Laws of Life provides students (grades 5-12) an opportunity to think and write about their personal values.

Laws of Life help students "buy in" to the creation of positive and respectful class and school environments and consider those values that will help them live successful and productive lives. In this era of compromised ethics, Laws of Life offers students a great opportunity to identify and articulate values that anchor their life decisions.

More than 7,700 Connecticut students have participated in the Laws of Life program since 2000. The National Association of Secondary School Principals and the Connecticut Association of Schools have placed the Laws of Life Essay Contest on their lists of approved contests and activities.

Sample Writing Prompts

Laws of life are those principles, ideals, and values that help guide one's life. The following writing prompts can help students brainstorm the start of an essay outline for their own laws of life.

1. Think of a family member or a parent whom you admire. What law(s) of life does that person demonstrate? How has that person influenced your law(s) of life? 
2. Describe a personal experience that has helped you develop your law(s) of life. 
3. Think of a time when you have been helped others. What law(s) of life did you learn from this experience? 
4. How has a figure in history or a famous person helped you develop your law(s) of life?

Important Contest Dates 2002-2003

September 2002 - March 20, 2003: Administration of local contests

March 14, 2003: Local contest winners' essays due back to SEE

April 17, 2003: Notification of statewide winners and mailing of awards program information

TBA: Awards ceremony

For more information

Laws of Life is supported by a grant from the John Templeton Foundation

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