Lincoln School teachers and students go to great lengths to demonstrate the Character Counts Traits of Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship. Teachers find new and interesting ways to teach and guide students, motivate and reward them. Students look for opportunities to show what they have learned and to gain recognition for their efforts. This is all good. It sets the tone for the school and for future endeavors.
Often when a student is recognized for his or her efforts in regards to Character Counts they "beam" a bit; for they have been publicly recognized and they serve as a model for other students. Often, kids clap when people are recognized. It is all very positive.
There are times, however, when recognition does not come at the foot heels of a Character Counts demonstration...when the act of kindness or goodwill goes unnoticed; or at least, so it seems.
Picture this~~one student loses something that he values. It is something that is rather small and easily lost or misplaced. He asks somebody who had used his desk earlier if they knew anything about it. The two look all around the desk but no avail. The first student is obviously upset and a bit angry. The second is beside himself with worry, thinking that he is going to be blamed for something he didn't do. I watched as the emotions starting building, yet I remained in the distance, waiting for an opportune moment to step in and help solve the problem. Then, a third student, who had also been watching, took it upon himself to help look for the lost object. The first student had given up and began showing signs of disappointment that could not go unnoticed by the second student. I edged off my chair to begin my intervention when suddenly the third student pulled the object from the depths of the desk and announced, "Here it is!”
The second student's shoulders relaxed as he had been relieved of responsibility. The first student's expression changed from a deep frown to an expressive smile. The third student beamed, more so than any other student who had been formally recognized, at how his actions helped two people. I sat back down and watched some more. A few friendly hugs and high-fives and they went their separate ways. I watched the third student (the "finder"). He went about his business yet he had a glow about him. His internal motivator was just given boost, a real-life experience boost.
The part of all this that caught my attention upon reflection was that the third student did this not knowing that he was being watched. He did it without the expectation of recognition or a reward...he did it out of the goodness of his heart.
Growth...as a student and as a person...is what it is all about here at Lincoln. I witness both variations daily...this one was grand to watch. This one shows me that Character Counts is making a difference.
Comments
Post a Comment