A Lesson: The “C” in Character stands for CARE

By Leah DaviescloseAuthor: Leah Davies Name: Leah Davies
Site: http://www.kellybear.com
About: Leah Davies received her Master's Degree from the Department of Counseling and Counseling Psychology, Auburn University. She has been dedicated to the well-being of children for 44 years as a certified teacher, counselor, prevention specialist, parent, and grandparent. Her professional experience includes teaching, counseling, consulting, instructing at Auburn University, and directing educational and prevention services at a mental health agency.See Authors Posts (27)
 

(Author’s note: The following lesson is for primary children, preschool through third grade.)

Ask the children, “How do people show others that they care?” (Record ideas on the board.)

Read the following aloud:

Caring children treat ALL people the way they would like to be treated. They understand that everyone wants to have friends, feel safe and be part of a group. So, they go out of their way to do kind acts, or good deeds, without expecting anything in return. They not only care for others, but they take care of themselves.

Some examples of caring behaviors are: telling others what you like about them, helping put the groceries away, inviting a new child to play, sharing toys, watching the baby, offering to pick up sticks in our elderly neighbor’s yard, and writing “get well” or “thank you” notes. Other examples are: reading or telling stories to younger children, hugging someone who is crying, listening to an older person, taking care of a pet, helping a child who is on crutches, treating children who are different with respect, and volunteering to help with worthy causes.

Ask: “What caring or kind thing have you done for someone else?” (Make a list on the board.)

Read this story aloud:

One day John heard Tom call his friend, Carlos, bad names. At first, John was afraid to say anything. But, Carlos was John’s friend and it hurt him to see Carlos so sad and angry. So, he said to Tom, “What’s your problem? Can’t you find something better to do than to say mean things?” Tom was surprised to hear John’s words. Most kids don’t stand up to him. He frowned and said, “I was just kidding.” Tom responded, “Well, that kind of kidding hurts!” As John and Carlos walked away, Carlos patted John on the back and said, “Thanks for caring enough to stand up for me.”

When John got home, he saw his mom resting on the couch and heard the baby crying. “What’s wrong?” he asked. She told him she had a bad headache. John said that he was sorry and got a wet cloth for her head. Then he played with his baby brother until his mom felt better. Later, she gave John a hug and said, “Thank you for showing me you cared. I feel much better now. It is special to have such a kind son!”
John thought to himself, “Caring for others makes me feel good inside, but sometimes, I need to take time to care for myself.” So John went to his room and read a great book. At other times John cares for himself by doing things he enjoys. He rides his bike, plays ball, talks to friends, takes walks, or just sits and thinks.

Discuss the following questions:
Why was Carlos sad and angry?
How did John show he cared about Carlos?
What would you have done in that situation?
(Role play a variety of responses and discuss the possible outcome of each.)
How did John help his mother?
What are some things John does to take care of himself?
How do you take care of yourself?
What have you learned about caring?
What is a “good deed?”

Assignment:
“How many of you think you could do a “good deed” for someone else between now and class tomorrow?” (Hands go up.)
“Great! Try to do something that you would not normally do.”
The next day have the children tell what they did, draw a picture, or write a story on “How I showed I cared.”

Other ideas:
Make a “Caring” box with a slit in the top for the classroom. Have forms available that leave blanks for a description of a caring act, who did it, and the observer’s name. Draw one form each Friday morning and have buttons, “GOOD DEED AWARD” and “GOOD DEED OBSERVER.” Give these children special privileges during the day.

Create a “caring” classroom by respecting and helping each child become successful. Remember what you do and say will be observed and imitated by the children, so be a worthy role model.