her son and the pupils learn from this choice, compared to so many others? All this made him lose confidence in the teacher’s educational abilities.
His son had often dreamed of having a little dog. Well, He was going to buy him a little dog! Because dogs, as we all know, are man’s best friend. He was proud of his decision.
And as luck would have it, at the market he found the cutest, most affectionate dog he could imagine.
He went home happy with this beautiful gift.
His son, at the sight of the dog, looked curiously at his father.
– Didn’t you respect my request?
– I’ve chosen you the best gift a father can give his son!
– But the teacher won’t accept this change of program. She might even send me home for disobeying!
– But this teacher knows nothing. If she were a good teacher, she’d never give in to your whims!
– A whim?!?!!?!
… Great silence …
– What I wanted to show my class was that fish, even if they don’t speak with words or even sounds, communicate with each other.
– Ahhh?
– Yes, and even in harmony. In the sea, it’s even more striking: they all move together! What collaboration! They communicate, of course, but it’s invisible and inaudible to us!
…silence again…
– I was so happy in class, because my teacher had understood my choice: her eyes sparkled!
Dad, who knows everything better than anyone else, was a little unsettled, disgruntled.
But all the same, he was amazed, yes, amazed at his young son’s wisdom.
After a long moment of thinking in all directions, he took him in his arms and hugged him tightly:
– I’m very moved by your choice and your observations. Come on, let’s go together…
Peace education concepts you can highlight:
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Understanding people and respecting their choices – whatever their age, profession or
(respect and consideration) -
Listening to the end before acting (respect, active listening)
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Working together (inclusion, cooperation)
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Avoid hasty judgments and prejudices (distinguish facts from opinions, overcome contempt, non-judgment).
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Re-establishing an emotional bond that had broken down (peace reflex)
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Valuing children’s wisdom,…
and any other lessons this story might hold for you…