Teach respect of others and their feelings
- By Sheryl Goldstein
Everyone has the right to play
School should be a place where all students feel included and accepted by their peers. The scar of being excluded from birthday parties, social groups, and sleepovers is carried with a child for the rest of his life. Insecurities develop that remain forever. If we can help children to understand the importance of including their peers in social playgroups, then they will all become adults who, in the future, include and accept each other.
The parents and staff at Beechwood Elementary School in Pierrefonds are fully committed to making students feel included and accepted for who they are. So much so, that the motto, “Everyone has the right to play”, became the theme of many school activities, classroom projects and playground games for the 2009/2010 school year.
What developed from one Beechwood mother whose child was aggressively bullied in another elementary school and a staff concerned that students lacked the basic understanding of ‘respect’, was a year-long program aimed at promoting inclusion of u u others. Part of the program, aptly named, “Beechwood Buddies”, was set up to recognize and reward children who:
- Assisted someone in need,
- included/invited a new friend to play
- reported incidents of bullying or aggressive behaviour
Initially, the children were mostly excited by the reward they received when they demonstrated the respectful behaviour. As hoped, the experience then progressed to having students proud of their efforts to include and be kind to others. A greater sense of respect towards each other developed.
In order to combat the sometimes negative social behaviour in the school yard, activities were also organized at recess and lunch that promoted the theme of, “everyone has the right to play”. This included monitored sports activities open to all students, a variety of themed arts and crafts, group games and clubs.
Teaching children these basic life skills can be time consuming but very rewarding. Once initiated, the teaching must be continuous, consistent and creative.
Children will aspire to reach tangible goals and at the same time change behaviour patterns when positive reinforcement is presented appropriately.
What was once a negative bullying experience for one family has become the passionate desire to help others avoid this situation.
Consulting is available and if you would like more information please contact Creating Caring Kids. 514-718-4886
