Teacher Tips/Training

Words of Nelson Mandela, former South African President will open discussions about non violence with students. Mandela's quotes can be used as a tool to engage students about life inside and outside the classroom. Mandela creates and uses other quotes to promote peace and acceptance. As well, he models his beliefs and that is key for students. Students need to see peace and acceptance in the classroom, school community, and local community.

Mandela's quotes can be the springboard to begin discussions about bullying by students and adults. Bullying has been an issue since the conception of schools but it has now entered students' homes with the introduction of the Internet. Cyberbullying targets students in the safety of their homes, creating a new type of violence for students. Many students are not aware of the damage cyberbullying and other types of bullying have on the victim and the community. If bullying is considered a part of growing up it becomes a part of our values. It is important as teachers to model problem solving strategies, good working relationships with fellow teachers, parents, and administrators and respect for ourselves.

Teachers can be inspired by the words of Mandela and bring this to the classroom to teach students life values.