Children Learn What They Live

Dorothy Law Nolte’s poem, Children Learn What They Live, reminds us that children learn from the world around them. When they are treated with kindness, patience, and respect, they grow up to show those same virtues in the world.

At Artcycle we see this through our workshops. Through art, play, and community, we help children discover and practice the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Pauls' letters to the Galatians 5:22-23). Just like Nolte’s poem teaches, children flourish when they experience support, encouragement, and care.

Her words inspire us to fill our programs—and our lives—with goodness. When children are surrounded by positive experiences and creativity, they don’t just learn new skills—they grow in character, confidence, and heart.

Dorothy Law Nolte may have written her poem decades ago, but her message lives on. At Artcycle we carry that vision forward every day: nurturing children who shine with the fruits of the Spirit.

If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.

If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.

If children live with ridicule, they learn to be shy.

If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.

If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.

If children live with tolerance, they learn to be patient.

If children live with praise, they learn to appreciate.

If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.

If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.

If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.

If children live with security, they learn to have faith in

themselves and others.

If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a

nice place in which to live.

©1972 Dorothy Law Nolte, All Rights Reserved

This is the author-approved short version. For more poems and words of wisdom

visit www.childrenlearnwhattheylive.com

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.