Valley View Public School students fill their hearts with friendship

How many acts of friendship does it take to fill a heart?

That is a question that Valley View Public School students in the Grade 2 French Immersion class discussed as part of Dare to Care.

Dare to Care is a bullying prevention program implemented in all Rainbow Schools from Kindergarten to Grade 9. Through the program, students gain a deeper understanding of bullying and develop tools to create a caring community.

Students brainstormed acts of friendship relevant to the school setting and their ideas were recorded on chart paper, in French.

“To incorporate language concepts, I asked students to determine how each word is written, identify the sounds within it, and consider whether it resembles a word they already know how to spell,” said teacher Meredith Guse. “They compiled a wonderful list of acts of friendship and expressed pride in their ideas.”

The final list of acts of friendship included:

Un bon ami va t’encourager à bien travailler et de finir tes travaux.
A good friend will encourage you to work hard and finish your assignments.

Un bon ami va t’encourager d’être gentil envers les autres.
A good friend will encourage you to be kind to others.

Un bon ami va partager avec toi.
A good friend will share with you.

Un bon ami va être silencieux quand c’est le temps d’écouter.
A good friend will stay quiet when it’s time to listen.

Un bon ami va te soutenir quand tu es malheureux ou triste.
A good friend will support you when you are unhappy or sad.

Un bon ami va t’apprécier.
A good friend will appreciate you.

Un bon ami va te soutenir.
A good friend will support you.

Next, students made large hearts using coloured construction paper.

Students then selected five ideas from their acts of friendship list, cut them out, and glued their choices to fill their hearts.

“It’s important for students to have an opportunity to think, plan and make their own choices,” said Meredith Guse. “They chose the acts of friendship that resonated most strongly with them.”

“If someone is feeling sad, I like to share or give them a hug,” said student Cameron Gagnon.

Student Hartley Fong believes it’s always important to be kind. “Sometimes people just want a friend that will be happy and nice.”

“This activity invited students to reflect on the impact of friendship and kindness,” said Meredith Guse. “They were mindful of the fact that our words and actions affect those around us, and are finding ways to show what it means to be a good friend.”

“Through Dare to Care, students are developing social emotional skills using strategies that emphasize empathy,” said Principal Carrie Wilson. “They are also learning that acts of friendship – no matter how big or small – can restore hope, build trust, and fill our hearts.”

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171 ext. 7217