Bellringer Award: "Reflective Journal"

Joan Easterling, Mount Olive Elementary, Covington County

K-6th Inclusion/Resource/Special Education

Each week a character building topic is chosen and each morning a motivational quote, poem, verse or short story is written on the board. Each student writes a brief description or draws a picture depicting the meaning of the chosen verse or story and how it relates to their life. Each entry concludes with a pledge to abide by the moral code of the given topic and a short list of things that could be done to promote this type of character throughout the day. Example: "I pledge to be courteous today. To be courteous, I can open the door for someone and I can say thank you to the cafeteria workers at lunch." At the end of the week, entries are used as subject matter for an hour-long character education session.

This activity allows students to begin the day with a plan that includes a positive attitude as well as a list of designated goals. With these objectives established at the day's start, the day is generally more productive and students are more willing to learn.