Tools of Maturity
EFL classrooms are also rooted in the goal of preparing children to find happiness and fulfillment in life. In responding to life’s challenges, we have four primary tools at our disposal: the body, feelings, will, and intellect. The proper development of these “Tools of Maturity” lies at the heart of Education for Life. In our schools we emphasize one of these tools in each 6-year cycle of the child’s growth.
The Body
P-1. Brings high energy to activities regardless of likes and dislikes
P-2. Able to relax and release stress and tension
P-3. Gets plenty of physical exercise
P-4. Utilizes good posture in sitting and standing
P-5. Eats a balanced diet with minimal junk food and sugar
P-6. Demonstrates good habits of personal hygiene (bathing, brushing teeth, etc.)
P-7. Physical appearance is neat, clean, and modest
P-8. Practices cleanliness and orderliness (schoolwork, room, etc.)
The Feelings
E-1. Self-Respect: being at peace with oneself, contented
E-2. Cheerful and Even-Minded: positive attitude, can overcome negative moods
E-3. Practical Sensitivity: finds useful ways to attend to the needs and feelings of others
E-4. Generosity: freely sharing possessions and time
E-5. Shows gratitude toward benefactors
E-6. Sensitivity: appreciation for beauty in environment, music, etc.
E-7. Intuition/ Moral Sense: able to feel the difference between right and wrong
E-8. Cultivation of an inner spiritual life
The Will Power
W-1. Perseverance: continues effort when confronted with difficulties
W-2. Concentration: able to ignore distractions
W-3. Self-Control: able to direct actions in positive ways and avoid negative behavior
W-4. Responsibility: fulfills duties, schoolwork, and promises in a timely manner
W-5. Respect for wisdom-guided authority: can recognize and follow good guidance
W-6. Initiative: responds to challenges with creativity and enthusiasm
W-7. Courage: willing to stand up for truth
W-8. Aspiration: strives to improve
The Intellect
I-1. Reasoning: ability to think things through clearly
I-2. Truthfulness: aligns thoughts and actions with truth, avoids rationalization and lying
I-3. Tolerance: respects and appreciates different points of view, open-mindedness
I-4. Introspection: analyzes personal behavior for appropriate motives and effects
I-5. Humor/Playfulness: ability to find amusing and uplifting perspectives
I-6. Intellectual curiosity: asks questions and seeks answers
I-7. Strength of memory: able to memorize and retain information
I-8. Originality: shows genuine creativity in projects and activities
