Week 6 assignment
In Japan the elementary school curriculum is similar to that of the United States in that subject areas such as social studies, science, math, music, art, and P.E. are taught. However, weekly moral education is also included in the curriculum. Emphasis on respect and being thoughtful to others are taught as part of Japan’s “whole person” education. Teachers in Japan focus on evolving the holistic child and feel that it is part of their responsibility to teach such topics as personal hygiene, nutrition, and sleep. Along with the moral education children are taught manners, how to speak politely, and how to speak to adults as well as their peers in an appropriate manner.
What is interesting to me is how the United States has put such topics to the side when it comes to educating our own children. We are so focused on test scores such as Standards of Learning that we are missing such key components and are veering so far from a holistic approach. I do feel that manners and respect should initially be taught at home but reinforcing such moral ideas could be beneficial as well and create a wonderful partnership between families and school.
I agree with you that we are veering away from a holistic approach. The fifth grade teachers at our school operate a school store and the money earned from the school store is donated to the cafeteria to help pay for students' lunches that can't afford a lunch. Our guidance counselor also teaches a character building curriculum and each month, a student from each class, can earn a pizza party given by the local Kiwanis Club for a specific character trait such as generosity, responsibility and other such traits. We also have a school wide reinforcement system for when we catch students using manners or making good choices so we do try to reinforce manners.
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