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You are here: Home / management / Creating a Culture of Caring Kids
management

Creating a Culture of Caring Kids

April 27, 2014

Our school started something new this year to help create a culture of caring kids. We had previously focused on “life skills” and had posters in every classroom displaying traits like cooperation, responsibility, respect, perseverance, etc. Students who showed those traits were nominated by their teachers every Friday and had their names read on the announcements. They also had their pictures taken and displayed all year on a board outside of the office.

This was a great way to recognize those students who did kind things for others, went above and beyond, and truly stood out as great citizens in our school. However, we weren’t really teaching students those traits. Sure, I’d brag on someone, “Oh, I love the way Suzy just picked up the book Joey dropped without being asked” or “Wow, Jamie completed all of his homework early this week!” But then students thought the only way to show caring was by picking up books or turning homework in early to show responsibility. It wasn’t generalizing. 



This year, our school became a More Than Words school. This is actually a local initiative that came out of a neighboring district. Each month we focus on one aspect of being a good citizen– forgiveness, obedience, respect, humility, etc. Each morning on the announcements, the word of the month is discussed through examples and quotes. 

We have posters hanging in each classroom that also highlight the trait of the month. We’re emailed activities and lessons to support our students throughout the month as well. Then at the end of the month, students who especially stood out for that month’s focus are recognized on the announcements and have their pictures taken for our wall. 

We’ve also started doing a school motto that everyone chants at the end of the announcements. It matches our school tshirts too.

Think- Treat others right!
Believe- Make smart decisions!
Acheive- Let’s go Knights!

I think we talk about common language a lot in our curriculum. We use the same academic language in reading, writing, and math. But when it comes to teaching character, we definitely weren’t. We all know there are a million things to teach every day and two million standards to pack in the year. But, these simple More Than Words activities and announcements are a step in the right direction.

I did some research and found that our local initiative came out of the larger Core Essentials framework. You can check them out if you’re looking for a way to teach character in your school too.


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by Christi Fultz 

About Christi Fultz

wife • mom • teacher • writer • tech obsessed • sometime crafter • beach lover | Empowering entrepreneurs through branding & website design

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Comments

  1. Theresa says: April 27, 2014 at 3:11 pm

    This program sounds awesome. Thanks for sharing it!

  2. Mrs Poultney says: April 28, 2014 at 12:47 am

    Great post Christi! I agree about using common language when talking about the desirable traits that will help our students become good citizens. I was wondering if your school was a PBIS school as this is similar to what we do as well.
    Thanks

    Tania

    Mrs Poultney's Ponderings

    • Christi Fultz says: April 28, 2014 at 1:00 am

      No, we aren't. I've done quite a bit of reading about it though. My minor was in educational pysch and there was quite a bit of focus on behavioral interventions. 🙂

  3. Laura says: May 25, 2014 at 7:04 am

    Have you read the book "How Children Succeed" by Paul Tough. It is right up your alley. It's an amazing way of thinking about how we teach our students to build their character and so much more. I will definitely be looking into Core Essentials. (I realize you posted this awhile back. I just watched 2 of your youtube videos so I decided to check out blog too! Thanks for all the great tips.)

    • Christi Fultz says: May 25, 2014 at 4:45 pm

      I haven't read that one, but I just added it to my list. Thanks! 🙂

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Here We Go // Carter needed his moment to shine to Here We Go // Carter needed his moment to shine too ✨
Summer Nights // It’s the unofficial start to su Summer Nights // It’s the unofficial start to summer and we’re here for it.
Little Moments // It’s been the best day. Little Moments // It’s been the best day.
Science With Kids // Are you a fun mom, but also o Science With Kids // Are you a fun mom, but also one who enjoys the “easy” button? 🙋‍♀️Yep, that’s me. Life is too hectic for fancy right now! 

That’s why I love these Generation Genius science kits for kids. 🧪They come with everything you need to do 3 science experiments, so there’s no running around looking for individual supplies or buying in bulk more than you need. 🥼 There was enough to do each experiment more than once so the kids were able to share happily.

🔬 We’re already looking forward to the next one! Visit my bio to learn more and ➡️ get your first month free ⬅️ with my affiliate link (which Carter will promptly use on more science kits!). 

#louisvilleky #momsoflouisville #louisvillemoms #louisvillemomcollective #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #momentsinchildhood #momlife #instagrammom #iteachscience
Science Kit Review // You know me and subscription Science Kit Review // You know me and subscription boxes… this one was a big winner all around! 

Each kit has three science experiments inside with enough materials to do each experiment multiple times. 

My favorite part are the tutorial videos from Dr. Jeff! It’s like having your very own expert right beside you every step of the way.

Link in bio to learn more, but HURRY to save on your first box! With a 30 day money back guarantee, why not??

#scienceexperiment #scienceathome #scienceforkids #diyscience #homeschoolideas #homeschoolscience #louisvilleky #momsoflouisville #louisvillemoms #derbycitymama #iteachscience #scienceteacher #diysciencekit
Baking With Kids // There’s icing all over my co Baking With Kids // There’s icing all over my counter and cake crumbles with sprinkles all over my floor. The kids have had a sugar rush before noon, and we LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT. 

Some of my favorite childhood memories are making cupcakes with my mom. When I saw the I’m The Chef Too subscription box, it was an easy YES. Almost everything you need is right inside the box each month to make it easy. There are typically about 3 servings, so you make enough for everyone to have one treat without leftovers hanging around.

Now... who is going to clean up this mess??

#louisvilleky #momsoflouisville #louisvillemoms #louisvillemomcollective #kentuckyblogger #kyblogger #louisvilleblogger #igerslouisville #derbycitymama #bakingwithkids #kidsinthekitchen #familybaking #momentsinchildhood
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