Student Leadership 14
A possible model for developing student character, leadership understanding and skills.
The enhancement of understanding leadership, character, skills and practice needs intentional development.
One of the ways that younger students can develop these things is through a “Class Meeting” model.
The Class Meeting provides young children with the opportunity to discuss and learn about community and world issues outside their own world and to expand their capacity to understand and critique the views and perspectives of others. It also helps in creating a more engaging and respectful community. It develops good character attributes and good relational and practical skills.
How does it work?
It’s best to have a regular scheduled time – maybe 30-40 minutes once or twice per week.
Have an agenda posted in the classroom which can be added to, with teacher permission, prior to the meeting. These may be International, National topics or School related issues where students might contribute to good school culture. The topics will be monitored by the classroom teacher.
Provide leadership opportunities for students through chairing and leading a Class Meeting. Students can take turns in leading the meeting (an individual or pair)
Provide practice of responsibility and summation of key points through the recording role. Students can take turns in recording the key points from the meeting (again an individual or pair)
Assist children to understand and accept that people’s views, perspective and values may differ from their own and these can be expressed, explored and discussed without personal insults.
Develop clear thinking and articulate expression
Provide opportunities for children in speaking, listening, contributing and reflecting.
Sitting in a circle helps to facilitate easier discussion and everyone can see each other
It is not compulsory for all children to speak or contribute their thoughts. Rotating though the circle giving everyone the opportunity with a 60 second time limit, is a good initial practice.
Skills For Effective Class Meetings
- Prayer
- Practicing gratitude, compliments and appreciations.
- Respecting differences.
- Using respectful communication skills.
- Focusing on understanding and providing suggestions for progress and action.
More detail about how this might work next week.
Blessings
Brian