Leesville Road Middle School Character Education Student Comments and Poems
At Leesville Road Middle School in Raleigh, students are taught character education from the very beginning of the school year, often through integrated literature-based lesson plans. Here are a few selections from the writings of Dr. Mirka Christesen's seventh-grade language arts students on the importance of character education.
Students should be taught character education because it would help them in everything they do.--Christian
Some people say, "We don't need anything extra on our backs," but usually they are the people who get in fights.--Jenny
It would be best if students were taught character education when young because they would develop a habit of using it by the time they become adults.--Sabrina
Without character education, the schools would be just like in Ray Bradbury's "All Summer in a Day." The boys and girls would be fighting, arguing and insulting each other.--Zac
Responsibility is the most important trait for all children to learn. Students would be more consistent with their homework and classwork. It should help them learn better study habits. Responsibility would make students have better grades, which would give them a better opportunity for having a good career later in life.--Krystin
Students also need to learn respect because you can't teach someone who is rude and disruptive.--Tashsa
Poems written by teams of students for one of Dr. Christesen's character education projects.
Courage
Courage is a warrior, brave, strong and proud.
It is fiery tiger in a rage,
An eagle soaring over peril
Or a mountain standing tall, persevering through the ages.
Courage is the strength to go on against the northern wind.
It is the spirit of doing what's right.
Courage is a good companion
Sometimes hiding behind the shield of the everyday.
Courage is there when the world turns its back on your.
You go on in spite of everyone laughing in your face.
Courage dwells deep in the soul
And often comes out when you're not at ease.
Courage is a husky friend
Who puts his arms around you,
Chasing your fears away.
The Little Guardian
Self-discipline is a cautious little fellow
Whose whistle may be annoying,
But who is simply there
To teach you to do the right thing.
This tough little guardian dwells
In the lighthouse of your soul
Ready to keep its light bright,
Showing you the right path.
If you ignore him for a while,
He may get really mad and hide
And he'll be really difficult to find.
If you neglect him, imagine that,
You may quickly find yourself on the wrong path.
Eating M&M's by tons or fudge and pies,
Without self-discipline could occur,
As switching channels, skipping or playing all day,
These could crush the little tough man.
But in most cases he comes back,
He'll appear sneaky like a cat,
And he will make himself comfortable and stay
And you know what?
To your surprise,
You will welcome him with open arms.