Teaching Respect By Showing Respect

As adults, concepts regarding good character may seem relatively simple to us. To elementary school students, concepts like being respectful, trustworthy, and thoughtful may be difficult to understand. None the less, these concepts are important parts of our lives and it is most beneficial to children if they are taught these components of good character at a young age.

Respect is most commonly described as treating others how you would want to be treated. Respect can also be defined as being open and willing to listen to other peoples' ideas, opinions, beliefs, cultures and valuing who they are as an individual. Respect is understanding that we are all unique. Children can show respect by being kind towards each other and showing that they are sincere with their words and actions towards their fellow students. To show respect, they can be polite and courteous to anyone they come in contact with. Before students can grasp and demonstrate the concept of respect, they first need to be able to respect themselves. Once they are able to accomplish that, it is much easier for them to have respect for other people in their lives. Respect has a huge impact on the classrooms because students are able to create better relationships with each other if they are able to respect their belongings, ideas, opinions, and lifestyles. When respect is present in the classroom, students receive a more positive experience in school and in life. It is unsettling when children are constantly bullying, judging, putting their classmates down, and not showing any concern toward the other students. When students learn how to show respect at a young age, it ensures that they will respect others later in life.

Children need to understand what it means to have good character and they need to begin displaying that character at a young age The best way that teachers can help children understand how to show respect is through modeling. Children learn concepts like these best when they can see it in action. They have a better chance of showing respect if they are receiving it in return not only from children their age, but also from their authority figures. Teachers can demonstrate respect by listening to what their students have to say and being interested in their ideas, opinions, and problems. Teachers can also show respect to their students by being honest, polite, and displaying a positive attitude. In order for students to show respect, it is important for teachers to show their students that they truly care about them. Sincerity plays a huge part in showing respect for others and when teachers are truly interested and involved with their students, they are more likely to understand the concept of respect and are able to apply it to their life. Being a good role model to children is the best way for teachers to educate students about displaying good character.

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