15: What If Everybody Did That?
Great things are done by a series of small things brought together. -Vincent Van Gogh Small acts of kindness have the remarkable power to create a ripple effect that extends beyond the awareness of the giver. A simple hug, offering a smile to a stranger, or helping a friend in need can set off a wave of positivity that could multiply when the act of kindness is paid forward by the receiver. Conversely, a single poor choice, when multiplied by many, can have a big impact on the world. This week, we began our inquiry on trash and how our actions affect our environment by reading a book called What If Everybody Did That? by Ellen Javernick. Through a simple question, the book underscores valuable lessons about the consequences of our actions, regardless of how small we think they are. For every poor choice -- such as wasting water, playing with our food, or throwing trash on the street -- the children reflected on what would happen if everybody copied that choice. They all agreed that