Goodrich — At Oaktree Elementary, education is more than reading, writing, and ‘rithmetic, thank you.
Included in Oaktree curriculum is Character Education. This year, students are practicing saying “thank you” and learning how to properly meet and greet.
Class discussion and hallway bulletin boards are good reminders, says Oaktree fifth-grader Samantha Shelley.
“Sometimes if they pass out a paper or pencils I say thanks, and I usually didn’t before,” said Samantha, 10.
Although Character Education usually begins at home, students say they learn more when it’s continued at school.
Looking a person in the eye is only part of the conversation etiquette Samantha has learned.
“When I meet someone I shake hands and say hi,” she said.
Justin Giegler, 11, practices such social skills as asking about another’s hobbies or common interests so “they’re not like a stranger,” he said.
Annalysa Jernigan, 11, thinks Character Education is “really important.”
“I think that you should always thank people if they do something or you do something for them—that’s really nice,” she said.
In addition to classroom emphasis, Character Education happens happens elsewhere. Annalysa recalls hearing bus drivers remind kids about practicing proper Character Education, she said.
According to the Oaktree Character Education Plan, even those without specific classroom responsibilities should expect students to demonstrate positive character traits.
Beginning in January, students will learn how to give and receive compliments. In March, Oaktree staff will begin emphasizing citizenship, including taking care of the school and community.