Monday, April 11, 2011
Teachable Moment
After returning from spring break, I was asking some of my PE classes what they did over spring break that was active or fun. I was scanning my class and noticed one of my students got her hair cut significantly. I made the comment that she did and she was beaming. She said she donated her hair to Locks of Love. Some of my male students reacted by saying "ick" or "yuck." I knew I couldn't let this moment pass without some further explanation. What she had done wasn't the least bit disgusting, but rather a self-less act of kindness. I asked her to come up and stand by me in front of the class. I asked my class if anyone knew what Locks of Love was all about? One of my students explained "It is when you cut your hair and you donate your locks, which is your hair to kids who don't have any." I explained further that often times cancer patient lose their hair. People donate their hair and it is used to make wigs. I told them that there are many people who grow their hair out and donate it for this cause and that it wasn't gross. I told them that instead of wasting your hair and throwing it away, you could actually help out other people by donating it. It was an interesting opportunity to teach my students about helping others. It's neat when these moments happen unexpectedly and your students can learn a valuable life lesson.
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Thank you for doing that. It seems with all the after school activities such as sports, tutors, video games, etc, students don't see what types of things people do to help out others or the community. We are so worried as teachers to get the standards in and rush to get everything in that sometimes we forget about those life lessons that really matter. I told my students every day is Earth Day and asked them what they did to help on Earth Day and everyday. Several students informed me that they had never picked up trash or planted a tree, so we spent time talking about other small ways we can help. The more times we encourage students to be helpful and considerate the better! Good Work!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree about rushing to get everything in and how we often miss out on the life lessons. I also think about if we don't take advantage of those opportunities to teach our students life lessons, as sad as it is, some may never learn them.
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