The M & M Belief

Today my third grader brought a unique paper home from school. It wasn't the reading or math assignments he normally hands me as he empties his backpack. This one was different and caught my attention right off. He said the school guidance counselor came into his class today and did a "cool lesson." He picked the pretty box and was disappointed when he opened it. I thought this was a really great way to get an important message to the children and wanted to share it. He of course colored the "M." On the back was this letter:

Dear Parents,
Today's guidance lesson focused on choosing friends. Students were taught the "M&M Belief" - the best part of a person is on the inside! We've all heard the saying "You shouldn't judge a book by it's cover." This adage was brought to life today with a demonstration of two presents - one beautifully wrapped and decorated that contained an old shoe, the other a wrinkled brown bag that contained M&M candies. Children were asked which present they would choose based on the looks of the outside. Most chose the beautiful box, but quickly learned that the wrapping had nothing to do with what was inside the box.

People are the same. Often young children will chose friends based on appearances. It takes time to get to know someone on the inside, but as the M&M Belief reminds us, that's where the really good "stuff" is.