The Law of the Garbage Truck

Read this story about how a taxi driver reacts to an angry, reckless driver:

Taxi Driver Story

The Law of the Garbage Truck:

What kind of garbage do people carry around?

How do people dump their garbage?

How did the taxi driver react when the angry driver "dumped garbage" on him?

What does it mean that we should not take the garbage of others and spread it?

Draw a garbage truck (you can trace the one pictured here) or garbage can.  In it or above it, list the kinds of things people say when they are dumping garbage.  Take turns reading these phrases aloud and practice responding the way the taxi driver did.

How does it feel to react this way?

Be Together, Not the Same

Be Together, Not the Same
Before Watching:
It is easy to be friends with someone who is similar to us, but does it work to be friends with someone who is different?  
Have you ever avoided being with someone because they were different from you?
Have you ever wanted to change and be like someone else?
What would the world be like if we were all the same?
After Watching:
At the end of the video it says, "Be together, not the same."  What do you think this means?
When someone is different from us, why is it important to seek first to understand?

Valentines for Tinny

What can a simple wave and smile do for someone?  Can it really make a difference?  Watch this video about Tinny Davidson and her Valentine surprise.  Who brightens your day and would appreciate a homemade Valentine?
Tinny Davidson

They Know Not What They Do

Integration of schools came to Little Rock, Arkansas in 1957.  Years later, white students from Little Rock Central High School came forward to apologize to their African American classmates.  Click here to watch part of this episode from Oprah: Apologies to the Little Rock Nine

We seek first to understand when we walk in someone else's shoes. 

After watching this video:

*What have you learned about the power of a smile?

*How does it feel to live with regret?

*How does an apology show that you are seeking to understand?

*What can be done to break the cycle of racism?

A Magical Christmas Parody

Click here to watch a magical Christmas parody
Before Watching:
*What is a parody?
*Read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas
After Watching:
*How do you know WestJet employees began with a goal in mind with this project?
*When people synergize, they work together and accomplish more than the individuals could do alone.  How do the workers of WestJet synergize to accomplish their goal?
*Some people say that if you do kind things for others at Christmastime, you help to continue the magic of Santa Claus.  What do you think about this statement?

Thanksgiving - A Time for Gratitude and Paying it Forward

Click here for a wonderful video that demonstrates the power of feeling gratitude, then paying it forward: Show Gratitude and Pay It Forward - Soul Pancake
Before Watching:
*What is gratitude?
*What does it mean to Pay it Forward?
After Watching:
*How did the decision of each person to pay it forward make a difference?
*What did the beginning of the video and the end have in common?
*Researchers say that those who express gratitude also express more happiness.  Do you agree with this statement?  Why or why not?
*In small groups, plan and perform skits that show what this video would look like among students at your school.  What kinds of kind things could students do for each other?

Encouragement for Running the Race: The Story of Matt Woodrum

Click Here For Race Video
To discuss with your student leaders:
How does Matt Woodrum focus on his circle of control instead of his struggles?
Matt chooses to run the hardest race.  What is the value of choosing to do hard things and deciding that you won't give up?
Matt heads for the finish line and knows where it is.  How is he beginning with the end in mind, and how can we make "finish lines" for our goals?
Sometimes Matt slows down.  How do the other students synergize to keep him going?
By encouraging Matt, the students create a win-win situation.
How does everyone involved end up a winner in this race?