Learning Circles

Fall 2005
Minsk, Belarus
Everyone knows how to
make happy their mum,
little brother or pet.
Sometimes it is very easy
because everyone knows
“secrets” of their close
friends and relatives.
People can use our
“formulas of happiness” in
everyday life and make
the world happier!
 Contributing Schools:
*Grade 5, Gymnasia №12, Minsk,
Belarus
*Grade 2, McConnell Elementary
School,
Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
*Grade 4, School “Dan Barbilian”,
Constantza, Romania
*Grade 2, “Elena Ghiba Birta” National
College, Arad, Romania
*Grade 4, Franklin Township School,
Quakertown, New Jersey, USA
I know how to make my mum happy. I can come
to her, put my arms around her neck, kiss her
and say "How I love you!" And she will be
happy.
Pavel Stefanyuk, Gymnasia №12, Minsk, Belarus
A lot of ice-cream + many toys + my computer +
coca-cola! This is my formula of happiness. It's
easy to make me happy!
Nikita Kunevich, Gymnasia №12, Minsk, Belarus
If you want to make me happy, let me play
computer games. I like to play "MU" game. It's
very interesting. Try it!
Dima Stefanyuk, Gymnasia №12, Minsk, Belarus
I can make my parents happy. My mum’s
happy when I help her and when I get
good marks. I help my mum about house.
I wash up. I go to the shop with her. I try
to make my parents, grandparents, friends
and the whole world happy!!!
Vika Dovnar, Gymnasia №12, Minsk, Belarus

My mother is happy when I have good

marks. My little brother is happy when I
play with him. I am happy when my family
spend free time  together.
Kate Lenartovich, Gymnasia №12, Minsk, Belarus
 My formula of happiness

If I want to have fun, I play computer games,

watch TV, play with my friends .When they
can’t play with me, I telephone them. I like
speaking with my friends. Usually we speak
about computer games .When I do it I’m
happy.
Anton Davydik, Gymnasia №12, Minsk, Belarus

Happiness is when I am happy. My brother and

Mom are happy and Mom will take me
anywhere I want to go. This is what makes
me happy.
Noah, McConnell Elementary School, Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
What makes me happy is when my Mom
takes me to “Build a Bear” workshop. When
my Mom and Dad let me ride my bike or
skateboard I am happy. When my Mom and
Dad let me go to my friend’s house also
makes me happy.
Nathan, McConnell Elementary School, Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA

These are the things that are happiness to

me. My Dad likes to tickle me and it makes
me laugh hard. I have a toy gun. I like to
share the toy gun. My Mom makes funny
faces to make me happy. I like all these
things that make me happy.
Alex, McConnell Elementary School, Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
I am happy when my Mom and Dad give me
popsicles and ice cream. The ice cream is
too cold sometimes and it gives me a brain
freeze.
Veronica, McConnell Elementary School, Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA

What Makes Me Happy

Ice, TV, Stay the night at Kayla’s and
Maranda’s and Hunter’s house. I am happy
when Krista will take me anywhere I want
to go. Eating cookies and ice cream makes
me feel good. Also scaring Maranda makes
me feel great. These are some of the
things that make me happy.
Lenzee, McConnell Elementary School, Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
When you are happy you think about candy
and ice cream and having a party. These
are the things I think about to make me
happy.
Destynee, McConnell Elementary School, Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA

These are the things that make me happy. I

am happy when my Dad tickles me. My
Mom gives me love and when my Dad builds
with me make me happy. My brother gives
me love and my Mom and Dad and Joe also
give me a lot of love. My whole family loves
me. When my Mom buys me ice cream and
cookies I am happy.
Juan, McConnell Elementary School, Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
When you are happy you think about candy
and ice cream and having a great party. I
love to help people and I love to be happy.
Alexis , McConnell Elementary School, Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA

How I am Happy.
It is good to be happy. Happiness means to
smile. Happiness makes other people happy.
Rhonda , McConnell Elementary School, Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
When I think of happiness, I think of all the
good that happens to me. I think of candy
too. I think of ice cream and fudge. These
are the things that make me happy
Julie, McConnell Elementary School, Chattanooga,
Tennessee, USA
When I am happy I don’t smile but I am happy.
I am not happy when Julie plays with Terry
but Terry runs from her! We have races and
Julie wants to race so we let her. Terry raced
her and Terry won! Then I raced her and I
won! I was happy.
Zachary, McConnell Elementary School, Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
What I think about Happiness
Happiness is flying a Blue Angel jet high in the
sky. The jets do back flips in the air and
when my friends want to fly in it I have to
share.
Michael, McConnell Elementary School, Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
P.S. The Blue Angels visited Chattanooga for a
large air show recently
The happiness is a very nice feeling. I’m very
happy at school when I have good results
and when I’m very active at lessons. I’m
very happy at home when my mother is
satisfied about my activity. I was happy
when my dog gave birth to 5 puppies and I
gave it food and water.
Andreea Staetu, School “Dan Barbilian”, Constantza, Romania

