Lorinda-Character Education

I Messages and Asking For Change

2013-04-26T10:38:00.000-07:00

I messages communicate your wants, needs, and feelings in a respectful manner.

I Messages-Asking for Change

· Starting a sentence with an, I, conveys how a person feels or what they want; I feel mad that you take my toys.

· Starting a sentence with YOU, assigns blame: You took my toys!

Start by practicing half of the sentence; I feel mad, when you

take my toys. On a separate occasion after the first section is

said smoothly, add the second part. I feel mad, when you take

my toys. Can you please ask me first, and then you can use them.

I Message Examples

I feel mad, when you take my toys.

Can you please ask me first, and then you can play with them.

I feel frustrated, when you push me.

Can you please stop pushing me, and then we can play/get along.

I feel scared, when you yell at me.

Can you please talk in a softer voice, and then I will try to pay attention when

you are talking.

Response-Active Listening

The next step is learning how to answer back with active listening. If a person

answers back in this manner, others will know you have heard them, and

understood what they are saying. It works well to learn this in two sections.

Response Examples

You sound mad, that I took your toys.

Next time I will ask you first, and I'm sorry.

You sound frustrated, because I pushed you.

Next time I will not put my hands on you, and I take responsibility.

You sound scared, that I was yelling.

Next time I will talk softer, and I am sorry that I scared you.

Story of the Cracked Pot and Light Bulb Shines Bright; Self Esteem 12

2013-04-21T09:06:00.000-07:00

Flaws
There is beauty in accepting ourselves and embracing our imperfections.

Example of art work that can go along with The Story of the Cracked Pot.

The Story of the Cracked Pot; Chinese Proverb
An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole, which she carried across her neck. One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walk from the stream to the house the cracked pot arrived only half full.

For a full two years this went on daily with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments. But, the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do.

After 2 years of what the cracked pot perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream. "I am ashamed of myself because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house."

The old woman smiled, "Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side?" "That's because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path and every day while we walk back, you water them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house."

Light Bulb Shines Bright
Make many copies of the light bulb pattern below and cut out. When you see your child or students doing something positive (as in playing well with others), or showing an act of kindness toward another (such as helping someone pick up toys after they were dropped), give the child a Light Shines Bright bulb. Write the child's name on the bulb, or write "Name" Light Shines Bright. Hang up on a string or a line drawn on a bulletin board and hang lights up on the line. The children can also color the light bulb.

Matryoshka Doll & Chinese Lantern; Same and Different

2013-04-13T08:24:00.000-07:00

Different Cultures
We are not born with stereotypes and prejudices against other cultures, but children learn them by their elders and surroundings. We can teach our children that everyone is created as an equal; we may all be different, but we all need to be treated the same. Cultural activities help to educate children about diversity.

Chinese Lantern
The Chinese lantern was developed as a means of improving the regular source of light that was an open flame. Today the lantern is most often used in festivals, especially Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival and Lantern Festival. During the festivals streets in the big cities and small towns are decorated with red lanterns.

Matryoshka Doll
From Russia, Matryeoshka dolls are a set of hand painted wooden dolls of decreasing size, placed one inside the other. The design of the dress on the doll is called a Sarafan; a long shapeless traditional peasant dress. The dolls on the inside can be male or female with the last doll typically being a baby.

Doll: Copy the body of the doll on white paper, the scarf on colored paper, and cut out. Cut out the circle in the middle for the face (cut though the scarf at the thin edge; will not show when glued on). Glue the body on a background piece of paper. Glue the scarf on the head. Decorate with paints, crayolas and or markers. Glue on buttons for decoration and a cut out if desired (optional).

Know The Facts; Conflict Resolution 8

2013-04-06T04:38:00.000-07:00

Know The Facts
Understand the situation, before deciding what action to take. When we guess at what we think might have happened, we may be making a mistake. Be a detective and find the facts.

Mini Story

Mrs. Williams looked up and saw Tabitha crying. Mrs. Williams asked Tabitha what was wrong. Tabitha said that Manny had thrown away her picture of a tree. The teacher asked Manny if he had thrown away Tabitha's picture. Manny said that he had, but added that Tabitha had thrown away his paper. Tabitha said that she saw the paper on the floor next to the trash can and thought that someone had thrown it away and missed the can. She said she didn't know the paper was Manny's.

Did Manny know the whole situation before throwing Tabitha's picture away?
1. First get the facts.
2. Think about ALL of the facts.
3. Take the appropriate steps.
(It is important to find out what all of the facts are, before acting. This is a skill to continue to use)

Role Play: Choose people to role play the teacher, Manny and Tabitha. In the role play have the teacher ask Manny if he knows the facts? How can he find the facts out... An adult may want to play the teacher role, if the children are new to role play.

1. Ask what Happened / Tell what Happened
2. Ask Questions
3. Listen to what is Said
4. Make a Decision

Mini Story
Two sisters, Rachael and Jessica, were talking in the kitchen. Rachael talks with her hands moving, and as she was describing her recent school field trip, she knocked over the fruit bowl. Jessica quickly went down to the floor and started picking up the fruit, when their mom walked in.

Who does it look like spilled the Fruit? (Jessica)
What does the mom need to do? (Ask questions)

Role Play: Choose people to play Rachael and Jessica. Choose someone to play the mom, or change the mom to a dad. In the role play have the mom/dad ask questions to find out the facts.

Mini Story
Robert couldn't find his lunch. He remembers seeing Anton putting his lunch in the cupboard next to his own. At lunchtime Robert couldn't find his lunch, he goes up to the teacher and says that Anton took his lunch; Anton had not taken Robert's lunch. Turns out the lunch got pushed way back in the cupboard, and Robert could not see it; the lunch was there the whole time.
What should Robert do before accusing Anton from taking his lunch?
How does Anton feel being accused of taking the lunch, when he didn't do it?
How would you feel if you accused someone, and later found out they had not done it?

