Why teach these words?
I decided to directly teach two words that are difficult for elementary students...or really anybody to understand. I always open up discussing the words and then directly stating my definition for the words. I also use read alouds and give examples to help students understand. The two words are: RESPECT and RESPONSIBILITY!
Respect
Aretha may have taught you how to spell it, but many can't define it and most don't practice it. I know many talk about the Golden Rule, you know..."Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you." OR "Treat others as you would want to be treated." You have also have heard of the Platinum Rule: "Treat others they way They want to be treated." I tell my students that these are not good enough for the word Respect. My rule on Respect is: Treat others as THEY SHOULD be treated.
I usually have to explain this. I usually say: just because something doesn't bother you, it may bother others. If someone asks you to stop or to not do something, then being respectful is to do what they asked. Sometimes a student would ask, "So you should do what anybody says you should do?" I usually say, Respect isn't about getting someone to do something, but to treat others better than maybe you even would treat yourself. I also make sure to tell everyone, that if someone is doing something you don't like or someone is annoying you, than that person needs to speak up and communicate how they feel. People sometimes aren't given the opportunity to show respect when people don't communicate what is bothering them. I have even more recently heard of: Treat others by what is the highest and best way to treat others. I like to share a read aloud: Teammates by Peter Golenbock. In Teammates, Jackie Robinson joins the Dodgers and treated horribly. A teammate PeeWee Reese stands up and shows respect for Jackie on the field. I also give students the opportunity to act out being respectful in different scenarios.
Responsible
Often, when we think of being responsible, we think about taking care of your "things." I like to start a discussion of what are their responsibilities. I usually talk about taking responsibility for your things and your actions. We make a t-chart of their examples into these two categories.
I also like to talk about when you are responsible you prioritize things you have to do, so you complete the important things first. My class motto is: "Work hard, Play Hard." We do this as a call and response. I also like to use a read aloud and analyze how the characters show or do not show responsibility. Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing by Judy Blume is a great way to show responsibility through the character of Peter. He takes care of his turtle, and he has to work on a group project.
Teach and Reinforce
After teaching these words, it is important to reinforce them throughout the year. If you have to talk to students who are having problems with each other, go over the definition of respect. If you have a student not completing work, talk about the definition of responsibility. I have these as my rules: 1. Be Respectful 2. Be Responsible. You can really fit any other rule under these rules.
Implications
I believe if everyone would embody these 2 words, so many of our worlds problems could be solved. This is the main reason why I make sure my students understand and practice these words.
