|
|
|
Reviews "Cultivating Heart and Character was recently
published to help young people build a strong, positive value system.
Compiled by educators including members of the International Educational
Foundation (which promotes holistic character education), the book's topics
include ethical sexuality, the value of marriage and family, conflict
resolution, and the nature of love. Published by Character Development
Publishing (phone: 919-967-2110; FAX: 919967-2139), the book offers suggestions
for use in the classroom to foster emotional intelligence, good relationships,
and social responsibility. ·• Teach lessons through heroic stories. On the primary level, The Little Engine That Could shows the values of perseverance, courage, and caring for others; Aesop's Fables teaches prudence, moderation, and hard work. At later levels, King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table demonstrates the values of courage and courtesy, Anne Frank's Diary of a Young Girl inculcates alesson in compassion, and The Odyssey teaches courage, dedication, and commitment to family. • Hold students accountable for their words and behavior. High-school teacher Hal Urban invites a classroom rule-breaker to sit at a certain table to write out how he or she may have violated the principle of treating others as one would like to be treated. • Set up a "buddies program" to build a caring community. Teacher-organized buddy activities give kids real opportunities to practice mentoring others. Older children can read to younger ones and tutor them in various subjects. These activities give older children a sense of responsibility and foster friendships across grades. They realize they are setting an example, so they are more mindful of their behave ior. Younger students no longer feel intimidated by their older veers but look to them as friends. • Emphasize the importance of etiquette and manners. • Encourage students to serve others. Mound Fort Middle School involves the entire school in making quilts for the needy. After school, students can be found sewing and tying quilts. This project unified the once-violent urban school. "Often students come to school with a `What's in it for me?' attitude," says Principal Tim Smith. But in performing service, they "discover a joy they never knew before," feeling needed and more connected to their community. • Teach "hands-on" lessons about the environment. A community garden is a highly visible and satisfying school project, promoting a sense of wonder and connection to the earth through the simple experience of planting and cultivating. Gardening teaches many lessons, from natural science to perseverance and patience. In the book's foreword, Thomas Lickona says it "expands the scope of character education to encompass the whole of life. It tells us why the forms of love that have their origin in family remain important throughout our lives. It anchors character education in the universal desire for happiness. And it gives us tested ways to translate all these theoretical insights into effective practice." Ken Schroeder, "Cultivating Heart and Character is an excellent resource for family and consumer sciences educators. The issues covered—ethical sexuality, the value of marriage and family, conflict resolution, and the nature of love—are current and relevant to the FCS curriculum. The contents are documented with cross-references to research and the writings of leaders in the areas of character and family life education. The well-organized book is comprehensive in explaining the foundations of character education, the importance of family in developing character, and the unique challenges faced by youth in today's society. The text is readable and includes many easy-to-read graphs, models, and charts that assist the reader's understanding. "A reviewer states, 'Character education does have an impact. All you have to do is make it a priority. Cultivating Heart and Character is filled with practical, proven suggestions you can use in the classroom to foster emotional intelligence, good relationships, and social responsibility. For example: 1. Teach lessons through heroic stories; 2. Hold students accountable for their words and behavior; 3. Establish a "buddies program" to build a caring community; 4. Emphasize the importance of etiquette and manners; 5. Encourage students to serve others; and 6. Teach "hands-on" lessons about the environment.' "I endorse Cultivating Heart and Character for members to read and use as a professional reference." Eleanor Keppler, "This highly acclaimed, comprehensive and well written volume is valuable for use by teachers, parents, youth workers and policy makers alike. Using both theory and practice, it addresses the issue of helping young people build a strong, positive value system by focusing on three life goals—personal maturity, loving relationships and contributions to society. "Through an interdisciplinary, multicultural and morality-based approach, the writers stress how effective education must include the theory of the human person and the meaning of life. This philosophy is best taught, they assert, through character education that emphasizes marriage, family and community. "Although the book's content and style are approachable for the average adult reader, it is no quick read. Extremely organized, however, it flows naturally from one section to another. "Part 1 lays the historical and theoretical groundwork and then moves twa4rd application of principle, explanation of a school/home partnership and tips for teachers. Part 2 stresses marriage and family relationships and provides excellent, through idealistic, parenting tips. Part 3 builds on the previous sections by applying principles of character education to sexuality education, substance abuse prevention and conflict resolution." Jackie B. Riley, "A serious and well-researched response to the challenges in our schools. Using stories and professional experience, the authors suggest concrete ways to build character in the classroom: heroic stories, a buddy system, etiquette and manners, service to others." Travis Du Priest, "The editors contend that the current decline in moral thought and behavior is due in part to the educational system's abandonment of morality training. While the various authors don't actively discuss the role of the Church in a person's moral upbringing, the techniques and ideas they present will sit well with a Judeo-Christian value system. This is a timely challenge not only for public educators but also for parents and anyone else working with teens." Youthworker, July-August 2001 "I loved this book! It is full of such heartwarming stories and presents research in such an enlivening way. I have added this book to the collection I keep on my bed table and it always inspires me and seems to be just what I need when I look through it. As a therapist, family educator and most importantly, a mother of young daughters, I highly recommend this book to any person who hopes to contribute to the education and character building of a child." Mary Katherine Robredo, "I found the topics, the foundations of character education, the family as the school of love, and challenges facing the youth, as very important in basically creating good heart and character. I applaud the authors who hail from excellent institutions such as the International Educational Foundation, Harvard University, and the most important forum of all, the family." Dr. Cheryl Lau, Harvard University, |
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
