Values Tree in the Spline

Recently during PAWS time, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders built Value Trees made from brown wrapping paper with branches. The trees had leaves with values, written in marker, such as family, community, or joy. The students picked values that fit with them most. To find out more, we interviewed Mr. Damon via email. Mr. Damon is one of the student counselors.

Q: Why did you decide to do the value tree?

A: Ms. Force and I thought it would be a great idea for us to think about the values that we [have] and to look at what values others have in the community.  I think this opens the door to a lot of great self-reflection and conversation with other students [about] what it means to live a meaningful life, recognizing [others’] values and [becoming] aware of how our values intersect, [overlap,] or diverge with others.

Q: How did you pick all of the values?

A: We had the students pick the values that were important to them and had advisories collectively decide values. 

Q: Why did you decide on a tree?

A: We decided on a tree because symbolically we wanted to show how we can have our individual values as well as how we are connected to others through their values, [too].

Q: Which value is most important to you?

A: My values change depending on what stage of life I’m in. Right now, I think the value most important to me is peace. 

Q: What are some things to reflect on after and during this kind of activity?

A: I think reflecting on what living a life connected to our values looks like and what meaning it gives our lives.