Pereira,+Marcus

Module #1

A vital point of the movie in which heredity and environment play a crucial part is when Derek is having dinner with his family and his father plants a seed in his head about the fact that he ought to be careful with African Americans. Even though Derek wasn’t yet racist, whatever one’s father and/or idol tells you when you are young and innocent is worth gold. In this particular case, Derek’s father is unfortunately killed by an Afro American, therefore heredity and the environment play a fundamental role in his decision to be part of a Neo – Nazi group; on one side he had his father’s influence and on the other side what the environment had done to him.

Another interesting part of when nurture overcomes nature is the pressure which Danny feels by being the younger brother of Derek, even if deep inside he may not want to be part of this organization; he ought to emulate and adopt the skinhead Nazi mentality of his older brother / father figure. There’s a great quote which portrays what I previously mentioned and it’s when Danny says “People look at me and see my brother…”. Here is a great example of why it is essential to have character and be able to say “no”.

There were various crucial parts where mentoring played an imperative role; such as when Sweeney visits Derek in prison and ends up guiding him in the right path by helping Derek become aware of his prior actions and makes him realize the influence he has on his brother. Sweeney was committed to never give up on both brothers no matter their beliefs or mentality; I strongly feel that this type of dedication ought to be embedded in teachers, and that no matter what kind of a challenge a student may offer, one ought to be there for the student’s need. A turning point in the movie is when Derek sits his brother and says to him “I just need you to understand, I’m not going to tell you what to do….you make your decisions in your life”. This particular part of the movie for me is critical since it is when Danny’s idol tells him that he was in the wrong all along, and makes him more aware of the fact that we are all equal and that it is a complete waste of time to feel hatred towards others simply because of their race or beliefs.

To conclude, I believe that when a student or person is under the appropriate guidance or influence they will become more conscious of their actions and therefore become better citizens. As a teacher, it is extremely important for us to realize the positive or negative impact we may have on many individuals, hence we ought to be perceptive with our words and actions.

Here are two quotes which I personally think fit wonderfully with this essay. The first is by a Swiss psychiatrist and the second was an inspirational American writer and lecturer:

“Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves “ ** Carl Jung **

“Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain but it takes character and self control to be understanding and forgiving” ** Dale Carnegie **

Module #2 V iolence - Prediction, Prevention and Intervention - Myth vs Reality - Write 5 Sentences about your reaction to the statistical data showing the trend below. (Remember your initial estimate on violence in the last 30 Years.)



My initial estimate on violence over the past 30 years was a steady increase. I strongly believe that the reason for this prediction is due to the fact that nowadays there are more ways to exhibit violence. I was initially shocked when I saw the actual trend on violence slowly decrease over the past three decades. The more education a person has the more likely he or she is to be less violent.

Module #3 Hearts and Minds Describe three things you plan to do in your teaching practice to reduce stress and win the Hearts and Minds of your students and co workers.

I have already been implementing strategies with my students such as: 1. Getting to know my students as individuals (they really feel that I care for them, and not just see them as a number) 2. Emotional and social connection 3. Connect with the students and make the lessons more interactive and fun by implementing humor :)

Module #4 Do the Personality Prototype test with another person. Discuss what the results mean. When you Teach you learn. Tell us on this site what you learned by sharing PP Results with another person.

I performed the Personality Prototype test on my mother. The results came out almost exactly as I had thought, we came out with almost exactly the same results, with Creative Problem Solver being the highest followed by People Person. My mum and I shared the results and had a bit of a laugh because friends of ours and family have always told us that we are very alike. A nice outcome to this test was that we are more alike than we thought, and therefore we both made an agreement to understand each other better. I personally feel that as we teach, we learn more about ourselves, become better learners, and more perceptive towards others.

Module #5 Moral Dilemma - Develop a MD for use in your teaching practice. Outline it here. Use any lesson plan style or outline that you might have for your class / subject / or grade level. Describe your audience, age, demographic and what you will do.

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">I will teach the Moral Dilemma of why it is important to be honest. This lesson will be directed to my second grade class. Their age range is between 7-8 years, and their mother tongue is Spanish.