Role Play: Choose people to play Robert, Anton, and the teacher. Role play something like:
Robert: Anton took my lunch
Teacher: Did you see Anton take your lunch? Do you knows the facts?
Robert: No
Teacher: Then you don't know if Anton took your lunch. What are all of the possibilities.
*Robert and teacher brainstorm possibilities.
**In the end Robert and the teacher go to the cupboard and find Robert's lunch pushed all the way to the back of the cupboard where he could not see it.

Be Kind; Self Esteem 11

2013-03-30T07:10:00.000-07:00

Be Kind
The simple act of being kind or compassionate toward another person can make their day special. Helping someone out is not only special to the receiver, but it makes us feel good to give an act of kindness, no matter how small.

Heart Activity
Make the heart to remind you to do acts of kindness, or give your heart to someone to brighten up their day. Out of a cereal box, cut out a heart. Cut small squares of tissue paper. One at a time, place a square of tissue paper over your index finger and dot on a drop of glue. Press your finger onto the cardboard heart and release. Continue until all of the heart is covered.

Story Suggestions:
Kindness I Cooler, Mrs. Ruler, By Margery Culyler; Younger
When Mrs. Ruler asks five of her kindergarteners to miss recess, she's got a special plan up her sleeve. She's about to teach a new golden rule: Soon the entire class is doing so many good deeds that their kindness bulletin board barely fits their classroom!

It Was Nothing, by Deborah Shouse Chicken Soup For The Soul; Find Your Happiness
During the day there are times people may help us out and say, "Oh, it was nothing." These small acts of kindness brighten a persons day.
(Story can be found at http://www.chickensoup.com/newsletter.asp?newsid=article-daily 120123&utm_source=CSS_Email&utm_medium=Bulletin&utm_term=20111122&utm_content=1&utm_campaign=daily)

Compliment Circle & Friendship Candy; Friendship 9

2013-03-23T07:53:00.001-07:00

True Friendship

There are many people that we come in contact with, but there is a difference between acquaintances and true friends; it is often difficult for children to be aware of the difference. A friend is someone who helps build you up and who shows over time that they want to be with you. A true friend is loyal and supportive. It is important to be a true friend yourself, to have true friends in return.

Compliment Circle

Knowing how to give compliments encourages friendship. Below are two different ways to practice giving compliments to others.

1. Have children sit in a circle. One child starts and gives a compliment or states something positive about the child on their left. Continue around the circle until everyone has given and received a compliment. Reverse and go the other direction if desired. This game can be done many times with people in different positions in the circle.

2. Have children sit in a circle or horseshoe shape U. Select one child to sit in the center of the circle or U. One at a time have each child give a compliment, or express something positive about the child sitting in the middle. Continue until every child has had a turn receiving praise.

Fairness Candy

What should someone do if they do not have enough candy for everyone? Is it all right to give candy to only some children and not others? People who have good friendship qualities would not leave anyone out.

Pass out a piece of candy to all but the last two to five children/people in your family or group. It is good to position the children you know can handle the situation, who will not receive a piece of candy. When you run out of candy say, "Whoops, I'm sorry we're out of candy; too bad." Wait a short time and then ask the following.

1. How does it feel to be someone who received a piece of candy?

2. How does it feel for the people who did not receive a piece of candy?

3. What would be the fair solution to the problem

(Another way to do this activity is to put the candy in a bag, and pass the bag around until the candy runs out. Instruct children to take 1 piece of candy from the bag.)

Suggested Story:

The Gift of Lost Friendship, by Rachael Joyce Chicken Soup for the Soul Teens Talk Middle School

A friend is someone who treats us in a manner we deserve. Rachael lets go of a friendship that she realizes is not really a good one for her.

(Story can be found at:) http://www.chickensoup.com/newsletter.asp?newsid=article-daily-120130&utm_source=CSS_Email&utm_medium=Bulletin&utm_term=20111122&utm_content=1&utm_campaign=daily

Role Play Conflict Resolution 7

2013-03-16T09:02:00.000-07:00

Role Play
Role play supports cooperation and negotiation skills. It helps children to have an understanding of different situations, and promotes empathy when children identify and see the world through another persons perspective.

Bongo Role Play; Younger
(You will need a small stuffed animal or a puppet to play Bongo)
The parent or teacher is the voice of Bongo. The children take turns role playing with Bongo. The parent/teacher acts out the scenario and the child use their own words or follows the, I Message-Asking for Change format, to work out a solution with Bongo. Bongo answers back in his own words or in the Response-Active Listening format. If the children have difficulty, you can brainstorm solutions to the scenarios, then have the children chose one of the solutions to use with Bongo.

Role Play Rules: Adult decides skit. Absolutely NO negative comments or inappropriate laughter from the audience. After skit is over, others clap.

Role Play Scenairo:

· Bongo grabs a toy out of your hands because he wants to play with it.

Response Examples:

· I am playing with the toy, but will give it to you when I’m done.

· I feel mad that you grabbed the toy. Please ask me, then you can play.

Role Play Scenairo:

· Bongo cuts in front of you in the lunch line.

Response Examples:

· Please do not cut in front of me. This is my place.

· I feel sad that you cut in front of me. Will you please go to the back, and then it will be fair.

Role Play Scenairo:

· Bongo runs up, knocks over your blocks and tells you he’s the wind.

Response Examples:

· Please do not knock over my blocks. Next time ask me if I’m done.

· I feel mad that you knocked over my blocks. Next time ask me, if I'm done.

Role Play; Older

(The parent/teacher plays the bully and the students play themselves)
The children take turns role playing, with the teacher playing the bully. The parent/teacher act out the scenario, and the child uses their own words or follows the, I Message-Asking for Change format, to work out a solution with the Bully. The bully answers back in his own words, or in the Response-Active Listening format. With older children you can take the role play a little further. The bully might not always be as cooperative, at first.

Role Play Rules: Adult decides skit. Absolutely NO negative comments or inappropriate laughter from the audience. After skit is over, others clap.

