Colors of the Rainbow.

Teaching young ones the character trait of self-respect can be daunting. They don't understand abstract concepts and need concrete examples.

Some examples of how little ones can show themselves self respect are:

• Eating healthy
• Brushing their teeth
• Getting a good night's sleeps
• Picking up their toys
• Treating animals nice
• Not being mean to nature (squashing bugs, destroying leaves on a plant, etc.)

 Here's an activity that kids will enjoy that teaches the need for a healthy diet.

Eating the Colors of the Rainbow.

Depending on the age of the children they can either draw a rainbow themselves or you can make copies of a black and white rainbow to be colored. Here is a link to a rainbow that can printed off

http://www.kindbook.com/maths/7_rainbow_maths.gif

With each color of the rainbow have the kids name fruits and vegetable that match each color.

Some examples

• Red: Apples, Strawberries, Rhubarb, Watermelon, Cherries, Raspberries
• Orange: Oranges, Squash, Carrots, Cantaloupes, Sweet Potato
• Yellow: Pears, lemons, peppers, bananas, pineapples
• Green: Peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, spinach, Brussels sprouts
• Blue/Indigo: Blueberries, Plums
• Purple/Violet: Grapes, Raisins, blackberries

Challenge the kids to eat something new. Express that it's OK if they don't like it, but they still need to try it.  If the school allows it, bring in samples of the different colors.

For older kids, share with them the healthy benefits that veggies and fruits have. Kids like to know that carrots help the eyes.

Personal Responsibility

Personal Responsibility is one of the main keys to good character development. When people do not acknowledge their own actions and feelings for good or bad, it creates a victim like mentality. By teaching children to recognize the dual nature within them, we help to end the cycle of “It’s not my fault!”

Read this Cherokee Tale to the class:

Two Wolves - A Cherokee Tale

A Cherokee is telling his grandson about a fight
that is going on inside himself.
He said it is between 2 wolves.

One is evil: Anger, envy, sorrow, regret,
fearful thinking, greed, arrogance, self-pity,
guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies,
false pride, superiority and ego.

The other is good: Joy, peace, love, hope, serenity,
humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity,
truth, compassion and faith.

The grandson thought about it for a minute
and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf wins?"

The Cherokee simply replied, "The one I feed."

~ Author Unknown ~

Activities:

·      Ask the student for examples of when they have feed both wolves. Give your own personal examples. This helps the students understand that everyone struggles with emotions.

·      Have the students draw both of their wolves and list examples of behavior for each of their wolves.

·      What things can the students do to keep the good wolf well fed so that the bad wolf stays away?

·      Is it easier to recognize which wolf is active in other people or yourself? Why?