I while ago I was at an event where awards were given out to 2 athletics, 1 male and 1 female for outstanding sportsmanship (it was an event for ALL students not just athletes). As you know I think giving accolades is a great way to the build self-esteem of students. You should also know that I am not fond of exclusion and this was not an event for only athletics it was an event for all students. This means that MANY of the students were excluded from even being in the running to win these awards.
I was sitting with a group of kids who knew that their names would NOT be called because they do not play a sport. One student stated "I wish I could be recognized for my music." Another pointed out that the school cares more about students who play sports than students who have other talents - this student is an exceptional artist. It breaks my heart that adults set up school situations that assure an "us versus them" culture. Maybe it is because "when you grow up, your heart dies" (quote from the Breakfast Club).
Rewarding some students while purposefully excluding others is wrong. All students have a special strength but they also have in them other qualities as well. Instead of rewarding only athletics all students should be in the running and the rewarded for being a kind and empathetic student~ these are qualities that every student can display.
This whole situation reminded me of the movie The Breakfast Club. Here's the ending scene but if you have not seen this movie in a while do so and learn the importance of inclusion and empathy - so "Don't you forget about me":
I was sitting with a group of kids who knew that their names would NOT be called because they do not play a sport. One student stated "I wish I could be recognized for my music." Another pointed out that the school cares more about students who play sports than students who have other talents - this student is an exceptional artist. It breaks my heart that adults set up school situations that assure an "us versus them" culture. Maybe it is because "when you grow up, your heart dies" (quote from the Breakfast Club).
Rewarding some students while purposefully excluding others is wrong. All students have a special strength but they also have in them other qualities as well. Instead of rewarding only athletics all students should be in the running and the rewarded for being a kind and empathetic student~ these are qualities that every student can display.
This whole situation reminded me of the movie The Breakfast Club. Here's the ending scene but if you have not seen this movie in a while do so and learn the importance of inclusion and empathy - so "Don't you forget about me":
"Dear Mr. Vernon,
We accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it is we did wrong, but we think you're crazy for making us write an essay telling you who we think we are. You see us as you want to see us, in the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions.
But what we found out, is that each one of us is a brain,
and an athlete,
and a basket-case,
a princess,
and a criminal.
Does that answer your question?
Sincerely yours,
The Breakfast Club"
Why do some people think it's okay to exclude? We should be embracing and including all students not making them feel judged and excluded! Maybe more should watch the movie "The Breakfast Club" and practice the lessons that are learned - we all want to have value & belong!
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