Before starting, brainstorm responses to the scenarios

Role Play Scenario:

· Boy cuts in line and says: “This is going to be my spot now.”

Response Examples:

· Wow, are you that hungry? I am too (as you move in front of the bully).

· I feel mad that you cut in front of me. Can you please go to the back, and then we can all get lunch.

Role Play Scenario:

· Bully knocks over your math book on the ground and laughs.

Response Examples:

· Hey dude, please don’t knock my books over.

· I feel angry that you knocked over my books. Can you please stop, and then both of us can respect each other.

Role Play Scenario:

· The bully is mocking you.

Response Examples:

· You sound just like me. That’s good, because there is never enough of me!

· I feel angry when you mock me. Can you please stop, and then we can get along.

Weaving (Native American) and Flowers of Mexico; Same and Different 10

2013-03-09T05:23:00.000-08:00

Cultures
Learning about other cultures help children to feel more integrated and able to cooperate with others. When children learn about a wide variety of people in the world, it influences the way they grow up and what kind of adult they will become. Understanding is the key in accepting diversity; we fear what we do not understand.

Mexican Flower
In Post Independence times most of the activities and social life in Mexican villages were Church based in its celebrations. Tissue Paper flowers were a good way for peasants to make an extra income. The flowers were used to decorate the churches during times in the year when natural flowers were not blooming. Paper flowers are still used for decorations and sold to tourists visiting the cities.

Paper Flower: Scroll down to the bottom of the post for outline of flowers. Use nine or ten layers of tissue paper. For the 3 outlines, trace the flower pattern on the tissue paper and cut out the layers of tissue paper. Place the groups of tissue paper with the largest pedals on the outside to the smallest on the inside. Poke two holes in the center of the pedal layers. From behind work a pipe cleaner or florist wire up one hole, bend it, and feed it down through the other hole. Pull the pipe cleaner/wire so it is even and then twist the two ends together for a stem. Separate each layers of tissue paper slightly scrunching the peddle forward.

Native American Weaving
Weaving was invented around 6000 BC in West Asia, and is now practiced around the world. At first people wove with there fingers making narrow bands, and later looms were used. Native Americans are known for their weaving skills both in artistic means and practical skill. They wove blankets, rugs, baskets and clothing from a numerous number of materials.

Weaving Kit: Buy a weaving kit in children crafts such as Cra-Z-Art weaving loom, or make your own out of cardboard.

Cardboard Loom: With a piece of heavy cardboard 6-inch by 6-inch, cut notches evenly on two opposite sides (closer the notches, tighter the weave). Wrap yarn through all of the notches which will create a base for weaving; tie the end to secure. Thick yarn is the easiest to use. With a good amount of yarn, weave alternately over and under every other anchor yarn piece. When you reach the end of a row, go back the opposite way.

Using Fabric Loops: Stretch fabric loops across the loom one direction. Attache fabric loop to notch (starting at one end), and feed it alternately over and under the anchor strips, and attach working fabric loop on the corresponding notch at the end. Continue until all notches are filled. To finish starting at the end of one row, unhook loop one, place second loop through loop one, and hook loop 2 back on notch; continue until finished.

Mexican Flower

The Web & Rumors Role Play; Bully 9

2013-03-02T13:20:00.000-08:00

Getting Along
When we cooperate with each other, we work together and then connect with each other. We are then far less likely to engage in hurtful behavior such as spreading rumors. When we cooperate, we support our peers and often find support in return.

The Web (adapted from Debbie Gilbert Taylor)
(Need a ball of yarn or string; this is a small to large group activity)

Have children sit in a circle. Tell the children to make sure they hold on to the yarn when it comes to them, and not to let go of the yarn. Give the ball of yarn to one child and instruct the child to hold on to the end of the yarn. Have the child roll the ball of yarn to another child on the other side of the circle. The recipient of the ball of yarn holds onto the yarn so that it is stretched out. While keeping the yarn stretched, the child rolls the yarn to another child on the opposite side. Continue this process until everyone is holding a piece of the yarn.

In the center of the circle a web has been formed. Tell the children to keep holding on to their yarn while the parent/teacher steps toward the center of the web, and then one at a time, tugs on a part of the yarn. Ask which student felt the pull. Repeat this process until everyone has felt a tug. Explain that if one person did not hold on to the yarn, the web wouldn’t be complete; we are working and connected together.

Rumors
What is a rumor? A rumor is gossip; saying something about someone that you do not for sure know is true.
1. Never start a false rumor; saying something that you do not know is true.
2. Do not listen to rumors.
3. Do not repeat or spread rumors
4. Walk away.

Role Play:
A. Sheri stole my pencils
B. Did you see Sheri steal them?
A. No, but she sits next to me.
B. That doesn't mean she took them, you are making up a rumor (walk away).

Role Play:
A. Debbie said Tamara was the most talkative girl in her classroom.
B. I sit next to Tamara and she rarely ever talks. That is not true.

Role Play:
A. Do you know what Malcolm said happened to Nathan?
B. I don't think it's true.
A. I think it's true.
B. Do you know for sure?
A. No
B. Then it's a rumor, and I don't listen to rumors.

Citizenship; Character Education 14

2013-02-23T04:05:00.003-08:00

Citizenship

Author Unknown: Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success.

John F Kennedy: Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.

We are not just citizens of a country, but citizens of a world. Good citizenship includes following laws and rules, treating others with respect, and taking care of our environment. Something as simple as wearing a bike helmet and following bike safety rules are the actions of being a good citizen.

Voting:

Discuss the voting process and make children aware that the voting process is not just for the presidential level, but for other forms of government; country, state, and local city levels. Compare the election process of the United States to other countries in which leaders have taken political position by force or have been born into the position. The government in the United States derives its power from, “We the people.” The citizens, common ideas, and freedom make this country great. Children, who are taught and understand the basics of our political process, will more likely grow up to be voting adults. Vote on something within your family, classroom or troop; the process can be a lot of fun to participate in. Choose a topic to vote on such as what to have for dinner, a book, or class activity.