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Every Friday afternoon for about 30 minutes, I sit down in a circle with my second grade class on the carpet and we do a “Tribes activity”. I feel this is an important part of education. We all learn and share values such as being respectful, right to pass, always giving your personal best, and no put downs.

<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">I feel that many ethical dilemmas have a clear logical choice, but present an issue because of the intense emotional weight presented by the problem.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;"> I personally like the students to try and figure out what the lesson may be about, so I would start by reading the following paragraph to the students:

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">**__The boy Who Cried Wolf__**

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">In "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" the shepherd boy gets bored watching his sheep all afternoon. All they do is munch, munch, munch, and say "Baaaaa". The shepherd boy tries to get the sheep to play games with him, but they aren't interested. Finally, he thinks of a plan to spice up life in the pasture. He cries that a wolf is after his sheep, and all of the townspeople come running. The shepherd boy spends the rest of the afternoon playing with one of his friends. After the wild success of this trick, the shepherd boy cries the next day that there are //two// wolves after his sheep. Again, the townspeople come running. But when //three// wolves really do come, will the shepherd boy get the help he needs?

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">**Objectives**
 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Students will discuss honesty and responsibility.
 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Students will make personal connections with the text.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Discuss responsibility with students. Guiding questions:
 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Define responsibility.
 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">What responsibilities do you have at home?
 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">What happens if you don't fulfill your responsibilities?
 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Have you ever been dishonest because you didn't want to take care of your responsibility? What happened?

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">**After Reading Activities**

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Discuss honesty with the students. Guiding questions:
 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">What is honesty and why is it important?
 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">How did the shepherd boy's dishonesty hurt him? How did it endanger his sheep?
 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">What do you think the townspeople will do if wolves come again?
 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">How can the shepherd boy gain back the trust of the townspeople?

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Next, guide students through making connections between the text and their own lives. Ask:
 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Have you ever been dishonest before? Why?
 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">What happened when you were dishonest? Did anyone ever find out? Was anyone else hurt or affected by your dishonesty?
 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">What did you have to do to gain back the trust of the people you were dishonest with?
 * <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">If you have never been dishonest, what were the benefits of telling the truth?

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Close the discussion by talking with students about how lies often lead to other lies. Present scenarios in which the students have a choice between telling the truth and telling a lie. I would then let them practice role-playing telling the truth in sticky situations.

<span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Module #6 <span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Post 2 "I" messages - (positive) comment on the reactions of the people that you used for the "I" message. Remember it MUST have Behavior, Consequence of the Behavior, and a feeling. 2. Post 1 "I" Message (negative or corrective) This does not need to be delivered but you must share the circumstances that lead up to the "I" message.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">**__Positive "I" messages:__**

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">The following two "I" messages I have used with a girl with whom I hope a relationship blossoms one day....

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">1) When you look deeply into my eyes, my soul lightens up and I feel happy and fortunate.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">2) When you tell me that you are going to visit me in Medellin, it will allow our relationship to strengthen, and I feel serenity.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">__**Negative "I" message:**__

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">1) When you change the tone of your voice, I get worried and I feel like I have done something hurtful. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">(My mum tends to express herself at times with a loud/ strong tone and I feel that I may have done something to hurt her).

<span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Module #7 1. Open a copy of the book IN STEPP. Read the Chapter on Time Management. Including Ben's Story. 2. Go to this Web Site. [|Values and Stuff] Explore the links that you find on the page. 3. In the upper left of the page, under the heading of tools look for the Mission Statement builder. Click on the link. 4. Then when the MSB page opens click on the link on the far right of the page (Your Values) and build a mission statement. 5. Post a copy of your mission Statement on your wiki page.

