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MAXIMize the Moment Junior Volume 2, Issue 19

MAXIMize the Moment Junior Volume 2, Issue 19

January 27, 2003
Document
Topic: 
MAXIMize the Moment Junior
Age Range: 
8-10

Story

"I don't want to be Chad's partner. I'll have to smell his stinky breath all day," I complain to Brett, my best friend.

"Too bad, Javier. I'm glad I didn't get stuck with him," Brett responds.

"I wish I were that lucky. Chad's disgusting. Do you think he even owns a toothbrush?" I say, laughing. If I have to work with Chad, at least I can have some fun with it. I make a few more jokes about Chad and his breath, so Brett and I are both crack up. Brett suddenly stops laughing and I realize that either Chad or one of our teachers has heard us.

It's Mrs. Holmes and she's disappointed in us: "Javier, is that a nice way to talk about your classmate? How would you have felt if he'd heard you?"

Honestly, I would have felt awful.

Mrs. Holmes continues: "Javier, you should be thankful he didn't. Chad would have been so hurt. But whether or not he knows isn't exactly the point. Why make fun of someone if you know you might end up hurting him? Remember that 'feelings are everywhere-be gentle' with your speech."

She's right. I'd have felt really bad if Chad had heard what I said about him. I know how it feels to be teased and I don't want anyone else to go through that. Next time, I'll remember that "Feeling are everywhere-be gentle." It's not cool to have fun by making fun of others. It's mean and hurtful and not who I want to be.  

Teacher Information

Maxim

  • "Feelings are everywhere-be gentle."
    J. Masai

Featured character trait

  • Kindness-I realize that my actions affect others and I try to do what is best for them.

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

  •  Concern for others-I care about others and want them to be happy.
  • Empathy-I am able to see the world through others' eyes and feel what they are feeling
  • Compassion-I care about the suffering of others and I try to ease their pain.
  • Love-I want to do what is best for others because I care about them.
  • Humility-I realize that I am not perfect; I am aware of my faults, and I try to improve.

Discussion starters / journal writing prompts

  • Does this story seem realistic?
  • Does teasing happen often at our school?
  • If someone is talking about another person behind his/her back and what he/she is saying is accurate, is it OK? Is it necessary? Is it kind?
  • Does the information have to be untrue for it to be hurtful?
  • If Chad really does have bad breath, is there a kind way that Javier could let him know? What are some ways he could handle the situation that might help Chad, instead of just making fun?
  • How do you feel about yourself when someone catches you making fun of him/her?
  • How do you think that other person feels?
  • Would you want to be friends with someone who had a reputation for making mean and cruel comments about others?
  • Do you think you are more likely to earn friends by being kind or by making funny, yet unkind, comments about others?
  • What are some reasons that people make fun of other people?
  • How can you stand up to a friend who is saying mean things about someone?

Related Links

Extending the Conversation

Have students brainstorm a list of hurtful things that kids say to one another and write it on the board. Next to the list, come up with a list of how it feels to be treated that way. Talk about how you want to erase those hurtful words and feelings from your school and classroom. Have students brainstorm nice things to say to one another and how you feel when you are complimented. As a class, come up with a "Kind Words" pledge. Have students write it out and sign it. Hang their signed pledges up in the room as reminders.