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MAXIMize the Moment Junior Volume 2, Issue 23

MAXIMize the Moment Junior Volume 2, Issue 23

February 24, 2003
Document
Topic: 
MAXIMize the Moment Junior
Ethical Value: 
Bullying
Ethical Value: 
Black History Month
Ethical Value: 
Self respect
Ethical Value: 
Integrity
Ethical Value: 
Humility
Ethical Value: 
Peace
Age Range: 
8-10

Story

I want to be by myself, but I stand there and let them make fun of me. They are right to make fun of me. I'm just stupid Jessup, the big klutz that can't do anything right! I am used to being picked on because I am not as good at sports as the other guys, but lately it's gotten worse.

"I'm just no good at anything," I think aloud.

Coach overhears and says, "Jessup," Coach says, "Just because some kids think it's funny to point out the differences in the way you play kickball, doesn't mean you should believe that you are not as good as them. 'When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you.'"

"What does that mean?" I ask.

"Well, Jessup, they can only hurt you if you let them. 'When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you' means that you have the power to believe in yourself, no matter what other people say."

Once I finally get what Coach means, it makes a lot of sense. "I guess I can try to not let them get to me. There are plenty of other things I'm good at. I guess I should focus more on those things. If I who know I am, then other people's opinions don't seem so important."

Maxim

  • "When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you."
    African proverb

Character points

  • Self-respect - I realize that I am a good and worthy person and that I should be treated with fairness and kindness.
  • Acceptance - I recognize that I am not perfect, but I look at the goodness of myself as a whole.
  • Authenticity - I am genuine; I acknowledge my gifts and areas for growth.
  • Self-respect - I realize that I am a good and worthy person and that I should be treated with fairness and kindness.
  • Serenity - I am at peace with myself; I deal with troubles with patience, grace, and courage.
  • Humility - I recognize my gifts and realize that I have a responsibility to use them; I am aware of my faults and work to improve myself.

Homeroom Discussion Information

  • Why does Jessup feel unhappy?
  • Do you think students in this class ever feel like that?
    Just because he isn't good at sports, Jessup starts to think that he isn't as good as the people around him. Do you think a lot of people compare themselves to others the way that Jessup does? What kinds of things do people compare? What do you think kids your age worry about?
  • Why does comparing yourself to others sometimes end up being hurtful?
  • Is it ever a good idea to compare yourself to others? Explain.
  • Do you agree with this week's maxim? Why or why not?
  • Is it possible to totally ignore the opinions of others? Explain.
  • How much do the opinions of the people around you matter?
  • How much should they matter?
  • What can you do to overcome mean comments or hurtful statements others make about you?

Home-Use Information

Five tips for maxim-izing your family time

  • Remind your children - one more time - how special you think they are. Take this opportunity to let them know what's great about them.
  • Ask your children what it's really like at their school. What does it mean to fit in? How important is it to fit in? What happens to kids who don't?
  • Talk about some of your own struggles. How have you been able to overcome outside pressure and define yourself on your terms? Look at your ability to be yourself and the strength that involves. Show your children how you've dealt with the negative comments of others.
  • Discuss the idea of role models and admiration. What's good about looking up to someone and admiring their good qualities? At what point does that cease to be a positive? How do you choose a good role model? How can you find a role model that relates to you and helps you find the good in yourself?
  • Take some time to discuss your child's gifts. Think of a way to celebrate your child's wonderful qualities and carry it out. Ideas: make a "World's Greatest Reader" plaque, frame a particularly good picture, have family tournament featuring his/her favorite sport/game-enjoy your kids!

Discussion starters

  • Jessup feels pressure to be good at sports. Do you feel that pressure?
  • What do you feel pressured about? (looks, athletics, schoolwork, etc.)
  • What are some of your "enemies within?" How do become aware of these and deal with them?
  • How can we help you overcome them?
  • What makes you feel pressured to be different than you are? In what way(s) are these pressures a bad thing? How might they be helpful?
  • List five things about yourself that you think make you special.
  • How can being aware of the special things about you help you?
  • How can knowing your strengths help you to deal with areas of weakness?

Be sure to acknowledge the courage your children show in talking with you about these issues.

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