Much of what I attempt to do in my classroom lessons is to reinforce
positive social and interpersonal skills with the children. I do this in a
variety of ways and try to make the lessons fun by playing games, reading
stories and doing exercises.
This excerpt from a conference I attended sums up what I am trying to
teach the children.
WE WANT OUR CHILDREN TO :
NOT LEARN - I need others to solve my problems for me.
NOT LEARN - to blame others if life presents problems.
NOT LEARN - to punish others who may contribute to my problems.
NOT LEARN - that I must be the center of attention to be worthwhile.
NOT LEARN - that I should have my way regardless of what others want.
NOT LEARN - that fighting is the way to deal with disagreements.
NOT LEARN - to find fault with others in order to make myself feel better.
NOT LEARN - that winning is everything.
NOT LEARN - that approval of others is what makes me worthwhile.
NOT LEARN - that to make a mistake is awful.
NOT LEARN - to wish that others do poorly so that I look better.
NOT LEARN - that every man and woman for them self is an acceptable way to
move through life.
Instead...
We Want Children:
TO LEARN - to feel connected to fellow human beings.
TO LEARN - to care about the welfare of others.
TO LEARN - to pick themselves up when they take a fall in life.
TO LEARN - to count on themselves to help solve problems life presents.
TO LEARN - to take satisfaction from our efforts as well as our accomplish-
ments.
TO LEARN - to take pleasure in the accomplishments and even the efforts of
others.
TO LEARN - to care about others and lend a hand when others need help.
TO LEARN - to stand up for ourselves when others are putting us down.
TO LEARN - to understand that WE can choose our attitude in every situation
and don't have to take on the attitude of others.
TO LEARN - to solve problems without fighting or giving in.
TO LEARN - to love ourselves and others and demonstrate that love.
TO LEARN - to take responsiblity for our own actions rather than blame others.
TO LEARN - that how we play the game REALLY IS more important than whether
we win or lose.
Francis X. Walton, Ph.D.