Reflection Journals and Student Responses

One of my reflection journal questions this month was "Why should we care about people we don't know?" This prompt was after several whole class discussions that were closesly related to that prompt. Most students shared their thoughts, and one student was puzzled as to why one would even consider helping someone that they didn't even know. I took this as an opportunity to shed some light on a concept that I wish wasn't so foreign sounding.

After reading my students' response, I felt like I needed to share some of them.

Student A's response:

"We should care about people we don't know because their difficulties may be your own in the future."

To me this student's response was very insightful and sees it as an opportunity to learn.

Student B's response:

"We should care about other people because if you help you might get help in return. Also you should help because everyone will know you as a nice young man or young girl."

This student's response demonstrates the belief that the reciprocal benefits of caring for others are beneficial to the "self."


Another Reflection Journal response that I want to share is for the prompt: "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is wasted." (Courtesy of Aesop)

Student response: "It is good to be kind all the time because if you do something good someone will be kind to you. So it is like god is repaying you."

Very sensitive and sweet response from a male student.

The last Reflection Journal response I would like to share today is for the prompt: "How can one person make a difference in the life of another?"

Student response: You can make a difference in the life of another by giving them care and shelter and filling their heart with joy."

It is because of the responses I have shared that I have hope that future generations will be compassionate people.

When you question whether or not this is the job for:

The power of being a teacher is great. Read the story at the link below. Feel free to comment.


http://www.inspiringteachers.com/classroom_resources/inspirational_humorous/power_of_teaching.html