Our Centers for Ethics:

Weekly writing prompt

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March 1 - 7, 2009 March Is Women's History Month Analyzing the words of influential women in American history, students will reflect on women of importance in their lives. Test your knowledge of Women's History »

Write or discuss it! Foundations for Life gives teachers an easy way to improve students' critical thinking and composition skills. Each of these weekly prompts comes with a maxim illuminating an ethical issue. Students can analyze it and apply it to current events and their own lives, through discussion or writing. Each prompt also references at least one of the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. As a result, students can easily tie the author’s words to community values. Suggestions for using the prompts:

• Read the biographies in the Teacher’s Resource.
• Present the maxim to the students.
• Briefly discuss:
  •   What did the author mean?
  •   Can you think of ways the statement applies to something in your life?
• Point out the Pillar related to the maxim.
• Present the writing prompt to the students and have them answer these questions in their draft book or other format.

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Elementary level

"The here and now is all we have, and if we play it right it's all we’ll need.
— Ann Richards, former governor of Texas (b. 1933)

Focus Pillar: Respect
Think of a special woman who impacts your life. Now think of her in terms of the quote from Ann Richards. What has she done to make each day special? Your job is to nominate her for "Woman of the Year," giving her a special place in history. Write a proposal to your classmates persuading them to nominate your chosen female role model. Be sure to include:

• Background information about your chosen woman
• Reasons to nominate her
  — How does she impact your life?
  — What are her special qualities?
  — Which of the Six Pillars does she model the best?
  — Why should people besides you vote for her?

Secondary level

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.
— Helen Keller, blind and deaf American author and educator (1880-1968)

Focus Pillar: Respect
You have been asked to make a documentary film about a woman you know who has overcome great challenges to achieve personal success. Create an outline of topics that belong in this film. Be sure to include the following action items:

• Her background
• Her achievements
• The kinds of success she has attained (Wealth is not the only measure of success.)
• How she affects your life and the lives of others
• The Six Pillars she models best

Extension: Use media center (if available) to allow students to film their documentary.

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