It's May, and this month Spartans from age 3 through Grade 12 are learning about and putting into practice commitment, which is defined as making a plan and putting it into practice. Help reinforce St. Johns' commitment Character Foundations lessons at home in a variety of ways.
Say It.
First off, help your young Spartan remember the word, commitment, and what it means.
Know It.
Parents, ask your children:
- Think about the upcoming summer break. While you are looking forward to vacations, camps, etc., what are some things that you need to commit to work on or practice this summer?
- Set out to create a solid plan so that you can stay committed to your goals and be successful. What might your plan include?
Kids, as your parents:
- What were some goals that you had when you were a child? What did the plan look like to achieve those goals?
- Now, share a goal that you are committed to now that you are an adult. Explain the ways that you are working toward achieving this goal and how you’re committed to this plan
See It.
As a family, watch this YouTube video together this month. This short clip showcases inspirational quotes from Bethany Hamilton. She is the inspiration
for the movie Soul Surfer. She talks a lot about staying committed even when things get tough or you are afraid. Even though she went through a very scary experience, she uses her experience to inspire others.
Be It.
This month brainstorm with your family some situations that you are in or will be in at school, work, home, church, etc. that will require determination. Preferably discuss things that will require long term determination. Possible situations might be a major test coming up in school, a presentation that must be made at work, a big game next week, etc. Provide each other with support and love while everyone sets out to finish what they started.
Read It.
You can also spend some time this month reading about commitment, either together or solo. Check out some of these titles for Spartans of all ages:
Lower School:
- The Little Red Fort by Brenda Maier (PK-2)
- Izzy Gizmo and the Invention Convention by Pip Jones (K-3)
- Dex: The Heart of a Hero by Caralyn Buehner (K-3)
- Mailing May by Michael O. Tunnell (K-5)
- Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu
by Laurie Ann Thompson (K-5) - Diana’s White House Garden by Elisa Carbone (K-5)
- Isabel’s Car Wash by Sheila Bair (1-3)
- The Potato King by Christoph Niemann (1-3)
- Violet Mackerel’s Pocket Protest by Anna Branford (1-4)
- Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13 by Helaine Becker (1-5)
- Between the Lines: How Ernie Barnes Went from the Football Field to the Art Gallery by Sandra Neil Wallace (1-5)
- Ada’s Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay
by Susan Hood (2-5) - The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons
by Natascha Biebow (2-5) - That Book Woman by Heather Henson (2-5)
- One Hen: How One Small Hen Made a Difference by Katie Smith Milway (2-5)
- Countdown: 2979 Days to the Moon by Suzanne Slade (4-6)
- Holes by Lois Sachar (Grades 5-8)
- Single Shard by Linda Sue Park (Grades 5-8)
Middle & Upper School:
- Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos (Grades 5-8)
- Holes by Lois Sachar (Grades 5-8)
- Single Shard by Linda Sue Park (Grades 5-8)
- The Midwife’s Apprentice by Karen Cushman (Grades 6-9)
- First Part Last by Angela Johnson (Grades 8-12)
- Sunrise Over Fallujah by Walter Dean Myers (Grades 8-12)
- Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson (Grades 8-12)
- Forever by Judy Blume (Grades 9-12)
- Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein (Grades 9-12)
- Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver (Grades 9-12)