Written by Penchi Liu
Translated by H.B. Qin
Edited by Adriana DiBenedetto
To deepen early childhood character education and carry forward the spirit of humanity, Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool in Houston recently held its annual tea ceremony and flower arrangement experience class. Blending etiquette with cultural learning, the immersive program invited children to practice Tzu Chi’s core values of gratitude, respect, and love in their daily lives. Within the local early childhood education landscape, such integration of humanities and etiquette is quite unique.
Preschool principal Halah Ameen, too, described the activity as both essential and distinctive. Few schools in the Houston area offer opportunities that weave together cultural heritage and character education precisely in this way.
“It’s a very important event for our preschool,” Ameen shared. “I made my search around town, but nobody does this type of activity,” she said. “I’ve looked around the community, and this type of activity is not commonly offered. It supports culture, it supports manners. How they sit down like a bell, and stand up like a pen. This is very important.”
Learning That Extends Into the Home
Principal Halah Ameen also noted that, through repeated participation, children gradually internalize these lessons. Even small impressions, she noted, can take root over time. “Even if they take only a little away, that will be good. And of course, when we do it more than one time for the children, it’s going to stay in their minds. When they get back home, they’re going to talk about it to their parents. This is one of our goals: to have happy children and happy families.”
Learning to Love Through Interaction
The presence of volunteers added warmth and depth to the experience. Through gentle guidance and shared activity, children learned teamwork, empathy, and care for others in a sincere, welcoming atmosphere. During the sushi-making and refreshment activities, volunteers worked patiently alongside the children, offering encouragement that made each step both joyful and memorable.
“I love the volunteering aspect,” Ameen said. “It shows children how important it is to help others. Volunteers and children build natural, caring relationships, and the children truly enjoy that. They always know how to encourage the kids.”
As such, flower arrangement volunteer Jaimie Tsam approached her lesson with a simple intention: “Let’s show our love,” she told the children, explaining that even a small act of care can carry a lasting impact. “Wherever there are flowers, there is love,” Tsam said, explaining that this gentle activity symbolizes Tzu Chi’s commitment to compassion for all. She encouraged the children to cherish even the smallest bloom, helping them see beauty as something to protect. After completing their arrangements, many children chose to gift them to loved ones, grandparents, parents, or friends, extending the lesson beyond the classroom.
I hope that when you see flowers, you can learn to cherish them. Even a tiny flower should be cherished and protected. Because having a love for flowers can inspire love for others.
Tsam noticed that after completing their artwork, the children would naturally express their appreciation. “I asked them who they wanted to give it to. Some say they will give it to grandma or grandpa,” she said. “Wherever there are flowers, there is love. Seeing flowers brings joy and uplifts the spirit.”
The Way of Tea
The tea ceremony offered a quiet, reflective space for learning etiquette through hands-on practice, guiding students in treating others with care.
“The tea ceremony is about learning how to treat others with respect,” volunteer Shun-Tang Chang explained. “When children serve tea, they serve with gratitude, respect, and love. And, before drinking the tea, they recite a vow to “Do good deeds, speak kind words, and think good thoughts.”
Chang expressed hope that these gestures would continue at home, saying, “We hope that when the children go home, they can offer a cup of tea, or even just a cup of water. I believe their parents would be very happy.”
Behind the scenes, the program reflected careful collaboration. Volunteers each contributed their individual strengths, preparing materials, coordinating activities, and supporting one another to bring the experience to life. “Our team has made a lot of preparations in advance, from the decorations to the refreshments; every step has to be coordinated. Everyone has their own expertise. We learn from each other and work together to complete the task,” said Chang.
Cultivating Character from a Young Age
Volunteer Eunice Pai emphasized the importance of introducing humanities education early in life, sharing, “Tea ceremony and flower arrangement are part of character education. If we strengthen them, they will have a great impact on children’s future.” She also emphasized the importance of the program’s design. “Children of this age need to be taught in a lively and diverse way, which makes it easier for them to take home, and the impact will be greater.”
And indeed, parents, she shared, often notice subtle but meaningful changes. “When the children go home, they put what they have learned into practice. These are things that parents usually wouldn’t notice until they have been cultivated at school.”
Nurturing a Loving Next Generation
Tzu Chi Great Love Preschool in Houston continues to cultivate a learning environment where character education and cultural values grow side by side. Through experiences rooted in etiquette and human connection, children develop calmness, self-discipline, and a sense of care for others. When learning becomes part of daily life, character naturally takes root. From the classroom to one’s home, these small seeds of kindness begin to flourish across families, strengthen communities, and nurture a more compassionate future.
