On 10/21/09, vicki/kdg/mo wrote:
> As a part of our Caring School program (grades k-2) we are
> looking at ways to increase positive student to student
> interactions. We are specifically looking for student led
> activities. Anyone have any suggestions from thier schools?
> Thanks!

We've had a 'Random Act of Kindness' campaign - do something
nice for somebody else.

Many children these days have never had that experience - we
live more and more in a 'only give when you have to'
and 'don't trouble me' way. Whatever happened to being
neighborly? Most children have never had the wonderful
feeling that it truly can be just to do something nice - they
don't know what it feels like to be giving for the sake of
giving.

Their first response can be- 'what's in it for us?' What
reward will we get?

Of course, student led activities have to first be modeled by
the adults in the school. For students to step up to any
campaign, any new school climate, it has to be modeled by
adults. How are the teachers in your school to each other?
Warm smiles exchanged when you meet in the hall? The
principal is warm in her/his manner to teachers and students
alike or cold and distant sitting in his office?

And no bus aides or lunch aides are screaming at the kids. We
have to see others giving of themselves in positive people to
people interaction to know how it works. Children have to
feel comfortable in the school to have the inner resources to
dig into and so be good to others.

I love your phrase - we are a Caring School. We care about
each other. We take care of each other. In the classroom, in
the lunchroom and on the playground.
When you send them to lunch or to play, say "take care of
each other." Most children have a natural compassion that can
be tapped into.

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