William F. Natale Jr.
For each objective that I list I will try to relate it somewhat to the child’s position in the family.
The objectives for this unit are as follows:
First,
to help create in each child a positive self-image or a good feeling about himself
. Many inner-city school children have very low self-esteem. A
parent
who has no job or who is having much trouble paying bills and buying food, or one who is receiving welfare has much social stigma placed on them for not being able to make it in today’s world. Some of these parents have few good feelings about themselves to “pass on” to their children.
Self-esteem is educationally relevant because, “The persistence with which we pursue our dreams is sometimes an indication of how much worth we place upon ourselves.”
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Second,
to help create in
each child a sense of value and belongingness as a member of society. I believe that the children who write on the walls of schools or damage its property do not feel that they are an important part of that school. So also the child who commits suicide or other destructive acts feels of little value and very isolated.
Third,
to develop in children a better awareness of
themselves, of their needs and their values
. By helping children to be aware of heir values and needs we are inviting them to become introspective about themselves and their families, not for the sake of finding fault or inadequacies but for the sake of clarification and to understand better how they fit into the larger social setting.
Fourth,
to develop in children an awareness and concern for other members of society, their needs and problems
. If children fail to look at parents’ attitudes on a certain issue, there may be misunderstanding and hostility. By trying to be aware of another’s concerns, either those of another family member or someone in society at large, a person will be able to make more rational decisions and to construct less hostile relationships.
Fifth,
to facilitate growth in all academic areas by an increase of positive self
-
image and lessening of tensions in the student’s environment
. Most teachers are well aware that many times a child comes to class brooding about a family concern and can hardly muster the attention needed to learn the correct placement of decimal points.
Sixth,
to develop positive social attitudes through a greater self
-
respect and respect for others
. A child who has no respect for himself is not going to be in a position to treat his parents, siblings or friends with respect.
Seventh,
to improve communication skills
. Many family members have a sincere affection and concern for one another. Disagreements and misunderstandings often are a result of poor communication rather than of major differences in beliefs or values.
These are objectives that almost everyone has seen before and probably agrees with. But nothing seems to be done specifically to achieve them. It is as though we expect them to be achieved incidentally somehow by themselves. The strategies presented in this unit will provide some concrete ways to help achieve them.