Peace: a state of mutual harmony between people or groups, especially in personal relations. 

Circleville Elementary School kindergarten students made learning about peace a focus when they came back from their winter break. They have been learning about the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In doing so, they have learned the true meaning of the word peace.

“These young students learned that peace involves friendship, kindness, sharing, helping, and respect, all things that have been taught and encouraged within our classrooms and throughout our school building,” said Denise Hansen, one of the kindergarten teachers at CES.

As part of their social studies curriculum, students learned about good citizenship, which includes demonstrating respect for the rights of others. Students listened to several books including ‘Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King Jr.,’ written by Jean Marzollo.

Through the reading of the book and their social studies classes, the students learned about the life and accomplishments of this great figure in history and how he wanted everyone to have the same freedom and equal opportunity to live and play together. The students learned what it means to live in harmony with one another by using kind words, helping others, and celebrating differences. 

Part of this lesson was spreading the message of peace to others and that brought much joy to all involved as the students performed “Songs of Peace and Winter” for their parents just before the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.  

Some of the songs performed included “This Little Light Of Mine,” which included children holding paper candles adorned with gold glitter, “Peace, Peace, We Want Peace,” “This Is Your World, This Is My World,” “Freedom, Freedom, Let It Ring” and “Harmony and Peace.” Some children also held signs throughout the performance with meaningful words such as “respect,” “kindness,” “friendship,” “sharing,” and “helping,” while others used their words to explain the meaning of peace.

The second part of the concert included songs about winter and snow.

The kindergarten students will also have the opportunity to spread their musical message to their fellow students at the school’s celebration assembly at the end of January.