Building character takes work
Thu, Nov 29, 2007
CAROLINA MURILLOThe Brunswick NewsSixth grade students in Glynn County are receiving a lesson that goes beyond the walls of their classrooms. They are learning how to become individuals with character. "It's about being trustworthy," said Daisha Austin, sixth grade student at Jane Macon Middle school."And being fair to others, especially when nobody is looking," added classmate Jerald Baker. "That gives you character."
Chiquita Greene, a sixth grade specialist at Risley Middle, teaches a Character Counts class at the school on Albany Street in Brunswick. (Michael Hall/The Brunswick News)
| They are among the sixth grade students who are being taught about respect, trustworthiness, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship through a program called Character Counts."We are trying to pinpoint these six pillars of conduct and give them more than just academics," said Jody Sweeney, sixth grade specialist at Glynn Middle School.Teachers from Jane Macon, Needwood and Risley middle schools are also ratcheting up character development and values education. "We develop lesson plans and try to incorporate real life experiences through group discussions," said Chiquita Greene, sixth grade specialist at Risley Middle School. "But we also reinforce the concepts through activities like visiting nursing homes." The program is part of a nationwide approach to promote good character. Students are given an average of five hours each week of character-building lessons.That's not the only place, though. Teachers also weave aspects of good character into other subjects, from math to physical education."Besides the six pillars, we introduce them to the daily dozen, which are other good habits like proper handshaking or how to sit at the table," Greene said.Educators said they notice results of the lessons daily.So are students. Ronald Griffin, a sixth-grade student at Risley Middle School, said he's undergone an attitude change."I used to bother kids before because I thought it was funny," he said. "Now, I try to treat them the way I would want to be treated."Students also are more aware of the rules of common courtesy like saying "excuse me" or volunteering to help, Greene noted.She recounts how one student who was having a discussion with a classmate observed that their behavior toward each other was disrespectful according to the Character Counts pillars. "It makes us proud," said Jane Macon sixth grade teacher Melody Browning. "We try to expose them to as much as we can and help them become conscious decisions." Posters displaying the six pillars of character line the halls and pictures of students who showing good character decorate classroom walls."It's a way to make an impact on the other kids and prepare them for next year when they receive character ed classes," Glynn Middle's Sweeney said.Students in the courses this year will start receiving an academic grade in the Character Counts program when they reach seventh grade. The middle schools select students who exemplify the character-building program at the end of each nine-week grading period. Those chosen will be recognized by the program's sponsors, the Katz-Ray and Helen Whittle Foundation and Chick-fil-A."It's higlighting good deeds, putting these pillars in action," Greene said. "These kids are our future leaders."
|
|
|