Other Activities:

Brainstorm what makes a good citizen.

Write about someone who you feel is a good citizen. What qualities does the person have that make them a good citizen? What qualities do you have?

Eleanor Roosevelt was the wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. As First Lady she brought attention to the plight of the poor. Later, she was a force in the drafting of the, Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Research Eleanor Roosevelt further and write about her.

Suggested Stories:

If Everybody Did, by Jo Ann Stover; Younger

This is a humorous book about the terrible consequences of everyone doing his own thing. Children and adults alike will enjoy this rhyming tale.

We the People: The Story of Our Constitution, by Lynne Cheney; Older

America had won the Revolution, but the thirteen states were squabbling. In May of 1787, delegates from across the country, including George Washington, James Madison, and Benjamin Franklin, gather in Philadelphia. They created a new framework for governing; the Constitution of the United States. A shaky alliance of states turned into a nation that

The Mask; Feelings 12

2013-02-16T07:50:00.002-08:00

How Do You Feel?
At times we feel good about ourselves, and at times we feel bad. Both types of feelings are absolutely normal. Of course we all prefer to enjoy the good feelings. However, when we are feeling down or bad about ourselves, we may not know why, or what to do about it. Relating to how we really view ourselves is a step in understanding.

The Mask
A mask can help children discover how they feel about themselves, compared to how they believe others see them. Ask children to make a mask that shows how they feel; after making the mask, ask the child to express how the mask feels. Scroll to the bottom of this post for the mask pattern and cut out of card stock, or use a paper plate with eye holes cut out. Using glue, construction paper, feathers, glitter, markers, crayons, and/or beads, ask children to create a mask that looks like how they feel.

Inside The Bag
Give each child a lunch size paper bag. Ask the children to fill their bag with things that are special or important in their lives. Examples are: family photo, a favorite book, a music CD or music they play on an instrument, magazine cut out or photo of sports they enjoy playing or their favorite sports team, etc... One at a time have each child take out each item and talk about why it is important or special in their life. For older children have them also tell how they feel about the item and whether they think it will be a part of their life for a long time. Another option is to write down if the item will be in their life a long time, and how they feel about it (instead of saying it out loud).

Mask Outline:

Family Shield & It's All in the Name; Self Esteem 10

2013-02-09T04:52:00.001-08:00

Family
Families that believe that they have the ability to succeed, are far more often able to achieve it. A strong family unit is a good basis for good self esteem. People with high self esteem are able to accept failure and not let it keep them from trying again. People with a positive self image are more likely to make their own decisions and are less likely to be swayed by others.

Family Shield
Every person is an individual with their own identity. We also have a family identity; the place our family lives, the number of people in our family, outings/hobbies, foods, religion...
Take your ideas about your family and make a Family Shield.

Scroll to the bottom of this post and copy the Family Shield outline. Instruct the child/children to draw the following in the boxes.

Box 1: In a capital letter write the fist letter of your last name as fancy as you can.

Box 2: List the members of your family

Box 3: Draw a family flag
Box 4: Draw a family activity you do together (hobby, sport, eating dinner together, picnic, beach…)
Box 5: Draw or write your favorite thing to do.
Box 6: Draw or write about your pets, or draw an animal to represent your family.

It's All in the Name
What are your positive traits and things you like? Think of positive traits, or things you are passionate about with the letters of your first or last name. Write or type your name horizontally on a piece of copy paper; the example above is for the name, PATRICK. Fill in the letters of your name with words that represents you, or something you love such as animals or family.

Suggested Stories
You and Me Together: Moms, Dads, and Kids Around the World, by Barbara Kerley

This is a heartwarming book on the universal bond between children and parents across different cultures around the world.

Coming to America: A Muslim Family, by Bernard Wolf

Hassan Mahmoud brings his family from Egypt to live in America. The close-knit family adapts to American life while staying true to their Muslim beliefs and Egyptian customs.

Korean Fan & African Collar Necklace; Same and Different 8

2013-02-02T05:42:00.000-08:00

Cultures
Learning about other cultures is a way to discover many vantage points from which to view life. It prepares children for the real world and teaches them to value a culturally diverse world. Children reap the rewards of learning about different cultures, appreciate individuality, and embrace their own cultural identity. A fun way to learn about other cultures is through crafts that represent the country.

Korean Fan
(copy paper, watercolors, scissors and tape)
Buchaechum (boo-chay-choom) is a traditional form of Korean dance usually performed by female dancers. Dancers wear traditional dresses called Hanbok, and dance with two fans. The dances represent images using the fans, such as flowers, butterflies and waves. Fans are part of traditions in many cultures including Spain and in the Victorian era.

Fan: (For a quick fan use two pieces of paper and paint one side). To make the front and back of a fan: Use 4 pieces of copy paper. Tape 2 pieces of paper together on one side horizontally; do the same with the other two pieces (taped side is the back of your paper). On the front of the paper with watercolor paints, paint a design such as a rainbow of colors, or cherry blossoms on the front of both sets of paper (you are painting the front and back of your fan). Allow the paint to dry. With the painted side outside, glue the two blank sides together. Trim the top of both sides to round the ends. Fold accordion style in 1/4-inch folds. tape the bottom of the fan to make a "handle."

African Collar Necklace
For hundreds of years, women in central African cultures have worn beautiful collar necklaces. At one time the necklaces represented a person's level of wealth. Necklaces are often made with metal and woven or manufactured from cloth. The collar necklaces can include colorful stones, feathers, shells, and beads. Women all over the world wear a variety of styles of necklaces.

