This weeks content focused on Macro-structures instead of Micro-moments. The thought behind Macro-structures is that character strengths should be practiced regularly and intentionally, making clear links between the actual activity and the strength it is supposed to better understand or embody. The part that really led to my epiphany (but first to a little bit of fear) was to make these activities and structures dual purpose. That is, to make these structures within the framework of course content and learning objectives but making clear, meaningful ties to character strengths.
And initially, as mentioned, I was a little fearful of this. Not because I didn't like this idea. But rather, because it sounds really challenging. It's difficult enough to make meaningful, engaging lessons that have strong objectives and assessments; to have clear ties to course content and curriculum objectives. And now I'm supposed to use these lessons to make my students better, more successful people too? That seems a daunting task.
And here's the epiphany (warning, I may have built it up to be more than it is using the word 'epiphany' three [now four] whole times, but its very meaningful to me.) Here it is: most content is about people. The things we teach our students have to do with learning about the world and surviving and thriving in it. Whether this means discussing people of the past or people of the future, or your students' place in any of that, its all about people! And so framing your history lessons, not as "John Cabot was a good or bad man because he did this or this or this" but rather "John Cabot should real grit when he made the major journey across the Atlantic Ocean. Why is this grit? How did his grit affect those around him? Would you have made the same decisions that he made if you were in that same situation?" In your math lesson, you're not telling your students to use particular strategies or to just "get it done". But instead you ask them how they should approach this problem? What skills will they need? What character strengths with they build and strengthen? Ask students what their classmates are doing? What character strengths they are showcasing?
And in changing the language you use and restructuring the way you look at content, you build enormous amounts of social intelligence. Students learn who they are and how they got there. They recognize positive and negative traits in themselves and those around them. And most of all, the build empathy. They learn to understand a world of situations and understanding the reasons behind why people do what they do. And that is an incredibly powerful tool.
In case you haven't already, check out this amazing online course here!
Scary task for the week: embody a new character strength every day for a week (zest, grit, self-control, optimism, gratitude, social intelligence, curiosity)
Thanks for reading folks! Have an inspiring week!