Celebrating Character Day in Lower School
What would it look like to have people around the globe devote one day to talking about character? Let it Ripple, a filmmaking team, led the initiative of starting Character Day three years ago, and on September 22, students in Lower School joined in the celebration along with thousands of others around the globe.
Let it Ripple’s goal is to use film, technology, discussion materials, and live and virtual events to engage people in conversation and action that help develop character strengths (grit, empathy, humor, gratitude, etc.). What started in 2014 with 1,500 schools and organizations in 32 countries has grown to 90,000 events in 124 countries, and all 50 states. Let it Ripple offers a wealth of resources including short engaging films about character and discussion materials including 10 daily practices to strengthen character and a periodic table of character strengths.
Grade 2 teacher Alisa Ronis and her students took advantage of the online resources and celebrated by watching “The Science of Character” and discussed questions such as: "Tell about a time you showed courage or took a risk?," "How do you feel when you help someone?," "Who do you admire most in the world?," and "Why are mistakes considered learning opportunities?"
Students also wrote letters to children inJacmel Children’s Center, an orphanage in Haiti started by a friend of Ms. Ronis’ three years ago.
“The students in my classroom loved writing letters to the kids in Haiti and many wanted their parents to donate to the orphanage. Now with Hurricane Matthew, the students are wondering if the kids are OK and what they can do to help,” said Ms. Ronis.
Students also wrote letters to children inJacmel Children’s Center, an orphanage in Haiti started by a friend of Ms. Ronis’ three years ago.
“The students in my classroom loved writing letters to the kids in Haiti and many wanted their parents to donate to the orphanage. Now with Hurricane Matthew, the students are wondering if the kids are OK and what they can do to help,” said Ms. Ronis.
Some other examples of how students in Lower School celebrated Character Day include:
- Tiny Torreys read Pete the Cat: I love My White Shoes for storytime.
- Junior Kindergartners made cards for kids with cancer.
- Kindergartners read the story Miss Rumphius and talked about forming friendships around the world. They discussed the repeating theme of the book, "you must do something to make your world more beautiful."
- Grade 3 discussed Grimm's fairy tale The Fisherman and His Wife. Students shared their opinions on the tale and the behavior of the old woman, the husband and the enchanted fish.
- Third graders also made cards of appreciation and gratitude for employees of the school and their families.
- In computer science class, students were reminded about dignity, teamwork, innovation and perseverance.
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La Jolla, CA 92037
858-453-3440
© 2024 La Jolla Country Day School
Privacy Policy
COVID-19 Prevention Plan