Collar: Draw a circle in the middle of a paper plate. Cut through the rim of the plate and cut the circle out, where your neck will be. With felt pens draw a design on the area left on the plate. We filled in squares of color. Spray paint Penne pasta shells gold, or a color that goes with the color scheme of the color. Glue on the pasta shells on the outer rim of the paper plate and inside the rimmed area, if you wish. With yarn string pasta shells and straws that have been cut down smaller, and glue the string to the back side of the collar. Continue until you have the desired amount of hanging ornaments. You can use beads, and "jewels" if you have them.

Promptness; Character Education 15

2013-01-26T04:41:00.000-08:00

Promptness

Olin Miller: If you want to make an easy job seem mighty hard, just keep putting off doing it.

Unkown Author: Time can be our mater slave. It depends only on how we use it.

Simply put, being prompt is being on time. It means to hand in paperwork or homework on time and doing chores when requested. Promptness means giving ourselves enough time to reach our deadlines and that we take responsibility when we are late. Being late holds other people up, whether late to school or to a job. Being ready and on time, shows respect to us and to others. We can control our lives by controlling our time. Procrastination hinders our ability to be prompt.

Time Line

Make individual time lines, or one time line as a family or classroom. The time line can be for 1 full day, 1 school schedule, or a week of activities.

More Activities:

Brainstorm what we can do to help us keep on time.

Discuss what can happen if people are late. For example: The school bus driver is late to work, the school children are picked up late and arrive to school late, the teacher has to stop the class and repeat instructions again for the late children, a school activity is not done because there is not enough time...

Suggested Storys:

Clocks and More Clocks, by Pat Hutchins; Younger

The clocks all through the house are set at slightly different times. What should Mr. Higgins do? He does not know which clock has the right time. Mr. Higgins is in for a big surprise when the Clockmaker shows him they are all the correct time.

The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Pressure, by Stan & Jan Berenstain; Younger

The bear family commit themselves to too many activities and they stress themselves out to the point of needing to be more selective in what they choose to do with their time.

Chasing a Dream, by Melissa Harding; Older Chicken Soup for the Soul, Just for Teenagers

Melissa works diligently for the State Cross Country race, but things do not go according to her plans.

(Story can be found at http://www.chickensoup.com/newsletter.asp?newsid=article-daily-111230&utm_source=CSS_Email&utm_medium=Bulletin&utm_term=20111122&utm_content=1&utm_campaign=daily)

Time 4 Kids and Teens: Time Management Student Workbook, by Elizabeth Franklin; Older

Time 4 Kids and Teens is an introduction to students about time management skills and encourages prioritizing time choices. It teaches children to have a healthy self image and life skills. The book is suitable for older elementary to middle school students.

Retaliation, Think About it & Solving a Problem; Conflict Resolution 6

2013-01-19T08:12:00.000-08:00

Retaliation

Most children feel that if they have been wronged, even if it was unintentional, that they need to do something back in return. Retaliation usually start fights that can become nasty and even violent. Children need to learn the pointlessness and consequences of retaliating. Some wrong doing is by accident, and wrong doing that is on purpose needs to be handled without retaliation.

Mini Story:

Bobby came over to Michael’s house and brought his Hot Wheel cars for them to play with. Bobby loves his Hot Wheels more than any toy he has. Michael accidentally lost one of Bobby’s cars, and they start arguing about it. Michael apologizes to Bobby saying that he didn’t mean to lose the car. Bobby became angry and left Michael’s house and went home. Bobby’s mother said that Michael did not need to replace the lost car, since Bobby was not supposed to take the Hot Wheel cars out of their house, in the first place.

A few weeks later an argument between Michael and Bobby broke out at school, when Michael’s art work was stuffed in the trash. Bobby took a picture Michael had made in art and threw it away; he didn’t think Michael would see him, but he did. Michael said he would never play with Bobby again!

Think About It:

1. Why did Bobby throw Michael’s art work away?

2. Was it retaliation?

3. Should Bobby have thrown Michael’s art work away, since Marcus lost his cars?

4. How do you think Bobbie felt when Michael caught him throwing the art work away?

Solving a Problem:

Go over, Solving A Problem, worksheet. Practice saying it out loud, and coming up with solutions, and asking yourself if the solution will work. Use the worksheet as a guide, and have some children solve the problems below.

Scenarios:

1. A child taped a sign on your back that said loser.

2. You receive a low grade on your report card and are upset.

3. A student pushed in front of you in the lunch line at school.

4. Your friend accidentally lost a book they borrowed from you.

Bullying Questionnaire & My Name Is; Bully 8

2013-01-12T08:44:00.000-08:00

My Name Is

Children often tease other children who are different than they are and do not always realize how cruel it is. Read the stories below and discuss them. Ask the child/children to put themselves in the shoes of Adar, Nenad, and Patty. How would they feel if they were treated this way, and are they willing to do what’s right and vow not to tease anyone.

My name is Adar and I am from Irac. My family is Chaldean, and we left Irac because of the bombings in our town. I still jump and feel frightened at the slightest noise. Now I live here and am teased at school every day. My English is not good but I am trying to learn. I just want to get to know the other kids without being made fun of.

My name is Nenad and I am from Bosnia. My country has many poor people and I use to beg on the streets for food. I now live here and am happy to have a warm place to live and food to eat. It is still hard being somewhere so far away with different customs. I have had little school before now, and the kids at school call me stupid and make fun of my name. It does not feel good and I hate to go.

My name is Patty and I moved here from Boston, Massachusetts. Where I am from we do not pronounce R’s like most people in other states. If I say I’m going to a party, it might sound like I’m saying, I’m going to a paty. The other children laugh at me and mimic me all of the time, and it makes me feel terrible. I try not to talk as much as I can so that I will not be mocked.

Bullying Questionnaire
Have the child/children fill out the Bullying Questionnaire. The parent or teacher reads the questions out loud, and explains anything needed as you go. This is a questionnaire for the children to understand i'ts okay to ask for help if they feel they are being bullied. Also for children who may not realize they have bully behavior, to hopefully recognize it. Go over who the children can go to if they need to confide in someone about bullying.

