Determination. Resourcefulness. Fairness. Every parent, regardless of belief systems or cultural backgrounds, wants to see their child display these traits in everyday life. It's part of growing into men and women of character. Core Essentials believes that teaching these values happens more effectively when the home and the school are aligning, teaching the same thing. Below are some ideas for this month's featured value that can help you connect with your child and talk about the values he or she is learning at school.
SEPTEMBER 2008: KNOWLEDGE
Discovering something new so you can be better at whatever you do.
Week 1: WHAT IS KNOWLEDGE?
Read the definition of knowledge aloud, but don't let everyone know what word you are defining. Have family members guess the word from the definition alone.
SHARE FROM YOUR OWN EXPERIENCES . . . Share something you have learned that has made you better at what you do. Next, have each family member do the same. Then explain that we should all be proud of our own talents and skills.
Week 2: WHY IS KNOWLEDGE IMPORTANT?
Discuss the following questions with family members: Do we need knowledge? Why is it important to have knowledge? Do we use knowledge every day? How?
PLAY TOGETHER AS A FAMILY . . . Play the game 'I Know.' This is like 'I Spy,' but with a twist. Each family member will take a turn. For example, if you know how to sing you might say, 'I know how to do this activity. It is fun for me.' Wait for responses and then give another clue. 'I had to take lessons to learn how to do this.' Encourage family members to keep guessing until someone gets the right answer.
Week 3: HOW HAVE WE SEEN IT IN EACH OTHER?
Have each person sitting around the table share one thing that he or she learned at school or work today (or this week). Congratulate one another for learning something new.
THINK OF WAYS OTHERS HAVE SHOWED KNOWLEDGE . . . Have each family member take turns complimenting the others at the table for using knowledge in a particular situation. Be specific. Compliments that are specific make others aware that their knowledge and actions count.
Week 4: WHAT HAVE WE DECIDED ABOUT IT? Review the definition of knowledge and encourage family members to use their knowledge to their greatest potential. Discuss ways that we can work together as a family to promote knowledge and learning.
MAKE AN ACROSTIC FOR THE WORD KNOWLEDGE . . . Each person around the table should take a turn producing a new word from one of the letters that spells knowledge. For example: K is for knowing, N is for new ideas, O is for outstanding, W is for wise, L is for learning, etc.
So does your child seem to be catching the value? As you go through your daily family life, catch your kids displaying this month's value. Let him or her know that you saw them displaying the character trait. And if possible, find a way to reward your child.
