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MAXIMize the Moment Junior Volume 2, Issue 15

MAXIMize the Moment Junior Volume 2, Issue 15

December 16, 2002
Document
Topic: 
MAXIMize the Moment Junior
Age Range: 
8-10

Story

When Mrs. Holliday passes back the Spelling tests, I feel anxious. I'm hoping for a 100%. I've always wanted to get an A-even if it only happens once-so I've made that my goal. I've been studying hard every day. My mom will be really proud of my perfect score. Maybe she'll even hang my test up on the fridge for everyone to see.

When Mrs. Holliday comes over to my desk, she says, "Great improvement!" and gives me a big smile. I am ready to celebrate until I look at the test and it turns out that I got three wrong-not a perfect score. I did all that work for nothing! Why should I even bother trying?

At dinner, my mom asks about the test. I tell her that I got a lousy "B" even though I worked really hard.

"Honey, I am so proud of you!" she says. "It's not about getting A's all the time. You put in such hard work and learned how to prepare yourself. That's a more important lesson than you'll have on any test. Besides, 'slow and steady wins the race.' Stick with it and you'll keep improving. I bet that, if you keep it up, you can do even better the next time."

I guess my mom's right. Why make my goal one A when I can, over time, get lots of good grades, if only I keep working at it? Like she said, "Slow and steady wins the race." I'm in this one for the long run.

This week' maxim is "Slow and steady wins the race."  

Teacher Information

Maxim

  • "Slow and steady wins the race."
    Aesop

Featured character trait

  • Perseverance - Even when things go wrong, I continue to try; I don't let challenges get me down.

Character points (for substitution if this week's trait isn't one of your school's core values)

  • Determination - I am willing to work, to try, to fail, and to keep trying to achieve my goals.
  • Aspiration - I know I can improve and I work to make that happen.
  • Patience - I look at long-term goals and do not let frustrations overwhelm me.
  • Optimism - I have faith in myself and my future; I am able to see the good even when things seem bad.
  • Hope - I believe that the future holds good things, even if I am frustrated or discouraged right now.

Discussion starters / journal writing prompts

  • What does this week's maxim mean?
  • What other situations is it helpful for?
  • How does it relate to the idea of the new year?
  • What sorts of things do you think make it difficult for us to fulfill our hopes and dreams?
  • Why do you think it is so hard to make positive changes and improve yourself?
  • Think of a time that you were able to make a positive change in your life. What helped you be successful? What did you learn from that experience? How can that be applied to your current situation?
  • List some tips for sticking with a plan of action. What kinds of things can be helpful?
  • How can other people assist you? What can those around you do or say to help you to "stay on track" towards your goal?
  • What can we, as individuals and as members of this classroom community, do to help one another? What kinds of words and behaviors should we avoid because they discourage others?
  • What is the one thing that we, as a classroom community, need to focus on?
  • What needs to be changed, added, or improved to make our community better?
  • How can we help to bring about that change?

Related Links

Extending the Conversation

Have students list three things that they would like to change about themselves or their lives. These should be things that they have some control over and may be about life at school, at home, friendships, etc. (You may want to discuss the difference between attainable and not attainable goals-things that they can and cannot do something to change). Next, have them rank these items in order of importance. For the top one, they should list three practical ways to make this happen. These should be short-term, realistic goals. They should also list at list one action that they can take for each of the other items on their lists. You may choose to have them find "buddies" who can help and support them in their goals. Try to revisit these goals in the next few weeks and months.