September, 2009
Dear Parents of First Graders,
In Social Studies this year, the first grade students are focusing on personal development. We are using the I.S.B. WE CARE (Character and Respect Education) program as a resource. This month the students are learning about the character trait of RESPONSIBILITY.
What is RESPONSIBILITY?
Responsible people do what they are supposed to do. They think about what effects their actions have on others, and they accept the consequences of their choices. They use self-control. They work hard and do their best.
Some ways children can show responsibility at school are: coming to school on time, doing their homework and returning it, having the appropriate folders, bringing their hats to school every day, taking care of materials, cleaning up after themselves, learning to problem solve when conflict arises and trying their hardest to do their best work.
Ideas for Teaching Responsibility At Home
One of the most important challenges parents face is to help our children develop strong characters based on good values. Below are a few simple ideas adapted from Brighter Vision Publications.
1. Let your children do things for themselves. Parents can encourage independence by letting their children do things for themselves. Parents should praise children for doing things on their own. If you have a caregiver/nanny, talk to them about letting your child take care of their own materials, carry their bags, organize themselves for school, etc. Give your child the opportunity to act responsibility. Set goals for responsible behavior at home-take care of their toys, show self-control when angry, and so on. Help your child take responsibility for one or two chores. Make a simple job chart and mark it each time he or she completes the chores.
2. Use the word responsibility with your child. This way your child will become familiar with the concept and absorb the word into his/her vocabulary. Talk often about being responsible, using examples from your own life and the world around you.
3. Tell your child that you want him/her to be responsible. You expect it. Reward responsible behavior and discourage irresponsible behavior with fair, consistent consequences. If you notice your child, yourself or others acting responsibly or irresponsibly, point this out to your child. Talk about who is being responsible. Talk about the consequences of the behavior, both positive and negative.
3. Be careful and conscious about setting a good example of being responsible in everything you do and say. What you do and don’t do sends a message to your child.
Sincerely, The First Grade Teachers