Character development is just as important to daily life as reading, writing and math at Fairfield Elementary School. In fact, the academic subjects support the school’s character education program.
This year’s theme is perspective taking. Previous year-long messages focused on growth mindset, respect and kindness, and building relationships.
Assistant Principal Megan Pavlick said that perspective taking builds on last year’s theme by further strengthening relationships. Students learn to look beyond themselves and consider how other people feel. Communication is more success when understanding how another person sees the world and views and experience, she explained.
“Students and staff sign the Fairfield Pledge to make others feel seen and valued through respect and kindness,” Ms. Pavlick said. “A skill within making others feel seen and valued is considering their perspective. Successful understanding of a person’s perspective requires asking and listening with an open heart and mind.”
This lesson is being reinforced through literature. In October, teachers read “They All Saw A Cat” to their students. As the cat walks the world, it is seen by different creatures, each seeing and perceiving it differently. In follow-up discussions, teachers asked their students how different animals like the fox and the fish felt when they saw the cat. Children then reflected on how they see themselves, and how they think other people see them.
November’s book is “Elephant in the Dark.” Ms. Pavlick explained that she researched books that had lessons related to this year’s theme and could spark classroom conversations and unique thinking.
