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Strength In EVERY Child

Mr. Mendez

Every child has a strength; the key for us, as educators, is to tap into these strengths and passion and help students to truly flourish in their lives.

We need to stop putting lids on what kids can do and start opening up their worlds and providing them with opportunities to grow far beyond what they knew was ever possible.

Please take 20 minutes and watch the amazing film, “The Butterfly Circus”, below (or click here to go to the film website).  I show this to our grade 6 classes each year and the conversations we have following the viewing are always some of the most memorable.  One of my students today said, “Each one of us has a gift, and we need to recognize that.”

We all need to be more like Mr. Mendez and begin to see the strength and power within each one of us.

The Butterfly Circus – HD from The Butterfly Circus on Vimeo.

Actor from the film, “Butterfly Circus”, Nick Vujicic, inspires us all….

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Chris Wejr

Proud father of twin girls and a son. Currently working as the Principal of Shortreed Elementary School (K-5) in Aldergove, BC, Canada. Passionate about instruction, strengths-based education and leadership, reconciliation, assessment, and human motivation.

8 Comments

  1. Chris – WOW! What an awesome post! When I saw the 20 minute video I was a little hesitant…but after I started watching I couldn’t stop. What an excellent choice of clips to show students and educators about reaching their potential, while also working to help others to reach their potential. We all have strengths, but unfortunately the traditional form of education does not always allow us to utilize those strengths…great stories such as this really exemplify why we need to embrace the whole child / educator, rather than focusing on the very narrow and traditional path.

    Thank you for sharing this, and thank you for inspiring me.

  2. I watched this clip with my wife a few months back after you pointed us in the direction. I agree with Justin – it is a wonderful, inspirational story to show others about the power of potential. Part of my (our) journey is simply to affirm the gifts in others around us. The Butterfly Circus is a wonderful demonstration of that. Thanks for giving me the chance to view it (and pass it on) again.

  3. That movie is amazing Chris. Definitely inspiring. Hrmm. We have 20 minutes during our advisory times on Tuesdays, just enough time to share it.

    His story is certainly one of hope, and I think everytime I despair that the world is going to ruin, I will remind myself of this man, who personifies hope.

  4. Amazing Chris!! This movie is a perfect reminder of the necessity of honouring the strenghts of everyone. It is easy to give recognition to what society deems as worthy, however it takes an inspirational person to gently unfold the talents of individuals who have stopped believing in their worth. It is these people who have the greatest potential to make significant change because they understand the struggle, therefore have developed heartfelt empathy and courage. It starts with one. As educators we are in the position to initiate the journey. It begins with the belief that everyone has a gift that can make a difference.

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