I believe that happiness is something special in

my life. I am happy at school when I get a
good mark in tests and home when I am
reading. I make happy someone when I
help or I encourage him.
Cristina Petrescu, School “Dan Barbilian”, Constantza, Romania
Happiness is a thing which comes from my
heart. At school I’m happy because I
learn new things there, at home I’ m
happy because I learn many things
staying with my family and I dance
happily because I learn dancing. I wish
my mother happiness when I buy a
present for her birthday.
Sorina Stancu, School “Dan Barbilian”, Constantza, Romania

I’m happy when somebody gives me pleasure

notes, and when I read and I play football.
Chibedi Robert, School “Dan Barbilian”, Constantza, Romania
I think happiness is a wonderful feeling. I’m happy
when I get good marks or when we visit the
library. I’m happy when someone I haven’t seen
for a long time visits me at home. I made my
coach happy when I gave her a present as a sign
of gratitude, because she got autographs from
the football players of our national team.
Elena Vanghelici, School “Dan Barbilian”, Constantza, Romania

I think the happiness is love. I am happy at school

when I’m enrich the consciousness. I’m happy
when I’m respected and loved and when I love. I
make my mother happy when I get at a
competition the best note from school.
Isabela Dumitru, School “Dan Barbilian”, Constantza, Romania
Happiness is a feeling of gladness, when it is
happening something excellent. At school
I’m happy when I take good marks. At
home I’m happy when I finish quickly my
homework, then do in plus and play. Every
time when my classmates get bad marks,
I encourage them not to be upset .
Marinescu Bianca, School “Dan Barbilian”, Constantza, Romania
I guess, happiness is a feeling of every person,
animal, bird, it’s a good feeling. I feel
happy when I have a great note at
school, make a project, collaborate with
people or speak with my friends. I am also
happy when I go to LEXIS (a school of
English language), play games with my
friends, go to mathematics circle. I make
my dog happy every time when I play with
it.
Ruxandra Postoiu, School “Dan Barbilian”, Constantza, Romania
Happiness is an exclamation when you enjoy
about you do or you get. At school I’m
happy when I have a good, mark when I
have a good answer, when I read. At home
I’m happy when I get a present, when I
have a good relation with my sister, when I
gladden my parents. I made happy some
kittens which a dog wanted to eat. I took
the kittens and I taught them.
Liviu Apostol, School “Dan Barbilian”, Constantza, Romania
Happiness is when you are happy, the joy of
laughing. I’m happy at school when I have
good grades, and I’m happy at home when
someone dear to me comes to visit us or
when I’m good at fighting with a sword. I
made a cat happy when I fed it.
Taune Alina, School “Dan Barbilian”, Constantza, Romania
I think that happiness is a feeling which appears
when you have succes, a present etc. I am happy
at school when I get a good mark and at home
when I teach my brother to write. I make my
mother happy, when, on feasts, I give her a
bouquet of flowers and a kiss on her face.
Caraiani Zoe, School “Dan Barbilian”, Constantza, Romania
Happiness makes you happy, happiness is joyful.
I'm happy at home after I finish my homework
and at school when we work on projects. I make
an animal happy when I took it to my place, wash
it and inject vaccine to it.

