January 10, 2000
To Duval County Schools:
As a kindergarten teacher, I would like to let you know that the Learning for Life program that I have implemented this year is wonderful.
The lessons, materials, and support chart with stickers are easily incorporated into all areas of the curriculum. A variety of hands-on activities, discussions, role-playing, etc. are used to increase student esteem and self-confidence and provide students with skills in solving or preventing conflicts that are geared for their level.
I am most pleased with the benefits I see in my students and how they have integrated what they have learned on a daily basis. For example, after having taught the "respecting differences" and "respecting peers" lessons, I have seen students respond quite differently to each other. Rather than laugh at or tease another child who has difficulty (like cutting, pasting, etc.), I now hear different responses. "Don't get mad. It's okay, you're good at saying your [letters, numbers, etc.]" or "I can do that. Can I help you? You can help me later."
I really feel that this program is an excellent way to help prepare my students for some of the challenges in the new millennium.
Karen Warnke
