Words Matter

 

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me ....

 Wait, REALLY?? Do we truly believe that WORDS can't hurt?

Our words are powerful. 

We can build resilience and learn to stay calm when others are rude or hurtful. We can try to ignore insults and use only kind words ourselves.

But the truth is, 

             words can cause lasting harm to any one of us.

****

Swears. Using bad language is on the rise and that's not a good thing.

Swearing can make people feel uncomfortable and create a negative environment. Curse words are disrespectful. Using bad language can give the impression that you don't care about others. 

     If you want to show people your best self, choose a better word.

People swear when they might have a hard time expressing big emotions.  You must find the courage to say what you mean and ask for what you need.

Be smart. Find your courage. Listen to your heart. There is always a better word.

****

Jokes. Sometimes jokes aren't funny. Sometimes jokes can really hurt.

Humor should connect people and bring us together. Good jokes can make the mood light and fun. We just need to ensure that everyone is included and feels safe when the laughter happens.

Never joke about the unique characteristics of a group or individual. Don't use profanity or mean words. A joke isn't a joke if it hurts.

"You're too sensitive."

"Chill out. I was just kidding."

"Can't you take a joke?"

If you've ever been on the receiving end of one of these comments, you know it can make you feel even worse than the joke that was just made at your expense. 

If a mistake is made and someone is hurt by a joke, don't minimize it. 

Admit your mistake. Apologize and make it right. Do better the next time.

****

The Words We Tell Ourselves.

Perhaps the most important words are the words we tell ourselves. Sometimes we might struggle with a challenge, or we might make a mistake. 

We might be angry and call ourselves names or put ourselves down. Our words matter. If we're not careful, we can start to believe the words we say. 

Choose KIND words, forgiving words, accepting words. Tell yourself you are GOOD and SMART, FUNNY and KIND. 

If we are careful, we will BE the WORDS we TELL ourselves.

Our words are powerful. Choose wisely. Show that you respect and care about the people around you. 

Wherever You May Be, Be a Citizen of the Code

Remember, being a citizen of the code doesn't stop in school. You know how to be a leader in school, on the bus, and on the playground. 

We hope you are also a leader and role model in your home and in your neighborhood.

Be A Code of Conduct Role Model

Gorham Community Code of Conduct

RESPECT  ~We are polite, have good manners, and take care of our school and home. 

RESPONSIBILITY  ~We know what our job is and we take care of it. When we say we will do something, we do it.

COURAGE ~We stand up for what is right, try new things,  and ask for help when we need it.  

COMPASSION   ~We help people in need.  We’re careful with other people’s feelings.

HONESTY  ~ We tell the truth, we can be trusted, and we take responsibility for our own mistakes.

Be sure to make good choices 

and be your best you!

Learn More on the bitmoji page.

Wherever You May Be, Be a Citizen of the Code~ HONESTY

What is HONESTY? 

Many children think honesty means you "don't tell a lie"-- and that is definitely part of being honest. But honesty is more than not lying. An honest person doesn't do things that are wrong on purpose. 

Honesty is about speaking and acting truthfully. We proudly make good choices.

As true Citizens of the Code,  we tell the truth, we can be trusted, and we accept responsibility for our own mistakes.

How are YOU being a Citizen of the Code?

                            

Wherever You May Be, Be a Citizen of the Code~~ RESPONSIBILITY

A Citizen of the Code takes responsibility seriously whether at school or at home.

Be a 

Citizen of the Code:

Know what your job is and then DO IT!  Organize your belongings.
Pick up after yourself. Finish your school work. Follow house rules.

Be a promise keeper! When you say you will do something, DO IT!

Take charge of your learning! ASK QUESTIONS! Ask for help when you need it.

A true citizen of the code is always RESPONSIBLE. We do the things we are supposed to do and we accept the outcomes of our actions.

             

    

Wherever You May Be, Be a Citizen of the Code~ RESPECT

As citizens of the code we are respectful of ourselves, others and the world around us. 

Being respectful means we appreciate ourselves and other people. It means we value the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of everyone. 

Respect sounds like polite and kind words and manners. Respect looks like helpful actions. It means we take care of our environment and our surroundings, we take care of ourselves, and we are careful with others.

How are YOU being a respectful citizen of the code at home?

Wherever You May Be, Be a Citizen of the Code~ COURAGE

Courage is the strength to persevere and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.

Each of us, no matter our age, have our fears and our challenges. 

Having COURAGE means we face these challenges. We don't give up. We stand up for what is right, we try new things,  and we ask for help when we need it.

Right now, everyday things may be different and weird, and challenging.

Remember, you have what it takes to move through it one day at a time.

Here is one fun book that is all about courage!

Wherever You May Be, Be a Citizen of the Code~ COMPASSION

 ~ Compassion~

Today, let's focus on compassion. Compassion means we understand when other people are sad or hurt, and then we try to help.

When we are compassionate, we are careful with people’s feelings.

Many of us have sad, or angry feelings because we won't be
together in school again this year. We can be citizens of the code by being kind to each other, even when we're frustrated or worried. We can be kind to ourselves, knowing we will do the best we can, even if it isn't perfect, and that's okay!

To be compassionate means 

we promise to take care of ourselves and each other.

I shared one of my favorite books that I think helps us to feel like we are together even though we are apart.