Are There Really Cons to Teaching Character Education in Schools?

Like everything else under the sun, teaching character education in public schools is a controversial issue. Some believe that all schools should implement some sort of character education program, saying that it can help decrease violence, teen pregnancy, substance abuse, etc. They also reason that character education in schools will teach values to children whose parents, for one reason or another, don't.


Then there are others who feel it is not the school's place to teach what is right and wrong. They feel it should be the parent’s sole responsibility to teach their children how to behave and make ethical decisions. Yet, because many children are not being taught basic morals such as the value of life and property, and the value of respect and honesty, character is being set aside and in it's place we see anger, jealousy, hatred, and selfishness.


For years, my husband and I have worked in the public school system. It is our personal feeling we should teach character education in schools. Where is the character in intentionally urinating on the bathroom floor, rubbing soap on mirrors, stealing toys out of the treat box, taking markers from the teacher's desk and purposely making black marks on the waxed floors? These are just a few of the things my husband and I have witnessed this past school year. (And I am not even beginning to touch the lack of character we, as a society, are subjected to outside of our school system.)

Parents and educators should be working together toward a functioning society of self-controlled, respectful individuals, who not only think before they act, but consider the consequences of their actions. Doing so will benefit everyone.

Are there really any cons to teaching character education? What are your thoughts?

Angiogram: A Child's Perspective

John, a co-worker of mine in his early sixties, was recently assigned to work with a boy in 4th grade. A couple of days ago, John told his 4th grade student he wouldn't be coming to school for a couple of days because his doctor wanted him to have an Angiogram. The little boy looked at him sympathetically and said, "So......you're going to have your uterus taken out?"


John called me this afternoon to let me know that the
procedure went well. He said, "I'll be back tomorrow, uterus intact!"

Run, Dick, Run!

As I was standing on the playground supervising recess a few years ago, a faculty member said to me, "I think it is so funny how Kindergarten kids run everywhere instead of walk." And do you know what? They do! I hadn't ever noticed or paid attention to that particular behavior until it was pointed out to me. Day after day, as I watch our class of five and six year olds play outdoors, each and every one of them run instead of walk. It is hilarious. If you haven't ever noticed, pay attention next time you see children that age playing at the park, playground or wherever they may be. One cannot help but smile. Visualize how comical it would be if adults ran everywhere they went. Think of the calories we'd burn; we would be a thinner, healthier population!

Como Se Dice "Don't Break My Routine" en Espanol?

When Cody was in high school, he chose Spanish as one of his electives. He enjoyed it so much that he took it his Sophomore, Junior and Senior year. Every day, at the beginning of the period, the entire class would, in unison, say the alphabet in Spanish. One particular day, this important part of the routine was skipped. Cody became upset and no one could figure out why. Of course Cody would never just come out and say what was bothering him. By the end of the period, tears were streaking down his cheeks and when the bell rang, he would not budge! When the teachers and peer tutor finally figured out Cody was upset because the class didn't say the alphabet, they tried to convince him it would be okay. They would be sure to remember to say the alphabet the next day. However, no amount of coaxing or persuading would get Cody out of that desk! When students of the next period began to arrive, the teachers realized they needed to do something about Cody, who by this time was full on crying and causing a scene. They decided to pick up Cody, desk and all, and move him into the hall. I don't remember what happened after that. Obviously Cody eventually calmed down and got over it. I'm not so sure his Spanish teacher ever did. But you can bet he never forgot to have his class recite the alphabet when Cody was in attendance :)

Daunting Decisions

"It's in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped."  
                                                                                             Anthony Robbins


My husband and I have had to make many difficult decisions in our marriage. One of the most difficult was letting our son, Cody, go to the Oregon State School for the Blind at age eight.


After going through an extensive three week evaluation at the school, we realized it was where Cody needed to be. They had the best braille. mobility, music and physical education teachers. There was a bowling alley, swimming pool, track and field and roller rink on campus. The school had several dorms, a cafeteria and a nurses station. It was awesome and Cody loved it!


Because we lived about an hour away, my husband drove Cody to school every Monday and pick him up Friday afternoons. Cody slept in the dorm four nights a week and was able to be home the other three.


Our family moved away from Oregon when Cody turned sixteen. We had him enrolled in our neighborhood high school. Although Cody missed all of his friends, inclusion was another great experience for him.


As I look back, I am pleased that my husband and I had the strength that was needed to let Cody go for a little while. Many lives have been touched over the years because we were willing to share him with some very special people.