Teacher asks kids 'what makes a good person?' and the responses are illuminating
Kids' understanding of morality is often shaped by their experiences and an extension of their parent or guardian's morality.
Editor's note: This article was originally published on March 22, 2022. It has since been updated.
The way kids think is so unique because they are yet to learn the ways of the world, for good or bad, yet to be conditioned, not weighed down by expectation, and carefree with their thought. An unadulterated thought is a curious thing as it comes with no filter and is shaped by their experiences from a very short period. Original thought has never been truer than when a child has had their say. George Pointon, a Year 1 teacher from the U.K., decided to ask a bunch of 6-year-olds what makes a good person and their answers are eye-opening.
I asked a group of 6 year olds "How can you tell someone is a good person?"
— George Pointon (@GeorgePointon_) March 18, 2022
Opinions were expressed,
A THREAD
Here are some of the answers that the 6-year-olds gave:
1. They give you sweets
Rory - "They give you sweets"
— George Pointon (@GeorgePointon_) March 18, 2022
Clearly the stranger danger lesson went right over Rory's head. This is NOT the benchmark for a good person. If anything it's an internationally recognised red flag! He did say "his Grandma gives him sweets", but a conversation is needed.
2. They help you with things
JJ - "They help you with things"
— George Pointon (@GeorgePointon_) March 18, 2022
Hitting an absolute home run this week is JJ. Altruism in humans is the definitely the mark of a good person. Vampire Bats often regurgitate blood to other members of the group. We could all take a leaf from the book of JJ and be more Vampire Bat
3. All good people wear capes
Jack - " Cape"
— George Pointon (@GeorgePointon_) March 18, 2022
I'm not a betting man but I'll put my money on Jack confusing "good" for superhero. I suppose in reality, if you're brave enough to wear a cape in public you must be pretty safe. Dr.Doom wore a cape though and he was a villain, albeit one with a doctorate degree.
4. They have kind faces
Ravi - "Some people have kind faces"
— George Pointon (@GeorgePointon_) March 18, 2022
The eyes are window to the soul and i'm convinced this boy can see into all of ours. He's right. Some people have that kind of face that warms the heart. Makes you feel at ease. Like a smile from a friendly postman or retired traffic warden.
5. They have a dog
Lola - "They have a dog"
— George Pointon (@GeorgePointon_) March 18, 2022
I understand the sentiment. Dogs are joyful and loving which would suggest that someone who owns a dog is equally similar. It's a good indicator. I choose not to mention Hitler having a German Shepherd. I don't think Lola is ready for that conversation.
6. They try their best
Emma - "They try their best"
— George Pointon (@GeorgePointon_) March 18, 2022
A lovely innocent answer from our nation's sweetheart. It's definitely true that people who try to put other first are good. I can't say that trying your best as a statement works. Not to bring back Hitler but for all his faults, he did try his best
7. They give you money
Belle - "Give you money"
— George Pointon (@GeorgePointon_) March 18, 2022
Agian, it will appear the stranger danger session needs a re-look. Belle is more of a capitalist than once thought, she's like a modern age, nicer version of Trump, she sees a bargain deal, she takes that deal, also both of them can't read very well.
8. Big beard like Santa
Mikey - "A big beard like Santa"
— George Pointon (@GeorgePointon_) March 18, 2022
There is something comforting about a big bushy beard. It makes you feel like you're in the presence of wisdom, age and experience. I suppose it depends on how kept the beard is. Not like the fella from The Twits, who had bits of fish in his.
9. Ingenious
Zhara - "Tell them a secret and if they tell people, then they're not nice"
— George Pointon (@GeorgePointon_) March 18, 2022
The girl is a boss. She understands the world can be eat or get eaten. She will give you a chance, but just one. Not taking any crap after that. Trust until they give you a reason not to trust. Be warned
10. You just ask them
Susanna - "You just ask them"
— George Pointon (@GeorgePointon_) March 18, 2022
Seems very straight forward really. I wish life were that simple. In Susanna's world it is. I asked her if she's a good person, she replied "don't know maybe when I'm older" I love her brutal honesty. I'll vouch for her though, she's a good person
With that Pointon covered all the answers, but not before leaving us with words of wisdom from a 7-year-old.
End of thread
— George Pointon (@GeorgePointon_) March 18, 2022
My quote of the week comes from Tyler age 7 - "I work better when nobody asks me to work"
A few of them shared answers from their children as well:
I asked my daughter this question a while back [aged 8] and she said "you could just ask them if they're a Tory." - !
— Leander Reeves (@LeanderReeves) March 18, 2022
Jackson, 5 - I'll see if they do bad things or good and then I'll know. And I see all of the things.
— Donna Parker (@DParkerEnglish1) March 18, 2022
Great start, sinister end 🤣
This is wonderful. I just asked my 6 year old. “By the way their eyes sparkle, by the way they smile, and if they’re dressed nicely.”
— Penelope Rawlins 🌞 (@PenelopeRawlins) March 19, 2022
I asked my 10 year old son. He said if someone is kind and nice. And if they don't murder people. 🤔
— Gwen Fox (@opportunityfox) March 19, 2022
Love this. Asked my 5 yr old - “they do kind things … but they might only be pretending to be good … so how do you know?” He’ll be 46 on his birthday next week!
— Stella Byrne (@StellaMcDermott) March 18, 2022
My 8yo said “by looking at their smile”, my 4yo said “because they have pet unicorns” - my 4yo is the reason I drink! 😂
— Rebecca Pullen (@rpullen12) March 18, 2022
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