In
second grade, we strive to have each students see themselves as a valued
and integral member of our classroom community and see others in the same
light. One of the social activities that we introduce in the beginning of
second grade is Leader versus Boss. This activity begins with the second
graders having a discussion about what they think it means to be a boss. There were multiple responses such as:
“They do it because a boss likes to be in charge and rule everyone.”
“Sometimes
people boss other people around because they are jealous and they think that
they are more important than the other person.”
After we listed our thoughts, one of the second graders raised their hand and noted, “A boss isn’t nice,” which lead us into the conversation of, “How do you feel when someone is a boss to you?” Some second graders noted that:
“You are unsure of how you feel because the other person was so mean.”
“You become
angry because they make you feel like you are not an important person.”
“A boss makes
you sometimes feel like you cant tell a teacher because they may tell others
that you are a tattle tail.”
After
our list of not so good feelings, the second graders all agreed that they
cannot and should not be a boss! Which left the question, “Well then, what could
we be?” and very proudly a second grader exclaimed “A LEADER!”
Next, we discussed what it meant to be a leader. We all agreed it means:
“When someone doesn’t have enough power you help them."
“Doing the right thing even if the wrong thing looks fun.”
“A leader is someone who does the right thing, listens and is a friend to everyone.”
During this conversation, we talked about how being a leader is not always easy, especially if your friends are not doing the right thing. So we decided to practice what we learned. First Danielle and Mindy acted out two different scenarios and the class held up a paper that said “Leader” or “Boss” depending on what characteristics were being acted out.
Lastly, the second graders came up with their own scenarios for their classmates to discuss. Throughout the rest of the day, the students could be heard saying, “Wow! You are being a leader!” or “Careful, that’s something a boss would do!”
Our hope from this lesson is that our second graders can continue to grow and become leaders throughout our AFS community, where they can inspire the people around them.
“They do it because a boss likes to be in charge and rule everyone.”
After we listed our thoughts, one of the second graders raised their hand and noted, “A boss isn’t nice,” which lead us into the conversation of, “How do you feel when someone is a boss to you?” Some second graders noted that:
“You are unsure of how you feel because the other person was so mean.”
Next, we discussed what it meant to be a leader. We all agreed it means:
“When someone doesn’t have enough power you help them."
“Doing the right thing even if the wrong thing looks fun.”
“A leader is someone who does the right thing, listens and is a friend to everyone.”
During this conversation, we talked about how being a leader is not always easy, especially if your friends are not doing the right thing. So we decided to practice what we learned. First Danielle and Mindy acted out two different scenarios and the class held up a paper that said “Leader” or “Boss” depending on what characteristics were being acted out.
Lastly, the second graders came up with their own scenarios for their classmates to discuss. Throughout the rest of the day, the students could be heard saying, “Wow! You are being a leader!” or “Careful, that’s something a boss would do!”
Our hope from this lesson is that our second graders can continue to grow and become leaders throughout our AFS community, where they can inspire the people around them.
You know, I think quite a few adults could learn a lot from these 2nd graders. Thanks for sharing this great experience.
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