Drawing Out the Best in Kids

The word "educator" comes from the Latin "educo"—to draw out. And that's just what effective educators do. They elicit students' best thinking, encourage them to apply that to a new situation, and thus lead them to a new learning. On this Web page, you'll learn how three educators are drawing out the best in their students.

A Wisconsin P.E. teacher uses thought-provoking questions and encouragement. He reflects on and shares insights about his teaching and his elementary school students' behavior, in an interview with a colleague, Physical Education As a School of Life .

A California second grade teacher teaches students basic rules of behavior and when they have a problem, she expects them to work it out on their own. See Calm, Cool, & Consistent  to learn some of her strategies.

A Maryland psychology/sociology teacher and her students look at the community and determine what's needed, and then she lets the students choose their own service learning projects. Read Learning, In Deed to find out more.

And be sure to take a look at the benefits kids draw from Conflict Resolution Programs. See students in action in a short video clip, Teaching Conflict Resolution 56k or Teaching Conflict Resolution Broadband.

In this Web area, Do the Right Thing, you'll find resources with a positive, proactive approach to instilling civil behavior in the learning environment: success stories, tips, strategies, grants, and more.

The ideas and strategies are drawn from character education programs as well as custom-made activities created by educators themselves. Most of the ideas come from members like you. 

We encourage you to share your experiences—

• Submit a tip.
  
  
• Submit an article (500 to 700 words) about strategies you use with your students. Or about a colleague whose work you admire. E-mail NEA editor.