February WE ARE 1 TEAM Character Trait

Let Your Friend Shine

Parent Newsletter

The latest We Are One Team Character Play (lesson) is “Let Your Friend Shine”.  The goal of this lesson is to teach students to be courteous to their friends and classmates by allowing others the opportunity to shine or be in the spotlight.  Students all need time to speak and be heard, to answer questions, and to do a valued task.  When students “Let Others Shine,” the whole team benefits.  Successful teams work together, share, do their part, and let others have a part.  By initiating the thought processes of self-control and respect for others, students will see that it is possible to take turns in the spotlight. This learned behavior of shifting the focus from one’s self to others will begin to eradicate the “all about me” mentality and create a sense of belonging in the classroom and school.  Remember- Be a part of the team, not the whole team!

During this lesson, the students will learn how to “Let Others Shine” in multiple settings, such as, the classroom, lining up for lunch, at the lunch table, playing at recess, or going home on the bus.  There are plenty of times during the day that students can be gracious and courteous to others.  This is a shift away from “it’s all about me” and a shift to We Are One Team to be our best TOGETHER.  The great thing about this mindset shift is that kids will start to relax as they realize that they too will get a time to shine and won’t be left out, because “We All Matter!”

At home, take time to let your child shine as they share stories about their day.  Also, help them stay focused on how they are letting others shine and have their own turn.  I hope you enjoy letting your child be in the spotlight as they learn to shift their focus from themselves to others.

Thanks,

James E. Jones, MBA

National Youth Motivational Speaker and Founder of the We Are One Team Character Program –