Recently, President Xi Jinping talked about the 12 core socialist values. "These core values," he stated, "are essential to the future success of China."'

He encouraged others to promote these values in every aspect of life and suggested that they should be taught in the classroom. When I read this, I thought to myself, "That's me. I'm a teacher. He is telling me to teach these in the classroom." So, since I live and teach in China and I am here to help by teaching, I made his speech part of my lessons. I underlined key English words that I wanted my students to learn, wrote ten questions for them to answer about the speech, made copies of it and gave it to my students. They work in groups and have spent the last three class periods working on this assignment.

I've been in China for two and half years. As I've said many times, I love living here. I love teaching Chinese children. And, I have seen many positive changes since I came here. I think the most encouraging thing I've seen is, President Xi's actions and words in providing the leadership that China needs. Even as a foreigner, I feel very good about him. He is humble, strong, decisive and he is a positive leader.

If we teach kids core values before they meet life's inevitable difficult situations, then, as President Xi has said, they will be able to respond to life with more knowledge and with greater success. And, in doing so, they will make China an even greater place.

MichaelM, from China Daily blog

Readers' comments are welcome. Please send your e-mail to opinion@chinadaily.com.cn or letters@chinadaily.com.cn or to the individual columnists. China Daily reserves the right to edit all letters. Thank you.