Project Wisdom

1. Project Wisdom I’ll Volunteer! SSMS News & Announcements Project Wisdom #2 8/28/13

2. A few Words of Wisdom Good morning, South Seminole. This is Ms. Taylor, Academic Dean, with a few words of wisdom. Part of the process of growing up is what some people call "finding yourself," which simply means finding or discovering your "best self," the "you" that has something special to give the world. Mahatma Gandhi once said: The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others.

3. We can learn so much by volunteering. First of all, it's an opportunity to see ourselves through the eyes of those we are helping. Other people sometimes see the good in us that we don't see in ourselves. Second, we can experience the real power of making a difference. And third, we can enjoy new experiences that might uncover a talent we never knew we possessed. Volunteering can earn us more self-respect, self-confidence, and self awareness. So look for your Best Self by becoming a volunteer. It's good for others, and it's good for you. With something to think about, this is Ms. Taylor Make it a great day . . .or not. The choice is yours.

4. Learning Goal:Students will understand the notion that through serving others, they can learn more about themselves, their personal power, and their unique gifts and talents.

5. Think-Pair-Share • Do you agree with the idea that "finding yourself" can mean finding your true self or the "you” that has something special to give to the world? Why or why not? • Gandhi said that "the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." Do you agree with the idea that we can learn more about ourselves by serving others? Why or why not? • . How might doing volunteer work help build the character traits of self-respect? Self-confidence? • What do you think is the best way to volunteer? Your time, your help, your expertise, etc.? Why do you think this is the best way to volunteer? • Have you ever been on the receiving end of someone else's volunteerism? How did this make you feel? • Who do you feel reaped more rewards, you or the volunteer? Explain.

6. Whole Group Discussion (Teacher can record students’ answers on white board ) • Name some opportunities for volunteer work that are available at school? • In the community? Why don't more young people offer to do this kind of • volunteer work? • Is there volunteer work you would like to do that you haven't yet done? • Describe it. How can you make that happen? • Describe some volunteer work that you have done. What did you learn • about yourself? (E.g., a talent you didn't know you had, qualities you • didn't know you possessed, strengths or weaknesses you were unaware of. • What did you learn about those you helped?

7. I’ll Volunteer- Vocabulary (Studentsin small groups discuss the meaning of these key words in context of lesson. Teachers monitor discussions to clarify misconceptions ) Detach-to unfasten and remove Effectively-in a way that made something change or happen Impact- effect; influence Paradox- a statement that seems contradictory, but that may in fact be true Paraphrase- put into your own words

8. Student Written Short Response/Reflections We can learn so much by volunteering. It's an opportunity to see ourselves through the eyes of those we are helping. Other people sometimes see something good in us that we don't see in ourselves. We can also experience the real power of making a difference and enjoy new experiences that might uncover a talent we never knew we had.

9. 1. Paraphrase the following statement: When you become detached mentally from yourself and concentrate on helping other people with their difficulties, you will be able to cope with your own more effectively. ~ Norman Vincent Peale 2. Do you agree with statement above? Why or why not? How might learning to cope better with your own difficulties help you build character? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

10. Student Written Short Response/Reflections • Describe someone you know personally or know of who does volunteer work. What type of volunteer work does she or he do? What impact does that work have on the school, community, or world? What character trait does this person possess that you most admire? What can you learn from her or him? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

11. Stand Up-Pair Up- Share Challenge Question- Is the following statement a paradox? Why or why not? The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. ~ Mahatma Gandhi Give students 45 seconds to think about their response. Review the vocabulary word- paradox- if necessary. Have students stand up- walk around- at the count of five- they pair up with person next to them and share responses.

12. Closing Thoughts- We not only help others when we volunteer, but we also help ourselves. Serving others can build self-respect, self-confidence, and self-awareness. Gandhi tells us that "the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." If you're feeling a bit lost or confused about who you are or where you want to go in the world, consider signing up for some volunteer work. It will be good for others and good for you, too.

13. Stay tuned in for the Wednesday WeeklySSMS News

14. Please stand for the Pledge • I pledge Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

15. Community Service- You should have received your community service forms, letter to parents and dividend registration form through your Social Studies class last week. • Please review the guidelines and ask your SS teachers any questions you may have. • You are strongly encouraged to register as a Dividend Volunteer so the hours you volunteer in school and in the community will be recorded. Student Planners- • Students who have turned in their pink & green forms and technology permission slips will receive a student planner this week. If you haven’t turned in your forms please turn in them to your first period teacher. • Student planners incorporate these three of the 7 Habits. Be Proactive- Keep First Things First- Keeping the End in Mind Fundraisers- • SSMS is collecting box tops for education and coke rewards tops. These items are recycled for points that are used to purchase items for our school. • We are also collecting pop tops for the Ronald McDonald House. • Please turn in all of these items to your First Period teachers so they can • be brought to the front office.

16. PTA Reflections: • * 2013-14 Theme for the Arts Competition • Believe Dream Inspire • Categories • Dance Choreography • Film Production • Literature • Musical Composition • Photography • Visual Arts • Special Arts • Show off your talent through- • Creating a piece of art • Write a song, poem or story • Take a picture • Create a dance or film production

17. PTA Reflections: • Download Guidelines at • http://www.floridapta.org/reflections.htm • l • or ask Reflections chair Mrs. Ponce at Kim_ponce@scps.k12.fl.us • Win cool prizes at the school level, district, state and national. • Deadline for submittal is Nov 26, 2013 • You can Believe Dream Inspire