Rachel's Challenge

Today we had an assembly titled Rachel's Challenge.  This was brought to us from the family of Rachel Joy Scott, a girl who was killed in the Columbine High School shooting back in 1999.  I have heard they do an amazing talk for high schools; but, was a little concerned at how they would approach the topic today with our younger students.  There was no reason for concern as they did an amazing job!

From the moment we entered the cafeteria for the assembly, there was an upbeat mood about the place.  The speaker was playing some great songs and began interacting with the students and becoming personable with them.  Once we were all seated and ready to begin, the speaker started by introducing Rachel with a baby picture.  All you heard were ahhhs from the students at the cute baby picture.  Throughout the talk, we heard about Rachel's Challenge for Creating a Chain Reaction.  We saw video examples of how the challenges could be upheld.  We heard stories of different ways Rachel had impacted the lives of others when she was in school.  The assembly was a great starting point to bring up discussions in the classroom.

Once in the classroom, I wondered how much did my 2nd graders get out of this assembly.  I found they got more than I imaged!  They were able to see the impact they can have by just stepping in and stopping someone from bullying another person.  Or the simple act of helping someone clean up a mess.

During the assembly students were given these 5 challenges:

1. Use kind words
2. Include others
3. Surround yourself with positive influences
4. Set goals
5. Journal

We will be talking and practicing these things in our classroom as the year goes on.  I think they are great traits we can begin making habits that will turn in to just a way of life for our kids.  Our first goal is going to be using kind words.  If you begin seeing some of this happening at home, please be sure to encourage it and not be suspicious of what they may be up to.  They aren't trying to fool you, they are just trying to change the world one kind act at a time.

For more information about Rachel's Challenge, you can visit:  http://www.rachelschallenge.org/