April’s Character Education Trait is Co-operation.
What is co-operation?
- Working together for a common purpose
- Working together to reach a common goal
“We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.” ~Martin Luther King Jr.
“The only thing that will redeem mankind is co-operation.” ~Bertrand Russell
“He that does good to another does good also to himself.” ~Lucius Annaeus Seneca, 4 BC–65 AD
“We are all dependent on one another, every soul of us on earth.” ~George Bernard Shaw)
“It’s not your APTITUDE, but your ATTITUDE that determines your ALTITUDE!” ~ Anonymous
What does co-operation look like/sound like?
- Happily doing something that will help others
- Agreeing to play a game others want to play if it means the group will benefit
- Helping someone in need by opening a door or helping to carry something
- Helping to find a compromise when a group is in disagreement
- Playing fair when participating in sports or games, and being a “good loser” and a “good winner”
- Inviting someone who is alone or “left out” to join the group
- Encouraging others to recognize the importance of co-operation by demonstrating the spirit of co-operation in your daily activities
- Volunteering time or resources to a community project
- Listening to the ideas of group members and finding ways for each person to feel valued and important
- Offering to do a job that nobody else in the group wants to do
- Asking the group members for their ideas and opinions
ATTITUDE is a state of mind when you approach a situation. When you have a positive attitude, the possibilities are limitless.
Why is your attitude so important? Because it affects –
- How you look, what you say and what you do
- How you feel both physically and mentally
- How successful you are in achieving your goals
- Are you willing to learn?
- Do you do your best on your schoolwork?
- Do you demonstrate enthusiasm?
- Are you willing to grow?
- Do you welcome change?
- Do you see the humour in things?
- Are you sincerely interested in others?
- Do you look at other people’s point of view?
- Are you a good listener?
- Are you able to work with others?
Try practising with your family:
- Keep each other informed—a calendar with everyone’s activities helps to keep days and evenings running smoothly
- Be punctual – time is precious so do your best to be on time
- Be cheerful – it keeps things light-hearted
- Use only polite words – a few kind words can make a big difference (e.g. Please, Thank you, May I ?)
- Be helpful – Look for ways you can assist. If everyone chips in, it leaves more time for other activities
- Be patient – Good things often come to those who display patience
- Be dependable – get to school and finish your homework
- Take pride in your work – this is key for success
- Respect – yourself and the rights of others
- Be considerate - it helps everyone to be successful
- Knowledge – it helps you grow
- Enthusiasm – it fuels your progress and keeps you happy
- Life is more meaningful
- Problems are easier to handle
- Goals are more attainable
- Mistakes seem less disastrous
- The future is more exciting
