Respect, The Lorax & Ladies First Character Education 4

Respect

Author Unknown: That which I respect I do not harm.

English Proverb: Speaking without thinking is like shooting without taking aim.

Respect is showing consideration to yourself, other people and their property; treating others as you would like to be treated.  We show respect when we are sensitive to the feelings of other people.  When we treat someone with respect we show they are valuable to us.  Respect is having an appreciation for other peoples differences and cultures.  We show respect by how we talk to someone, the tone of voice used, and what the meaning of our words are.  Just as important is how we listen while someone is speaking to us.  When people tease, spread gossip, and call people names, they are not only disrespecting someone else, they are disrespecting themselves.

Ladies First, by Shel Silverstein; Younger

(On the Album, Free To Be… You And Me.  Read by Marlo Thomas

Or, find transcript of story at: http://members.tripod.com/Tiny_Dancer/ladiesfirst.html)


Ladies First is about a young girl who always puts herself first ahead of others.  She did not show respect to anyone.  In the end, being first did not work out so well.  


Art Activity; Scroll down to the bottom of respect for outlines, enlarge and print out paw print, leaves, and wording on white paper.  Cut around items and glue on white paper.

The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss; Older

The main theme of this story is to be kind to the earth; have respect for the place we live.  In a fun way the story address' greed, what happens when bad choices are made, and in the end making amends.  It is in the Dr. Seuss whimsical rhyming style, delightful creatures, and a powerful message.  

Art; Truffula Trees

Scroll down to the bottom of respect for outlines.  You will need one piece of blue construction paper for the background.  Copy Truffula outlines on color paper or trace on colored paper, cutout and glue to create a Truffula Forest.  For the green lawn, cut down the center of a piece of construction paper lengthwise, with a wave.  With a black felt pin draw lines for tree trunks, and outline the grass, pond and clouds.  If you are patient and have a steady hand, outline the truffula tress, also.  

Activities: 

1.For one day have children call each other by their last name using Ms. or Mr.; they will feel special and feel respected.

2. Fold a piece of paper in two to make two columns.  On one side write Benefits, and on the other side write Challenges.  America is a country called the melting pot because there are so many different nationalities living here. Brainstorm and make a list of the benefits of living with people from other cultures, and what the challenges are of living with people from different cultures.  

3. Show respect with good listening skills.  Have children brainstorm what good listening skills are.  Practice listening skills as a group.  The parent or teacher models a roll play with a child.  Select two people at a time to roll play good listening skills.  With a large group you may want to select 6 people to roll play.  Give ideas of topics to talk about like your pets, a vacation, what do you do on the weekends.  The person talking, talks for 1 or 2 minutes.  It is fun for the parent or teacher to demonstrate what NOT to do while listening before the roll plays begins.  Role Play Rule: Be respectful and absolutely NO laughing during the role plays.  Clap at the end.

The Lorax