As teachers we know that character building is a very important part of educating our students. One essential skill for the 21st century will be the ability to show understanding and compassion towards others.
The capacity for logical thought is one of the things that makes us human. But in a world of ubiquitous information and advanced analytical tools, logic alone won't do. What will distinguish those who thrive will be their ability to understand what makes their fellow woman or man tick, to forge relationships, and to care for others. Pink p. 66
At our school we have done a lot to help build our student's character and instill compassion. We have a bucket filling philosophy as well as various pillars of character that we encourage our students to display. The district has also adopted and trained teachers in Open Circle, a social emotional learning program.
Although we have seen great success with these initiatives inside our classrooms, one of the hardest challenges is to get children to carry over what they have learned into the more unstructured parts of their day such as before school, at recess and after school.
We believe that we can help students display compassion for others by providing them with the appropriate games to play during the more unstructured times.
Ample evidence points to the enormous health and professional benefits of laughter, lightheartedness, games and humor. Pink p. 66 The Trouble Free Playground Program is a 6-Step approach to solving common problems associated with recess at the elementary level. The creator of the program, Curt Hinson, was a teacher at the elementary level for 16 years. He holds a BS degree in Health & PE from West Virginia Wesleyan College; a Master's of Education degree from Widener University; and a PhD in Kinesiology from Temple University.
The Trouble-free Playground program includes a variety of games and activities, as well as effective management and discipline techniques, that not only help diminish common playground problems, but also help improve overall school motivation and behavior. This program helps to: reduce occurences of BULLYING; build CHARACTER, RESPECT, and RESPONSIBILITY among children; and helps to create a safe environment on the playground and in the classroom. The Trouble Free Playground
This program could also be a great way to involve parents in their child's school day. Trained parent volunteers could help implememt the games and strategies and supervise students as they use them. This would help ensure success of the program.
Teachers and parents could also conduct a "before or after school sports" program where these games could be used.
As teachers we know that character building is a very important part of educating our students. One essential skill for the 21st century will be the ability to show understanding and compassion towards others.
The capacity for logical thought is one of the things that makes us human. But in a world of ubiquitous information and advanced analytical tools, logic alone won't do. What will distinguish those who thrive will be their ability to understand what makes their fellow woman or man tick, to forge relationships, and to care for others. Pink p. 66
At our school we have done a lot to help build our student's character and instill compassion. We have a bucket filling philosophy as well as various pillars of character that we encourage our students to display. The district has also adopted and trained teachers in Open Circle, a social emotional learning program.
Although we have seen great success with these initiatives inside our classrooms, one of the hardest challenges is to get children to carry over what they have learned into the more unstructured parts of their day such as before school, at recess and after school.
We believe that we can help students display compassion for others by providing them with the appropriate games to play during the more unstructured times.
Ample evidence points to the enormous health and professional benefits of laughter, lightheartedness, games and humor. Pink p. 66
The Trouble Free Playground Program is a 6-Step approach to solving common problems associated with recess at the elementary level. The creator of the program, Curt Hinson, was a teacher at the elementary level for 16 years. He holds a BS degree in Health & PE from West Virginia Wesleyan College; a Master's of Education degree from Widener University; and a PhD in Kinesiology from Temple University.
The Trouble-free Playground program includes a variety of games and activities, as well as effective management and discipline techniques, that not only help diminish common playground problems, but also help improve overall school motivation and behavior. This program helps to: reduce occurences of BULLYING; build CHARACTER, RESPECT, and RESPONSIBILITY among children; and helps to create a safe environment on the playground and in the classroom.
The Trouble Free Playground
This program could also be a great way to involve parents in their child's school day. Trained parent volunteers could help implememt the games and strategies and supervise students as they use them. This would help ensure success of the program.
Teachers and parents could also conduct a "before or after school sports" program where these games could be used.