Using Fairy Tales to Debate Ethics
by guest editor Elaine L. Lindy
What better way to spark a spirited classroom debate on ethics than by exploring the complex messages often found in fairy tales? In this Education World story, guest editor Elaine L. Lindy introduces three tales "Puss in Boots," " Jack and the Beanstalk," and a Tibetan tale, "From the Elephant Pit" -- that can be used for starters! Included: Tips for managing an ethics debate in the elementary or middle school classroom!
Teacher Crowned Miss America 2001: An Education World e-Interview
An elementary school gym teacher is the new Miss America. Angela Perez Baraquio says schools need to infuse character education into the daily culture of every school. This week, Education World and Ms. Baraquio discussed character education and other issues facing educators. Included: Baraquio talks about teacher pay, who inspired her to become a teacher, and being the first Asian American to wear the Miss America crown!
Books of Character: Eighteen Books for Teaching About Character Across the Grades
Every year, across the country, people celebrate National Character Counts Week during the third week of October. Teachers have a great opportunity to initiate discussion and projects that examine the meaning of character. Today, Education World offers a selection of books that might be used -- in or out of the classroom -- to spark discussion about character. Included: Eighteen titles arranged by age level and a link to a list of more than 200 other titles for teaching about character!
One Character Education Program That Works!
Many schools, lacking the time and resources required to develop their own character education curricula, are instead turning to established programs that have proven successful in other school districts. Read about one such program ---recently adopted by schools in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania--- in which the whole community is involved.
Is Character Education the Answer?
As incidents of in-school violence become more common, and strict disciplinary techniques and increased security measures fail to control the problem, many parents, educators, politicians, and social leaders are looking for reliable methods of prevention. Is character education the answer?