Courtesy; Character Education 14

2013-01-06T06:43:00.000-08:00

Courtesy

English Proverb: Speaking without thinking is like shooting without taking aim.
Author Unkown: Fundamentally, good manners are the embodiment of one's moral respect and consideration of others.

Courtesy is to be polite, using good manners, keeping hands and feet to self, showing consideration to others and respecting someones space. Thoughtful and polite people get along with each other better. Saying and hearing the words, please, thank you, can I help you, and nice to meet you can brighten a persons day. Being courteous to each other brings about a society of civility. Courtesy means being aware of the people around you and treating them with respect and kindness.

Scroll down for outline to make phone

Eddycat Teaches Telephone Skills, by Ada Barnett, Pam Manquen, and Linda Rapaport; Younger
This book is a good beginning in using telephone manners and skills.

Dude, That's Rude!: (Get Some Manners), by Pamela Espeland;Older
The basics of polite behavior with full color cartoons and kid friendly text. Manners at home and school, and why their family deserves their best manners.

How Rude!: The Teenagers' Guide to Good Manners, Proper Behavior and Not Grossing People Out, by Alex J. Packer
This is an etiquette book teens will want to read. It will keep them laughing, isn't preachy, and deals with issues that matter to them.

Activity: Good Manners
Write or draw about the importance of good manners.

More Activities:
1. With a real unplugged phone, have children practice good phone manners.

2. Brainstorm ways of showing manners other than using words, (sitting still, behavior with guests or at assemblies, not talking in a theater when the show is on, keeping hands and feet to self...).

3. Respecting someones space is being courteous. Write about what it means to respect someones space.

4. Have children introduce each other; look at the person and introduce by name. Joy, this is my friend Missy, Missy, this is my friend Joy. Joy and Missy respond with, Nice to meet you. You can involve a handshake if you wish.

Eddy Cat Teaches Telephone Skills:
Copy border page. Copy telephone on colored paper. Cut out and glue together. Take a toilet paper roll and cut around the roll at a slight angle to make telephone cord, and glue on.

Family Harmony; Friend/Social Skills 8

2012-12-29T06:29:00.000-08:00

Family Harmony
Family difficulties can be brought about by insufficient communication skills, lack of listening skills, and general disrespect for others. The development of sufficient communication and listening skills is a main element to family harmony. Review, Be A Good Listener; if you haven't practiced listening skills, it can be found in the archives.

Family Harmony Guide
Review the guide. Scroll down and act out the role play.

Roll Play:
Adult decides skit. Absolutely NO negative comments or inappropriate laughter from the audience. After skit is over, others clap.

(The parent or teacher does the first roll play if the children are new to role play, and guides the rest. Use the, Solve A Problem, chart below if needed).

1. Sammy and his younger sister Emily have chores to do on the weekends. Sammy pulls weeds, sweeps up the leaves and waters both the front and back yards, which takes a long time, while Emily just does the dishes. Every week Emily constantly complains to her brother, that he has an easier chore than she does, since he gets to be outside. How can Sammy communicate to Emily about what his job entails in comparison to her job, so that she will understand, which will keep the family harmony.

2. Maddy, Marcus, and Michael all want to use the computer at the same time. Their parents are not home. Since Michael is the oldest it is up to him to come up with a fair solution and explain it to maintain harmony in the family.

Holly is 13 years old and her brother Damion is 8 years old. Holly stays up to 10:00 because she is older, while Damion goes to bed at 8:00. It infuriates Damion that he has to go to bed earlier than his sister, and he is angry with his sister. How can Holly explain the situation to her brother, that will keep family harmony.

4. Pick a situation to use as a role play that has happened in your home or at school and role play it.

Initiative; Character Education 13

2012-12-22T09:47:00.000-08:00

Initiative

Old Proverb: There is a first time for everything.

Helen Keller: It’s not the senses I have, but what I do with them is my kingdom.

A key to children’s success in school is to be self-motivated; to take initiative. Children who believe in their abilities, even when others do not, are more likely not to give up and better succeed in life. Let children know you believe that they can accomplish whatever they set their mind to. Self confidence is vital to a motivated child. Encourage children to set goals, starting out with one small goal.

Scroll to bottom of post for art activity

Ben’s Trumpet, by Rachel Isadora; Younger

Ben wants to play the trumpet, but he only has an imaginary trumpet. One day a musician in a neighborhood nightclub discovers Ben’s ambition.

The Rock Club, by Vanessa Clayton; Older Chicken Soup for the Kid’s Soul

A young girl starts, The Rock Club, a group of children who raise money for the homeless.

Activity:

Adopt a cause and decide how to raise money for the cause; a suggestion is collecting aluminum cans, etc...

More Activities:

1. Make a Goal as a family or a classroom. Go over the guidelines.

Clearly define the Goal

Outline the steps needed to reach goal

Consider possible blocks and ways of dealing with them

Set a time frame to complete goal
Goal worksheets:
http://www.lorinda-charactereducation.com/p/chorehomework-chart-older.html

2. Discuss the difference between a wish and a goal.

3. Even with our best effort, there are times we may not reach our goal. If you do not reach your goal what can you do?

4. Write about the future. If you can become anything you want when you are an adult, what would it be? How can you make this happen?

Art Activity: Ben’s Trumpet

With a piece of white copy paper, fill in diagonal lines of different colors at an angle, with color pencils or crayons. Trace the trumpet outline on the striped paper, cut out the trumpet and glue trumpet on a solid background. Or, trace the trumpet on black paper, cut out and glue on the striped paper.

The Arts; Self Esteem 9

2012-12-15T07:20:00.005-08:00

The Arts

Exposure to the arts helps children develop brain areas involved in language, reasoning, and refines cognitive skills. Students of the arts learn to think creatively, which helps problem solving. Studies show that children who study the arts are more successful on standardized tests, such as the SAT. Exposure to the arts provides children a look at different cultures and teaches them to be empathetic. The arts provide children a way to be self expressive and promotes confidence.