Barbieru Adina,School “Dan Barbilian”, Constantza, Romania

I believe that happiness is a very pleasant
thing which rejoices you. I am happy at
school because I see my colleagues again
and I play with them. I made my granny
happy when I offered her flowers on her
birthday.
Balta Isabelle, School “Dan Barbilian”, Constantza, Romania
A MOMENT OF HAPPINESS
I was very happy when I won the gold
medal with my team at National
Championship of rhythmic gymnastics. But I
was happier when I won the first place at
compound individual and at each event,
more specific ribbon and rope. That was the
happiest day: the day when I became a
winner at the National Championship.
Vanghelici Elena, School “Dan Barbilian”, Constantza, Romania
 A second of happiness
It is a sunny day of the autumn. The wind
blows lightly and I wake up and ask mom:
- Am I going to school today?
-No, tomorrow will be the first day. You are
seven years old and you have to learn.
-Tomorrow will be the first day of school!
-Yes. Are you happy?
-Of course. It’ll be an important day for me.
After eating I am going out to play. I am
happy. It is the first day at school. A drop of
happiness flowed into me. I came with my
teacher to the classroom. I have got new
friends. At the finish of the day I wait the
second day of school. It’s a day, a second of
happiness when I go to school and learn the
class maths.
Pitu Ioana Livia, School “Dan Barbilian”, Constantza, Romania
 A happy moment
I had the best moment when my father
bought a computer. I was five or six years
old. One morning when I was to go to the
shop I woke up at seven o’clock. I ciad the
clothes and I beginning very much because
I have a computer. Was I go out of the
house I beginning very, very much, I
running, and I go to car. I wealthy of the
shop, my father pick up the computer and
we going to house. I wealthy of the house
and I beginning to mount the computer. In
ten minutes was finish. I state of then
every day, I see it very happy just I don’t
can fumble at computer. Of time I can
fumble it, more of first day.
Postoiu Ruxandra Luciana, School “Dan Barbilian”, Constantza, Romania
 A moment of happiness
It was a rainy autumn day when I, together with
one friend was playing out. All at once we have
heard a noise.
-Cippp-Cipp-Cip!!!
At the beginning, the noise combined with the rain
dropping in the slop, we thought that was a lilac.
But, when we had listening more clearly, it was
evident that it was a sparrow. We followed the
noise and found out that the poor sparrow had a
wing and a foot broken.
We have forth come, but it doesn’t have where
scampered, so I took the bird in my hand. After we
studied it in details, I decided to take it with me.
After one month of attendance, the bird can fly in
my bedroom.
I released the bird and then for me was a moment
of happiness and satisfaction.
Andreea Staetu, School “Dan Barbilian”, Constantza, Romania
 One happy moment
A happy moment of my life was when I went to
Sighisora. It was a beautiful day last August. My
family and I prepared to go to Sighisora.
We got in the car and started our journey. It
was a very long, but beautiful trip . There, along
with our family friends we headed for a villa in
the mountains. It was very beautiful. The villa
was white and orange and had four rooms, a
kitchen, three hallways and two bathrooms and
a nice terrace. The villa was guarded by a dog
named Ursu.
The villa had a big courtyard, it was full of
flowers and surrounded by mountains, we went
and played in those beautiful places with Ursu,
that wonderful dog. He was black with a little bit
of white.   It was an unforgettable day. It was a
wonderful summer month!
Tirlungeanu Bianca-Andreea, School “Dan Barbilian”, Constantza,
Romania
 A moment of happiness
The happiest day of my life was the day I
had my 10th anniversary.
Although it was winter, in the Christmas’ Eve
it didn’t snow at all. It seemed that we were
still in the autumn. Since the winter had
started I have praised to the heaven to give
us a lot of snow as a gift for my birthday. My
dream had ended in smoke.
But, the next morning, on the 1st of
February, I woke up and went to the window
and, surprisingly, I saw that everything was
covered in white.
I was extremely happy. Even if they found
difficult to arrive all the guests came to the
party.
In my opinion, that was the happiest
anniversary I have ever had.
Dumitru Isabela Bianca, , School “Dan Barbilian”, Constantza,
Romania
 A happy moment
It is a day of winter, a day coldest but beautiful,
because today is my birthday. I don’t expect that
my mother and my father do a surprize. That
happy moment I wish never end. On my desk in
my bedroom it is waiting, my computer that I
desire very much. The flowers and the candies
near it, he didn’t make me glad like that time. I
thanked my parents for the gift I received and I
want that all kids were very happy like me.
                                                                         
 Marinescu Bianca-Elena, School “Dan Barbilian”, Constantza, Romania
 A moment of laughing
I was happy when I climb the school stairs
and when I made my friends, because until
the beginning of the school I was only with
my parents, and at school I make many
friends. And now when I think that it is the
last year with some of them and I’ m very
sad because they are my brothers and
sisters but a think that next year we’ll
abandon our school mistress. We shall
have teachers. But we stay four years with
our teachers and we amuse and we learn
many things and learn to love.
                                                             
