Elephants weekly posts begin 9/23/13

What better way to kick start character education with our eldest class then "Where the Red Fern Grows."  We started reading the book the week of September 23rd.  I chose this book in particular because its was and always will be one of my favorite books.  The life lessons that Billy emulates are astounding for a 12 year old boy towards what else, but two hounds.  Although the major theme of the book is the friendship between this boy and his dogs, the book does an amazing job in incorporating all the virtues that go into building, maintaining and enduring a deep friendship.  For some in the class it was difficult for them to understand how Billy can feel this way about the dogs, or spend 3 days cutting down a sycamore tree to prove his loyalty to his dogs and its been a journey for me to guide them from the literal through the metaphors of this book.  We've been applying the relationship that Billy has with his dogs to relationships in our own lives. As we are half way through the book, I begin each class with, "Would you want to have a friend in your life like Billy?  Would you aspire to be a friend like Billy?"  This journey has taught us about loyalty, work, integrity, honor, trust, caring, courtesy, confidence, faith, respect, truth, patience, love, courage and the list goes on.  Its probably one of the few reading passages that we will read and discuss this year which touches upon so many virtues in detail.  Its been a journey in itself, guiding this group through the book.  We've had many thought provoking discussing and relating to this book with experiences in our own lives.  We will probably finish the book just after the new year.  I'll keep you posted as we near the end of the book.