Our Centers for Ethics:

Weekly writing prompt

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June 8-14, 2008 Father’s Day Is June 15 Being a good father is more about setting a good example and providing emotional support than about supplying good toys and generous allowances. Although many dads love new ties and tools, the best Father's Day gifts remind Dad that he is making a difference in his children's lives. Have students write letters to their fathers — or grandfathers or father figures — expressing their gratitude and appreciation for all that Dad does.

Write or discuss it! Foundations for Life gives teachers an easy way to improve students' critical thinking and composition skills. Each of these weekly prompts comes with a maxim illuminating an ethical issue. Students can analyze it and apply it to current events and their own lives, through discussion or writing. Each prompt also references at least one of the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. As a result, students can easily tie the author’s words to community values. Suggestions for using the prompts:

• Read the biographies in the Teacher’s Resource.
• Present the maxim to the students.
• Briefly discuss:
  •   What did the author mean?
  •   Can you think of ways the statement applies to something in your life?
• Point out the Pillar related to the maxim.
• Present the writing prompt to the students and have them answer these questions in their draft book or other format.

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Elementary level

"There’s a hero in all of us, that keeps us honest, gives us strength, makes us noble, and finally allows us to [live] with pride."
– Aunt May Parker, in the movie Spider-Man 2

Focus Pillar: Caring
What does it mean to be a “hero”? How is your father or grandfather or other adult male a hero to you? What character traits does he possess that you admire? Write a friendly letter to your father, grandfather or other adult male explaining how he is a hero to you. Be sure to give it to him on Father’s Day!

Secondary level

"A society grows great when old people plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in."
– Greek proverb

Focus Pillar: Caring
What has your father, grandfather or guardian done to improve your future? For example, has he put away money for you to attend college or taught you a skill or a lesson that you will never forget? For Father’s Day, write a letter to your father — or to another adult male who has been like a father to you — thanking him for making a lasting difference in your life.

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