Have you had a chance to explore Habits of Heart with your classes yet?

It is such a powerful framework for focussing your students’ learning and growth around Christian values and character.

I have been looking at ways to link our Religious Education learning with strategies that develop deep and critical thinking, while also making the work we do with the students meaningful and relevant.

For me, teaching Proverbs ticks all the boxes and when I think of Proverbs and Habits of Hearts, there is a certain alignment, meaningful connection and perhaps even synchronicity! They just fit together.

A great lesson for your students could involve giving the students a selection of Proverbs and asking them to decide which of the Habits of Heart they match and why.

You could have large pieces of paper around the room with a different Habit of Heart heading on each one – and ask the students to copy out a selection of Proverbs on Post It Notes and then stick them on the appropriate page. Encourage the students to work together and explore the meanings of each Proverb that they choose.
Here are a few suggestions to get you and your students thinking.

“Habits of Heart” Proverbs

Be Wise

Proverbs 3:13-15 New International Version (NIV)
13 Blessed are those who find wisdom,
those who gain understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.

Be Wise

Proverbs 17:24 New International Version (NIV)
24 A discerning person keeps wisdom in view,
but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.

Do Good

Proverbs 3:27-28 New International Version (NIV)
27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
when it is in your power to act.
28 Do not say to your neighbour,
“Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”—
when you already have it with you.

Give Respect

Proverbs 4:23-24 New International Version (NIV)
23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for everything you do flows from it.
24 Keep your mouth free of perversity;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

Seek Reconciliation

Proverbs 26:20 New International Version (NIV)
20 Without wood a fire goes out;
without a gossip a quarrel dies down.

Work for Justice

Proverbs 31:9 New International Version (NIV)
9 Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Remind the students as they are working to “Honour God with your work: Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Proverbs 16:3. Sounds like a bit of wisdom for all of us!