October 2006
October 2006
C.A.R.(2)E.S. NEWSLETTER
(Creating A Respectful and Responsible Educational System)
Dr. Duane Hodgin, Assistant Superintendent for Educational Support Services
Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township
"National School District of Character"
October 9, 2006
(No. 2)
“We all have moral blind spots. Our challenge is to have the humility to find them
and the character to fix them.” Michael Josephson
“STAND UP FOR CHILDREN AND CHARACTER”
I believe that all children are special, and those of us who are caregivers and concerned about the welfare of children must be willing to champion their causes. Kids must feel a sense of connectedness and caring by significant adults in their lives.
As educators and child advocates, we must constantly strive to create communities of learning based upon caring, compassion and character. We must first reach children before we can teach them. We can best reach kids by building relationships based upon a common concern for their well-being and by creating a sense of community where they feel safe, valued and connected. We can best teach them by understanding their developmental needs—mentally, emotionally, physically, socially, and morally. We must teach the appropriate curricula and skills while understanding that as far as their character and moral development are concerned, our personal example becomes the child’s visual and auditory teacher.
And never forget that, in the eyes of a child, you are their teacher and caregiver who helps to create an attitude of Caring About Character and a habit of having the courage to do the right thing.
I ask that you remember these paraphrased words of John Wesley…
We must strive to do all the good we can;
In all the ways we can
For as many children as we can;
For as long as ever we can.
-- Duane Hodgin, July 2006
“THE MASTER TEACHER – THE SWEET 16”
· Knows the subject content and can teach it in a relevant and meaningful manner. (As Bill Daggett said, with “Rigor,” “Relevance,”
· and “Relationship.”)
· Strives to be a positive moral example.
· Establishes trusting relationships with students.
· Is a believable and caring human being.
· Is an encourager.
· Believes that all childrenare capable of learning.
· Is available to students when they need assistance.
· Recognizes the demands, accepts the challenges and responds to students with dignity, courtesy and respect.
· Continually seeks personal and professional renewal.
· Is enthusiastic about what it is you are doing.
· Sees possibilities more than problems.
· Goes above and beyond.
· Knows that good classroom management/discipline is part of the job.
· Helps students believe in themselves and their capabilities.
· Remembers what it was like to be a student.
· Makes a difference in the lives of their students.
Draw your line in the sand. Make your behavior and academic expectations clear. Kids need and want guidelines and boundaries.
“THE TEACHER’S OATH”
· “I will give to those who are or have been my teachers the respect and gratitude which is their due.”
· “I will practice my profession with a conscience of character and dignity.”
· “The well-being and learning of my students will always be my primary concern.”
· “I will maintain the honor of my profession.”
· “I will honor the position of parents and uphold the public trust.”
· “I will demonstrate and maintain the utmost respect for human dignity and moral values.”
· “I will hold human caring and consideration as the fundamental values in the student-teacher relationship.”
-- Robert L. DeBruyn (Revised)
“RESPECT” (Grade 4-12)
The following information and activities are taken from the “Wise Skills Curriculum” and can be used over several days.”
Respect is demonstrating concern for self and others by the things we say and by the actions we demonstrate. Respect is about courtesy, consideration and good manners.
Fourteen Respect Activities
· Ask students to suggest words that explain respect. (Write on board.)
· Have students write their definition of “Respect.” (Share their definitions.)
· Ask students to share words of “Dis-Respect.” (Write on the board; allow high school students to share some of the words they hear or have used such as “Bitch,” “Fag,” “HO,” etc.)
· Talk about “Why” some students use the words. What is the outcome/impact on the “user” and the “receiver?”
· Ask students to share words of “RESPECT.” These are basically the “Good Manners Words”—“Please;” “Thank You;” “You’re Welcome;” “I’m sorry;” “Forgive me;” “May I help you?” “Excuse me.”
· Have students write a short essay, poem, song or rap about “RESPECT” (ask volunteers to share).
· Discuss the impact of “rumors” and “gossip.’
· If you want a “Caring About Character Notepad” or “Things To Do List” pad email me directly and write “CAC/NP” or CACTTDL” with your name and school (don’t hit “Reply!”).
· Have a discussion about “Bullying” and “Harassment.” (Types? Outcomes?)
· Discuss internet/cyberspace “bullying,” “rumors,” unkind comments. (Use of “My Space” and “Face Book.”)
· Have students suggest and bring music that has a “Respect Theme.”
· Have students write a letter to someone whom they respect explaining what they respect about the person. (Have them give or mail the letter to the person.)
· Have students create a piece of art—drawing, collage, sculpture, painting or photograph that visually expresses the concept of respect.
· Ask the class to make a list of the ways people can show respect for nature, animals and the environment.
“FUNNY THINGS TO THINK ABOUT” (FTTTA)
Have you ever wondered…
· If the sky is the limit, is outer space over the limit?
· Why don’t they make airplanes out of the same material as the “little black box?”
· Why do we wash behind our ears? Who really looks there?
· How come you play a recital but recite a play?
· Why can’t you get a tan on your palms (assuming you lie with your palms up)?
· Why is the “0” on the phone after 1 and not before 1?
· Since a running back runs forward, why do they call him a running back?
· Why is it when we laugh in school and a teacher says, “Do you think that’s funny?” (Obviously, we do!)
· Isn’t it scary that the two words in therapist are “the” and “rapist?”
· Why do people say, “I’ve been working like a dog?” …when most dogs just lie around?
· If someone with a gun tried to rob a dance club and yelled, “Get down!” would some people start dancing?
· If you read all of these and will admit that you chuckled or smiled at at least 3 or more, or thought there was some “sense to 3 or more questions,” email me for a “free lunch.” The first person to email me by responding “Free Lunch” is the winner. You will be notified. (Your menu choice. I will bring it to you.) (Principals, you get me to do your job for a half-day at your school.)
“Respect a man, and he will do all the more.” -- John Wooden