Sandra Captein
After several different approaches to help students acquire empathy and positive relationships were met with limited success, our Nobody journey began.
Our journey started late in the school year and because of that each student took Nobody home with them for three days. Even though their time with Nobody was shortened, our class looks forward to Mondays and Thursdays as those are the days that Nobody returns to school and students share their experiences with Nobody. It is hard to describe in words how this experience has impacted our students. With every student’s presentation, there is that inspirational message to continue to be contributing members of our school community and society.
This program has helped them become intrinsically motivated to donate their time and energy to make a difference, no matter how small.
I believe that it has also helped them gain a sense that making a positive contribution and working to their fullest potential is not only the right thing to do, but provides self-gratification.
During our introduction of the Nobody experience, Nobody did not have a specific gender or a name and our class continues to keep these traits undetermined as our emphasis is on building Nobody’s character through experiences.
With every student’s presentation, there is that inspirational message to continue to be contributing members of our school community and society
The lesson learned by students is that our previous experiences contributes to how we think and react to situations. The experiences that we are giving Nobody will form who Nobody will become. Hence, it is important that students carefully chose the types of experiences Nobody will be exposed to.
Our journey with Nobody has not only given students a better understanding of the fact that everyone has different experiences that have shaped their thinking, but it has taught the students some empathy and given them the opportunities to take leadership.
During our April Recognition assembly students talked about their journey with the Nobody which spurred staff and students to really think about our annual Day of Caring, a day where the school and all the students find a way to give back to their community.
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