Stancu Sorina, School “Dan Barbilian”, Constantza, Romania
 Don’t worry Be happy
1.Dear mum,
I loved the cake you baked yesterday. It was so
sweat as you. I love you,
Rebeca,“Elena Ghiba Birta” National College, Arad, Romania

2. Dear teacher,
You are the most beautiful from the country. You are
a beautiful queen. I love you very much! Love,
Alexandra, “Elena Ghiba Birta” National College, Arad, Romania

3.To my brother
I appreciate you helped me with the homework
yesterday. You are a good teacher and it’s easy
doing homework with you. You are the best
brother. Love,
Andi, “Elena Ghiba Birta” National College, Arad, Romania
 4. To my teacher
A rainbow full of colors
I give them all to you
A field with all the flowers
To see how much I love you

A star above the sky

Forever you will be
And love from all my heart
In my memory

Love,
Laura, “Elena Ghiba Birta” National College, Arad, Romania
5. To my classmate
Thank you for your phone call. I felt sick
yesterday and its nice that you were
concerned about me. You are a devoted
friend.
Love,
Patricia, “Elena Ghiba Birta” National College, Arad, Romania

6. To my mother,
The first thing that comes to my mind when I
think of you is a flower, because you are so
delicate but strong like it.
Love,
Zoe, “Elena Ghiba Birta” National College, Arad, Romania
7. To my father,
The football tactic you taught me help me win the
game today. So thank you , you are the best
father!
Love,
The champion Dacian, “Elena Ghiba Birta” National College, Arad, Romania

8. To my Grandma,
I don’t know how can you be so patient with me
and spoil me so. You always wanted a house of
flowers so I am drawing you one. When I get
big I’ll buy You one.
Love you,
Carla. “Elena Ghiba Birta” National College, Arad, Romania
9. To my Grandpa,
My heart is all with you. I’d like to became like
you one day, so strong and talented in
playing the piano.
Kiss you,
Rares, “Elena Ghiba Birta” National College, Arad, Romania

10. To my sister,
You smell like a flower and look like an angel .
Don’t give up your drawing. I know you
will succeed one day.
I hug you,
Diana, “Elena Ghiba Birta” National College, Arad, Romania
When and How I Make Others Happy

I make others happy by telling jokes at

lunch, recess, and in our spare
time.  My friends and I play, run
around, and chase each other.  We do
this at recess, when I'm at a friend's
house, and when a friend is at my
house.  We also work together on
projects and other things in school, at
a friend's house, and when a friend is
at my house.  Those are ways and
times I make others happy.
Zachary, Franklin Township School
Quakertown, New Jersey, USA
 Happiness
I am happy at school when I am in gym or at
recess.  I like to run and play with my friends. 
We play a variety of games that are fun.  My
teacher plays the piano.  I am when I get to
choose the songs.
When I am happy at home I like to play
baseball.  I like to play shortstop.  Sometimes
my dad plays catch.  My favorite thing is to
watch baseball with my Dad, eat hoagie and
drink soda.
Robert, Franklin Township School

Quakertown, New Jersey, USA

I make others happy when I make a silly face
or do something my dog thinks
is funny.  Sometimes I make up silly sounding
word that make my friends
laugh.  I make them happy when they are
gloomy or sad or when they don't
feel good. One time I helped my friend Sean
to find his cars.  That made
him very happy.  When my Dad is tired, it
makes him happy when I give him
a hug.  It makes me very happy when I help
others feel better.
Megan, Franklin Township School

Quakertown, New Jersey, USA

These are the things that make me happy at
school.
I feel happy when I get good grades because
I'm proud of my work.  When my
friends are happy they make me happy.
These are the things that make me happy at
home.
 I feel happy when it's my birthday or a special
holiday because my
friends and family make me feel special.  When I
come home from school and
I see my cats.
Those are the things that make me happy.
Breanna, Franklin Township School

Quakertown, New Jersey, USA

Many things make me happy. I am happy at school
because I get to see my friends. I like talking to
them at lunch. I'm happy when I get all my
spelling words right because I know I worked
hard and I am proud. I'm
really happy when I go home and see my Westie
puppy. He makes me happy when he licks my
face. I'm also happy when my dad comes home. 
He makes me happy when he takes me places
and plays cards with me.
Another thing I love is when I go to dance and
theater classes.  I love learning new songs and
dances.  I'm really lucky to have so many things
that make me happy.
Rachel, Franklin Township School

