Caring for the Whole Child
“You learn to be gracious. Even with the small sample size of 15 students in my class, there was tremendous diversity that I would not have experienced in the suburbs. You go to school with all walks of life and it teaches you to nurture a curiosity about others and become a good listener. Making new friends is easy for me because I feel like I can get along with everyone.
The key to life is to have an open heart. If you can hold onto that premise, it will carry you into adulthood.”
Mustard Seed Graduates Understand that They Live Lifes of Meaning and Purpose
Completion of eight Academic Exhibitions, a deep-dive into a topic in science, history, art, literature, and more, is a Mustard Seed requirement for graduation. Although they are held in seventh and eighth grade, preparation for formal presentations in these subjects begins in second and third grade in work for the Global Expo and Change Makers Museum, and students as young as preschool practice research. Last week during the Math and Science Academic Exhibitions, other important skills were on display.
“As an audience member, my heart goes out to whomever I see struggling a little with their presentation,” says sixth-grade student Victoria. “Maybe they have not prepared properly or do not have the right notes. They might just be really nervous. I know how that feels!” Victoria says that she always tries to be conscious of her facial appearance during an Exhibition presentation: affirming and nodding in response to the student’s words, and holding a kind and encouraging expression.
“As a member of the audience, you want to treat others the way you would want to be treated,” says eighth-grade student Polly. “After years of speaking in front of a group of people that I’ve come to know so well, I’m not that nervous. However, I can still remember feeling anxious when I was younger so I can sympathize with students who are.” In addition to practicing empathy and advocacy for everyone’s success, students convey an awareness of others and genuine curiosity in their work.
“At Mustard Seed, we tend to the heart of the student. As part of our focus on the whole child, we utilize Bible stories to teach our principles and values. And there are other ways to cultivate empathy, kindness, and integrity.”
