UPDATED - Possible club project - Ethics and 2nd Graders

UPDATED:  5/29/15
Fellow Rotarians, please check out the updated news on our website: www.thegooberguys.com:

1) news & photo's from districts #5490 & #5510 conference in Phoenix-under Goober Guys news tab

2) summary updates & photo from the newly formed steering committee (hover over Goober Guys news tab)
3) new testimonial from RI representative and past District Governor of #9780 in Australia-Cathy Roth.

Other exciting news include a Spanish version of the book which is being translated as this email is written. We are still looking for a printer who may be willing to donate paper, ink, etc. or place an ad on back cover to defray some overall printing costs.  Please let me know if anyone has any ideas or resources on this issue.

Thank you all again for your overwhelming support of this ethics & morals based literacy program!

YIR, Tim Aalbu, e-club of Arizona (520) 603-2658
 

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Original story:  3/31/15

Rotary Four Way Test Program

 

          The Four Way Test is a tool used by Rotarians the world over to help maintain high ethical standards in terms of Truth, Fairness and Integrity both in our businesses and in our personal lives.  The object of the Four Way Test program is to teach second graders how to use this decision-making tool and encourage them to incorporate it into their own lives.  This will help them in the future to make honest, fair decisions that build goodwill and friendships and are beneficial to all concerned.

            The Four Way Test consists of asking yourself the following four questions before a decision is made:

1- Is it the Truth?

2- Is it Fair to All Concerned?

3- Will it Build Goodwill and Better Friendships?

4- Will it be Beneficial to All Concerned?

 

            For each second grade classroom, a group of 3-4 Rotarian volunteers spend one hour per week (typically Wednesday) for 4 consecutive weeks teaching the kids the Four Way Test (FWT) utilizing the "The Goober Guys" story/coloring book.  This involves a time commitment of 30-40 minutes per week for the class. Lunch with the kids after the teaching session is optional but highly encouraged (another 10-15 minutes)

 Each of the four weeks, a different question of the FWT is discussed.  The students are provided a coloring/activity (following the story in the lesson book) the activity books must remain in the classroom until the fourth week.

            Each week, a Rotarian volunteer will lead the students in a 25-30 minute lesson for that week.  The teaching time consists of reading a part of the Goober Guys story that deals with that week’s lesson.  Each child has their own story/coloring book and follows along while the Rotarian is reading. Then the Rotarian facilitates a discussion with the children concerning the principle of the FWT highlighted in the story.  Note: It is important that the kids have their books open while the reading is occurring but CLOSED during the discussion period.  Otherwise, they have a tendency to want to work on the activities instead of listening to and participating in the discussion.

During the last 10 minutes, the student’s work on the activity associated with that week’s lesson.  During this time, the Rotarians circulate throughout the classroom, helping the kids do the activity and talking with them about the lesson for that week. This primarily involves discussing the meaning of the words, making sure they understand the principle and reinforcing the message.

When the class time is over, the Rotarians are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to accompany the kids to the cafeteria where they have lunch.  This time may prove to be the most valuable time the Rotarians spend with the kids.  During this time, the Rotarians can tune in to individual kids that need help and/or attention and “mentor” the kids, talking with them about the lesson of the week or simply showing some interest in their personal lives.

 

The fourth week is also “Graduation”. After discussing the final story for that week, the leader will review all four aspects of the Four Way Test and remind students this tool will help them make good decisions for the rest of their lives. The remaining time is used helping each child make a  FWT “badge” made out of yarn and construction paper (provided by the Rotarians) with the FWT printed on it that they can wear or display at home.  The class will also be given a poster-sized version of the FWT that consists of the FWT (8.5’ x 11”, ordered from Rotary Int.) glued to a 14” x 28” piece of bright yellow construction paper that each child signs on the yellow part.  The poster should then be displayed in the classroom as a reminder to use the FWT principles, so the teacher can reinforce the message and refer to the FWT throughout the year.

 

1) Rotarians arrive 5 - 10 minutes early to sign in at the office and get their “Visitor” badges.

2) Teacher assembles students at their desks or on the floor .

3) Rotarian leader introduces participating volunteers.

4) The Rotarian leader briefly reviews the previous week’s lesson.

5) Leader reads that weeks story while students follow along in their coloring books.

6) Leader facilitates a discussion about the FWT strategy by reviewing the story and having students participate by sharing real-life experiences or answering questions. (Role-playing helps kids get actively involved).  The Leader then instructs students to do the assigned activity in the back of the book. The Rotarians circulate throughout the room helping the students complete the activity and discussing the meaning of the words used in that week’s lesson.

7) At the end of the 30-40 minute session, the teacher takes them to the lunchroom. Rotarians are encouraged to join the students there, eating lunch or just chatting with them while they eat.

8) On Graduation Day, instead of doing the activity, the Rotarian leader reviews and “tests” the students on all four questions of the FWT. The test consists of reviewing each of the four principles of the FWT and having the kids repeat it together several times, with the volume increasing each time (“I can’t hear you!!”) until they’re yelling it at the top of their lungs.  (Note: We don’t know if this helps them to remember or not, but they sure have fun doing it!)  He/She then passes out the materials for the badges (construction paper, yarn, etc) and the volunteers help the kids make badges that they keep.  The class is then presented with the FWT Poster, which all the kids may sign.

 

Provided by School

1) Crayons, pencils, etc for the workbook activities.

2) Scissors, glue sticks, hole punch, etc to make badges (last week only)

Provided by Rotary:

1) Enough construction paper, yarn, etc to make badges.

2) Poster of the FWT to display on the wall.

3) One FWT story/ Coloring Book per child (and teacher)

4) One FWT badge and Rotary sticker for each child

5) 3 - 4 Rotarians / volunteers per week

 

For more information, contact Rotarian Tim Aalbu at ocbound10@gmail.com (Tim is a new member of our e-club!)