Saturday, June 28, 2014

Wrong Message Parents & Teachers Are Sending Our Kids

ASCD 's new initiative is the "Whole Child."  Maybe we should pay more attention to that initiative  because a new study from Harvard University reveals that adults' main messages to children are achievement and happiness but not character education or empathy.  We adults may mean to encourage moral development of children, that's not the message they are hearing.  The author of the study, Richard Weissbourd, said he was surprised by the results.  The study does have some positive statements, however.  Parents are recommended to provide opportunities for caring as part of daily living.  Parents also are recommended to help their children channel negatives feelings.  Talking is not enough.  Teachers in school can also model these behaviors.

Why Kids Care More About Achievement Than Helping Others.  Jessica Lahey.  6.25.14. The Atlantic - Education.,
http://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2014/06/most-kids-believe-that-achievement-trumps-empathy/373378/

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