A book written by Robert Fulghum named: "All I ever need to learn to know, I learned it in Kindergarten" was published in 1986. It became the best seller 2 years in a row. He had also earned the reputation to be King of Philosophy of the generation. Further more, more than 15 million copies were sold in 93 countries, and it had been translated into 27 languages.

What is the magic power of this book?

I wish to share a few lines with you just so you get an idea. The message is as simple as: "....Share, play fair, don't hit people, put things back where you've found them, clean up  your own mess, don't take things that aren't yours, say you're sorry when you hurt somebody, wash your hands before your eat, flush, live a balanced life-learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and--- work everyday some..."  Doesn't it sound like a living bible to all of us? When you actually think about it, what simple things like the basic ABCs of life haven't we learned in Kindergarten that do not apply to this world of grown ups???

I was among the millions of readers that were inspired by this book and because a kindergarten teacher 6 years after is was published. Taking on the great responsibility to teach the principles of life to our young children. Because I strongly believe that the best gift we can give to them is the strong character -- formed by basic values. Values that can help them make the right choices throughout their lives.

I work with children between ages 3 to 5, Those who have children around you would know best that it's not only a blessing but also a great challenge to be working with this age group. Aren't they lovable? Huggable?  Adorable?  They can bring you endless laughter and joy! and yet, they can be curious, destructive, noisy, naughty, aggressive, tricky, greedy, possessive, manipulative ... you name it! I don't blame them for what they are and how they behave! It's human nature! Don't you agree? I believe there are just as many kinds of children in a classroom as there are grown ups in a community!

Let's take a day at the kindergarten for example, where the children are climbing on the tables, chairs are tipped over everywhere, they are fighting, shouting, yelling, crying, screaming, toys and shoes are flying across the room! What chaos! Does that sound like a familiar scene to you in one of those government meetings? What a shame!

I do no have MAGICAL REMEDIES to resolve the problems of our children, but I certainly have great success molding the little rascals into angels. Oh, but don't take me wrong! I am not a witch, -- I don't cast spells. (Thought knowing some tricks might come in handy!) And I am not a tyrant neither, I do not punish -- although punishment can bring about immediate results. For Example, (Pick up the whip and hit the table hard to create a frightening effect): David, how dare you breaking the toys again! You will get seriously spanked for that! (Hit the table hard again!) And Joanne, go lock yourself up in the bathroom for 5 minutes, you are just way too noisy!

What are we teaching our kids here? We are teaching them it's ok to hit, we are teaching them to use physical means, we are teaching them to use hostility and aggression when things go against their wills. it's only a vicious cycle! (Break the whip!) Instead, I will discipline them. I will teach the children about responsibilities, I will teach them about consequences, I will teach them to look within themselves, instead of others. Same example: David, you just broke the toys, shall we try to fix them? (That's responsibility!). The fact that you didn't take good care of the toys. you'll lose your chance to play with them for two days (and that's consequence!). Be sure to watch how nicely other children play now!

I will talk to the children, at their level, face-to-face, eye-to-eye until they understand me, and come up with a logical consequence when a rule is broken! Most importantly, consistency, consistency -- is the key to successful disciplines.

Good character doesn't just happen. We have to lay a solid foundation for character development. Expose them to positive messages, just as important, by acting positive role models. People often ask me how do I cope with 24 children in the class? With new kids coming in every year, and even have done it for 8 years long? Yes, it has been 8 years! Yes, it can deplete my energy. Yes, it can drain my patience. But, I do not regret a day of it! And I even look forward to many more 8 years to come!!!  Because I see the reward! Teaching is indeed twice learning!

While we instill in our young children the desire to be trustworthy, respectful, responsible, fair and good citizens, I reflect upon myself too. Can I do it too? Will I be able to live up to the expectations that I've set for the children too?

When I opened the newspaper, looking at the chaotic world around me, that's when I realized the hidden and underlined message in this book! It's actually asking: How many of us have actually skipped kindergarten when we were little? Or have we become forgetful over the years? Wouldn't  it be a much nicer world to live in if we all take the ABC's of life more seriously? It's something worth to think about...