Character Education at Bay

 

In any educational undertaking that aims to appeal to elementary-age students, book choice is key. At Bay Avenue Elementary, the school's character education team faces this challenge each month when picking a picture book for the Guest Reader Program. Guest readers are chosen by the teachers and may include anyone from the local or school community. In the past, the school has invited grandparents, police officers, school administrators, local businesspeople, firefighters, and custodial staff. The volunteers are asked to read the selected book, which correlates with a particular character trait, and discuss the character message with the class. The intent is to bring adults and students of various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds together to celebrate learning, literacy, and common values. The class participates in follow-up activities, such as role plays, craft projects, and group learning projects, to further reinforce the message of positive character. The importance of the monthly trait is also discussed in weekly student-led class meetings, as well as in the school newsletter. Every two months, family members are invited for a special reading by the principal and are encouraged to gather with their children afterwards to read, share, and discuss.

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