Values
What matters most?
by Philippa Rae
Suitable for Key Stage 2
Aims
To consider the importance of respecting differences when understanding others’ values.
Preparation and materials
- You will need the PowerPoint slides that accompany this assembly (Values) and the means to display them.
Assembly
- Show Slide 1.
Welcome the children to the assembly. - Ask the children what they think the word ‘value’ means.
Listen to a range of responses. - Explain that there are several definitions for the word ‘value’. For example, it can mean the amount of money that can be received for something, or the importance or worth of something to someone.
When we talk about values, these are the beliefs people have, especially about what is right and wrong and what is most important in life, that control how they behave. - Tell the children that you’re going to be exploring this last definition in today’s assembly: our judgement of what is most important in life.
- Point out that as we get older, we develop values along the way that can shape how we live our lives. Sometimes, our values change as we go through different experiences during our lives. Not everyone shares the same values, and values can be influenced by many things.
Ask the children whether they can give any examples.
Listen to a range of responses. - Explain that it’s not always easy to get along with others who we feel have different values from the ones that we consider important. However, while staying true to ourselves, we should also be respectful towards others and what they regard as important.
- People often make judgements about others simply because their values are not the same. However, as long as someone’s actions aren’t harmful to others, we should leave the person to choose their own values, and respect them.
If someone’s actions are harmful to themselves, we can offer kind words to try to steer them onto the right path. Alternatively, we might like to suggest that they talk to their teacher, a family member or another trusted adult so that they can help them.
Considering how we would like to be treated ourselves is always a good starting point. - We should also remember that we don’t always know the reasons behind someone’s actions.
Show Slide 2.
We should try to set an example with our own actions. - Show Slide 3.
Many people place value on high achievers. In society, we need achievers who make improvements in different fields of life such as medicine, technology, sport and entertainment. We also need enterprising people who create successful businesses so that they provide employment for others. These people can inspire others to follow their lead and be an example to us.
However, if we lived in a world where everyone wanted to reach the top, the world might be an unpleasant place full of discontented people. This is because we all have different skills and abilities. We need people who will use their skills for the good of others. We need people to teach and to care. We need people who will work as a team, valuing others for what they can bring and who they are. - Show Slide 4.
We live in a community where everyone should be valued equally for the part that they play.
Some people place a higher emphasis on their family, friends, hobbies or spiritual life.
Mutual respect and teamwork are the building blocks of a solid, stable community.
Time for reflection
Encourage the children to think about the people who live in the community around them.
Ask the question, ‘Have you ever asked any of them what the most important thing in their life is at this moment?’
Encourage the children to turn to the people sitting near them and ask the question, ‘What do you value the most?’
Listen to a range of responses.
Explain to the children how important it is to learn to recognize and appreciate people’s qualities, remembering that everyone has different personal strengths.
Show Slide 5.
Read out the list on the slide and ask the children which qualities they value most and why.
Listen to a range of responses.
Ask the children to think of something important to them, and then ask, ‘Why does it matter?’
Pause to allow time for thought.
Ask the children to think of someone they know, and then ask, ‘What do you think is important to that person?’
Ask the children the following questions.
- What values did Jesus show us?
- How can we learn from his example?
Listen to a range of responses.
Prayer
Dear God,
Please help us to live our lives according to good values.
Please help us to respect each other.
Please help us to see the good in other people.
Please help us to stand up for what is right, as we love and care for other people.
Amen.
Song/music
‘You’ve got a friend in me’ from the film Toy Story, available at: https://youtu.be/DNZUKm0ApEM (2.08 minutes long)