Freeze Dance

Play music and children dance, stop music and children freeze... Use a variety of different styles of music from pop to classical. You may want to start with a song well liked and familiar to the children and later add different styles of music, from country to folk songs of other countries.

Traditional dances lessons are a good way to keep your child active. Dance lessons are not just for competition and winning trophies. They instill confidence, focus, and discipline. Dancing increases expressive and verbal vocabulary.

Music
Listen to music, sing songs, or march to music with store bought, or homemade musical instruments made out of bells, or oatmeal container drums.

Taking instrumental music or singing lessons are beneficial. Learning a piece of music instills patience and confidence. The vibration of an instrument against a player's body can significantly lower a persons stress level.

Arts and Crafts
Introducing and involving children in craft projects will promote interest in their thoughts about the arts. Through art children can learn to think creatively. Young children are already highly creative, and art can help to push their boundaries to think outside of the box as they grow up. Creating something artistic on their own can give children the sense of accomplishment. Take children to art museums for enrichment!

Puzzle: Make a puzzle out of a favorite photo or picture. Print out the photo on an 8 x 11-inch piece of paper. Glue the printout onto a sturdy piece of cardboard. On the back draw shape pieces, and then cut out.

Flower Chain: Find a flower stencil and copy it in different sizes. Glue flower pieces on cardboard and cut out to use as a master pattern. Trace patterns on card stock that is plain or has a pattern. Glue flower pieces together in descending order. Fold flower peddles upward. When the glue is dry, glue the flowers on a ribbon. For more flower patterns look for outlines on the Internet and use coloring pages.

What Does Anger Look Like and Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day; Feelings 11

2012-12-08T08:19:00.000-08:00

How We Respond
A situation will be exactly the same, however each person will react differently. A situation does not really have meaning until we add our thoughts to it. We often do not think about how we are reacting or what we are thinking. Our responses are automatic. But, they are our thoughts and we can try to be in control of them, especially when everything seems to be going wrong.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day; by Judith Voist; Younger
Alexander could tell it was going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. It was a day where everything seemed to go wrong. Alexander tripped over his skateboard, dropped his sweater in the sink, got gum stuck in his hair, and more. Everything went wrong including lima beans for supper and kissing on TV. What do you do on a day like that? Maybe, think about going to Australia. Everyone has a bad day, and this book is a good lead in to talk about how to handle days when things go wrong.

Alexander Art Activity
Scroll down to the bottom of the post for outline. Copy the pajama outline in white, color cuffs, cut out and glue on a background piece of paper (we used black). Print out skateboard and lima beans in appropriate colors and glue on the background.

Activity: Write a note or letter to Alexander letting him know you understand how he feels. (Explain what empathy means).

Anger Looks Like?; Older
What does anger look like to you? Pick out colors of construction paper that represent anger. Cut out shapes and glue them on a background piece of construction paper.

Major or Inconvenience
Everyone has days that it seems like everything goes wrong. When many little things are going wrong in the same day, we can sometimes put too much importance on them; make them bigger problems than they are. Look at the list below and decide if the problem is big, or an inconvenience. put them in order from a little inconvenience to something major.

1. Spilled your glass of orange juice
2. Forgot your lunch for school
3. You have to have surgery
4. You are served a vegetable you dislike
5. Your relative has died
6. Your turn was skipped while playing a game
7. Your sister ate the last cookie
8. You broke your arm in two places

Alexander Activity

Truthfulness; Character Education 12

2012-12-01T06:26:00.000-08:00

Truthfulness

Sophocles: The truth is always the strongest argument.

Christopher Morley: Things are never quite the same somehow after you have to lie to a person.

Very young children can confuse the difference on where their imaginations end and the truth begins. A lie has the intent to make someone believe something they know is untrue. Lies break trust and it is then more difficult for others to believe us, even when we are telling the truth. When a lie is told, often more lies have to be told to back up the original lie. If telling the truth would hurt someone’s feelings, say nothing, or honestly admit you do not know. The best teaching tool of truthfulness and honesty is for parents and teachers be a model the trait. Praise your children when they are honest, and try not to lose your temper when children lie. Take the circumstance and turn it into a teaching moment. Ask the child how next time, should the situation be handled.

The Emperor’s New Clothes, by Hans Christian Anderson

A classic story of a child who was the only one, brave enough to tell the truth. A vain emperor was naked after he had been tricked by two tailors.

Art Activity: Emperor

Scroll to the end of Trustworthiness. Cut out, glue pieces and color hair, color coloring page, or draw your own Emperor.

Winners and Winners, by Al Covino 4^th course of Chicken Soup for the Soul

Time ran out, and a young man had to give the news to the coach. This is a good story with a twist at the end.

(story can be found at)
http://www.inspirationalstories.com/cgi-bin/printer.pl?617)

Activities:

1. The Gossip Game; the parent or teacher whispers a sentence in the ear of the first child. That student whispers and repeats what they think they heard to the next child, and down the row it continues. The last person then repeats what they think they heard out loud. The parent/teacher says the original sentence. Odds are they will not match at all.

2. Brainstorm what makes a person trustworthy. Write or draw a picture about someone you trust.

3. Have students write about this scenario: You have a best friend named Amber and there is another girl you do not get along with very well. The two girls are accused of taking chocolate off of the teachers desk. Amber wants you to tell the teacher you saw the other child take the candy, but you didn’t see anyone take the candy. What do you do?

4. What if people wore bracelets that would cause an alarm to go off when a person is lying? If this bracelet existed and you could vote for this devise, would you vote to require everyone to wear one, or not?

Emperor’s New Clothes; cut out and glue together on a piece of construction paper

Coloring Page

http://www.midisegni.it/Eng/tale_new_clothes.shtml

Its A Small World & Country Far Away; Same & Different 8

2012-11-24T04:24:00.000-08:00

Food Connection

Food traditions experienced as children leave lasting impressions and connects us to our personal and cultural history. Every person consumes food, and around the world their are many different treats to discover. Tasting foods from other cultures is a fun and tasty experience.