<span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">**__My Mission Statement:__**

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">//**I am an optimistic, affectionate and thoughtful person who breaths happiness and inner peace.**//
<span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Module #8 Select any one additional chapter to read. (Not Time Management) Describe the Chapter you read and your reaction to the chapter. Pick one activity from the book and describe how you will use this for Conflict Resolution InSteppPrintedVersion.pdf

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">I decided to read the chapter on " Managing Relationships" for three reasons. Firstly, because I feel that it is vital for me to improve these skills as I am the role model for twenty-two children, and I need to interact with various adults on a regular basis. Secondly, for a personal reason, I wanted to explore and find out more on this interesting topic, as I have questioned myself as to why when I start to go out with a woman, I get easily disappointed or bored within a short period of time.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">As human beings we need to communicate and therefore have relationships with others, some may be of great or lower intensity and the role which they play in our lives may vary; whatever be the circumstance, it is an essential part of our life. As a second grade teacher I am an important role model for the students, and therefore need to be careful of my actions. Conflicts usually occur when there is some kind of misunderstanding, therefore it is vital for us to be more conscious of our words and clear when explaining a concept or idea.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">A part of the passage which I found interesting was when it talks about the difficulties in relationships. It mentions that when our expectations are not met, disappointment appears. This has happened to me on various occasions in relationships. Unconsciously, I expect my partner to behave and act in a similar way to me. When this doesn't occur, I feel disillusioned. The passage has given me an important message with regards to having a life-long relationship. I agree with the fact that the secret is found in the intellectual stimulation with whom one can discuss ideas and issues. We expect others to think and behave in the same way we do, and when there is a difference we step back, instead of communicating this difference. We ought to find solutions with fair compromise. It is important for us to also remember that differences are also traits which bring us closer together.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Activity: First I will brainstorm with the students what they think "Manage Relationship" means, then I will come up with a list of traits with the students. After this I will draw a relationship role table on the board and give an example for each of the categories, next have them pair up with a whiteboard and complete their own table. To wrap up, the students will act out in a role play the important traits for each of the relationship roles (friends, teachers, parents), and then place their table on a poster which will be displayed in the classroom. This will be a great tool for kids to read about what is expected / contributed from a friend, teacher, and parent. After some time, these traits will become intrinsic.

<span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Module # 9

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<span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Post two new resources for conflict resolution on our Wiki site under Video / other resources. Give your self credit. ======

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">This website offers ten tips for managing conflict. If you feel there are times in which you need to keep your composure, please read this concise but effective article: <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">[] - Marcus

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">I found a really nice video where a second grade class sing a rap on " Self - Control". As the message is sang as a rap and has a repeated catchy chorus, it will stay in our long-term memory. This video is great to share with your students and also among adults. Check it out ! <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">[] - Marcus

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Module #11 <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">offers an alternative of any one of the 10 modules above. Watch the movie Emperors Club. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Then write a reflection of 250 words (+-) describing the values choices that Mr. H made and discovered through the end of the movie. Describe your alternate choices or support his. For What would you walk the "I" beam?

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">The film //“The Emperor’s Club”// reminds us that it’s not just one mistake that determines our future. I believe that it is rather a series of repeated choices made over time that “molds” us into the individual we are.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">I personally felt that the film really makes one self- reflect on our principals and morals. I have always been an advocate of teaching students principals, values and moral for these are our foundation to who we are as people.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">I support Mr.Hundert’s choice of giving Sedgewick an opportunity by modifying his grade from an A- to an A+. I am aware that he was dishonest with himself, though if I were to put myself in his shoes, I would have most likely have made the same decision because I strongly believe that as a teacher, we can really make a difference for better or worse in a child’s life. In this case, he felt kind of sorry for the relationship he had with his father and wanted to give him a chance to “shine”. I feel that the problem is that Mr.Hundert didn’t show him the character he needed. If he had challenged him in the contest at the time it happened, maybe things might have changed and Sedgewick wouldn’t have repeated his behavior like he did 25 years later. Mr. Hundert realizes that Sedgewick only cares about winning at any cost. He truly felt that he had failed him.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">My life theme for students has always been “education gives you the opportunity to be what you want.” It is so easy to find yourself as a teacher in the shoes of Mr. Hundert. Almost all teachers would like to see their students be successful lifelong learners.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">We place a high value on our own life and safety. But we also understand that there are certain things we hold more precious than our own lives. For example, I know that I wouldn’t think twice to walk the “I beam” for my spouse or children. No amount of money would even make me hesitant.