Quakertown, New Jersey, USA

When I'm at school the best part is the middle of the day.
This is when I
have recess then lunch. Recess is the best part because I
get to see my friends that are in the other class. We play
things like freeze tag, four square or just hang out and
talk. At lunch I sit with my best friend
Auburn. She is in the other class and we don't see each
other much. We are really good friends.
When I'm at home I always do my homework "first." After
I'm done I play. The best is playing Dance, Dance
Revolution Extreme 2(DDRE2). It's a dance game you play
on Playstation 2. I play it with my sister (I always win).
She is only seven but she is really good at it and knows
what she is doing (not all the time). I also like to play
different games with my mom and dad like Connect Four,
Guess Where, and Silly Faces. Taking in wood for my Dad
is fun to because I get drive the tractor. There are so
many things that make me happy. These are just a few
things I really like. What makes you happy?
Michelle, Franklin Township School, Quakertown, New Jersey, USA
Happiness is something that you like to
feel.  When you smile that means
your happy.  Happiness is when
someone makes you laugh.  When you
see something funny you laugh.  Being
happy is a good thing.  When someone
tells you a joke that is funny, you laugh. 
Happiness is laughing, smiling, and
telling funny jokes.  I love to be happy.

Matthew, Franklin Township School

Quakertown, New Jersey, USA

I think happiness can mean thrills and excitement
like being on a roller
coaster. I also think it can mean to be proud such
as when you get an A+ on a test.
At school I feel happy some one compliments me,
like the time my friends did when I came third
place for the turkey trot. I feel good at home
when my mom reads to me at night.
I make others feel happy when I compliment
them, like the time my friend Zach got an A+ on a
quiz. I also make others happy when I don't
exclude them from games. Once nobody would let
my friend Chase play tag. So I stopped and
played a different game with Chase. Then we
were both happy.
Hugh, Franklin Township School

Quakertown, New Jersey, USA

I think happiness is having fun.
Happiness is a feeling of
enjoyment at a particular time.
Some examples are having fun
with your family and friend,
laughing at a show, enjoying
sports and doing activities. Playing
games
and being with friends are
examples of happiness. All of these
are what I
think happiness is.

Hailey, Franklin Township School

Quakertown, New Jersey, USA

You can make a friend happy by helping
them out, cheering them up when there
down, bringing them to their favorite
place, doing something for them, or
giving them something.  I know that
when I get bad grades I don't feel that
well so I make friends feel better.  You
can lend people things that they need. I
think that when you make somebody
happy it should make
you happy too.

Emily, Franklin Township School

Quakertown, New Jersey, USA

I am happy when I play with my dog and when I
learn. I am happy when I see
my friends and family. I am happy when I help
people and family. Those are the things that I
am happy for.
Cheyenne, Franklin Township School

Quakertown, New Jersey, USA

I'm happy at school when we sing in the
morning it wakes me up and it makes me think
I will have a good day.  I'm happy at home
when I get to read my book called, Lemony
Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events.
Chase, Franklin Township School

Quakertown, New Jersey, USA

I think happiness is a feeling you get when
your body feels good.
Happiness is a good thing, because when
you are happy, you think better,
look better, and feel good all over.
The wind blowing in my hair is one
example of what makes me feel happy.
Another thing that makes me happy is
when I get good grades in school.  I
wish everyone could be happy all the time.

Charles, Franklin Township School

Quakertown, New Jersey, USA

I am happy at school when I get a good grade,
like on a quiz, or when
someone makes me laugh, like when
someone makes a funny face. I am happy
at home when my mom and dad are proud
of me, like when they see my good
grade or when we all go out for dinner. I am
also happy when I am happy. I
love it when I am happy!

Brianna, Franklin Township School

Quakertown, New Jersey, USA

I'm happy at school when I get an A+, A, or A-
on a math test or quiz with problems like 5 x 5
= 25, which is a very easy problem. I'm
MOSTLY HAPPY WHEN I GET A+'s.  I am
happy in gym when we play a fun game like
volleyball, end zone football, or dodge ball. But
I am mostly happy at school when I learn how
to do something new.
I'm happy at home when I get a new video
game, like one I'm not allowed to play. I'm
also happy when I get a raise on my allowance
by $2. I'm most happy when I get home from
a long, boring day of school.  That is what
makes me happy.
Blaise, Franklin Township School

Quakertown, New Jersey, USA

I am happy at school when we have
recess.

I am happy at home when I play with

my toys, animals, watch TV, and when
I play videogames.  

Andrew, Franklin Township School

Quakertown, New Jersey, USA