It's a Small World

Make a passport. Once time per week, have a food or dinner from a different country; classrooms may want to have one party. Stamp the passport and write in what country your food was from.

Passport

Cut an 8-in by 5 1/2-in cover out of navy blue card stock. Cut printer paper the same measurement for pages inside of the passport. Fold the blue card stock in half like a book, and do the same with the white paper. Place the folded line of the inside of the cover with the paper and staple paper to cover on the fold vertically. Type or print the word, Passport, on white paper, cut out and glue on the front of the passport. Use stickers or a stamp each time you “visit” another country and write what country your food was from.

A Country Far Away, by Nigel Gray

The story relates everyday activities in the life of two ordinary boys who live far away from each other in two different countries. One lives in Africa and the other in Western Europe.

Activity
Copy the pieces on color copy paper or trace and cut out. Cut a brown and green wave toward the bottom of brown and green copy or construction paper to use as ground or mountains. Glue the wave at the bottom and middle of a piece of background paper. Glue on the house and tree pieces. Cut rectangles for the door and windows, and cut out a scrub. For young children enlarge the pieces, glue the house and roofs together, and use a full page for each setting.

Fairness; Character Education 11

2012-11-17T13:53:00.000-08:00

Fairness

Elbert Hubbard: A cheerful loser is a winner.

Arabic Proverb: Ask me what is my virtue, not what is the color of my skin.

The definition of fairness is, not favoring one above another. The most basic description of fairness for young children is taking turns. Fairness is to see things from the other side, or the other point of view. Fairness is getting to know someone without pre-judging them. It does not insure equality, but it tries to insure equal opportunity. Stereotypes and prejudice are not fair to anyone.

Activity; The Egg
(Needed: clear drinking glass, 1 cup water, 1 fresh egg, 1/4 cup salt, and a tablespoon).
Place 1 cup water in the glass. Name your egg; I am calling the egg Bob. Do not use a name of anyone present or in the classroom/troop. Carefully add Bob (the egg), to the glass. Explain that Bob represents someone who is not being treated fairly, and the unfair treatment continues over and over. Bob has sank to the bottom of the glass which represents how he feels. He feels like someone who is sad, mistreated, depressed, and defeated.

Remove the egg from the water. Add salt 1 tablespoon at a time. As you stir in every tablespoon of salt, explain that the salt represents all of the ways to show fairness toward other people. (Give examples): Taking turns, being honest, treating others with respect, helping someone who is not being treated fairly.

After all of the salt has been stirred in, carefully place Bob back into the water. Explain: If Bob has been treated fairly, he floats! Now Bob feels supported with kindness, feels accepted by others, and is being treated fairly.

More Activities:
1. Playing fair is playing by the rules. There are rules so that everyone has a fair chance to win. Take a game everyone knows. Brainstorm the rules of the game.

2. Saying statements like, He's too big, she can't do it, or all children are mean, are pre-judging statements. Brainstorm a list of comments that pre-judge. Pre-judging is not treating someone fairly.

3. A classroom has rules that students raise their hand before speaking. Brainstorm what would happen if anyone could talk whenever they liked, what problems might come up, and why it isn't fair.

4. Discuss: What if only people with green eyes could drive, or only people with blue eyes could vote? Is it fair? Does it pre-judge? (Why or why not?)

Suggested Stories:
Berenstain Bears; The Trouble With Chores by Stan and Jan Berenstain; Younger
Papa Bear and the cubs don’t want to do chores! Is that fair to Mama Bear? What will happen if Mama Bear stops cleaning up since no one will help her?

Harvesting Hope (The Cesar Chavez Story), by Kathleen Krull; Older

Cesar Chavez is one of America's greatest civil rights leaders. He led a 340 mile peaceful protest march through California. He brought to the forefront a cause, and improved the lives of thousands of migrant farm workers. As a boy, Cesar was shy, teased at school and grew up very poor. As an adult he cared enough to lead people to charge, and an entire country listened.

Thank you and Presents in Your Neighborhood; Self Esteem 8

2012-11-10T07:29:00.000-08:00

Presents in Your Neighborhood

Every day there are little gifts we can find in our life and around our neighborhood. Sometimes we do not even realize what the little gifts are without thinking about it. What are the little gifts you enjoy? Brainstorm ideas of what these every day gifts are. Examples: Watching birds fly in the sky, the neighbors beautiful flowers, the warmth of the sun, the park where you play, your pet that comes to you for attention, the books at the library, the school where you learn...

Thank You Notes
Send a thank you note to someone who has brighten your day. Send one for a gift you appreciate or even a note for an everyday gift you find in your life. When we let people know we appreciate them, we feel good, too. To make the flower Thank-you card, use cut card stock and fold in two, draw stems and leaves with color pencil, scrunch up little squares of striped tissue paper, and glue on for flowers.

Little Gifts Activity

Scroll to the bottom of the post and print out the Present outline. Have the child/children write or draw, use stickers and/or magazine pictures to decorate the inside of the frame with some of the presents in their life and neighborhood.

Story Suggestions

Gratitude Soup, by Olivia Rosewood; Younger

Violet the Purple Fairy learns how to make Gratitude Soup by thinking of all of the things, people, places, and experiences that she is grateful for.

The Secret of Saying Thanks, by Douglas Wood; Up to 3^rd Grade

The secret is saying thank you, if you haven’t discovered it yet. It can be found in the sunrise that offer promises full for the day ahead, or on the rock that offers rest from a long walk.

A Picture’s Worth…, by Christine James; Older
A Cup of Chicken Soup for the Soul

A young woman does something nice for an elderly gentleman, and found a rewarding experience in it, herself. (If using in a public school setting, one sentence needs to be changed).

http://www.thylacineslair.com/Reflections/PictureWorth.htm

Present Outline