Character Cultivation in the Classroom, and Beyond, Vol. 1

By Leonard Quilty

This first volume of Character Cultivation in the Classroom, and Beyond is a compilation of newspaper columns I've written over the past decade or so. In my writing, I share some interesting anecdotes from my classroom experience. But beyond that, I try to distill some of the thoughts of great thinkers into my own reflections on what it takes to live an inspired life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Leonard Quilty
• Release date: Feb 12, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301090761

Leonard Quilty

I'm a school guidance counsellor at the Centre for Learning@Home in Okotoks, AB, Canada. I feel honored to be involved in the teaching profession. Being able to have a positive impact on our youth is such a tremendous responsibility and privilege. I also enjoy writing and I am an avid reader, especially in the area of self-help literature.

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Character Cultivation in the Classroom and Beyond, Vol. 1

By Leonard Quilty

Copyright 2013 Leonard Quilty

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Preface

About the Author

Chapter 1 - The Focused Student

Chapter 2 - Belief and Baseball

Chapter 3 - Wearing the Leadership Mantle

Chapter 4 - Taking Solace in Divine Providence

Chapter 5 - Articulating a Life Vision

Chapter 6 - Spring’s Promise

Chapter 7 - The Path to Personal Enlightenment

Chapter 8 - Teaching Thinking Skills

Chapter 9 - Believing is Seeing

Chapter 10 - Serendipity is Calling

Chapter 11 - Engagement

Chapter 12 - Timely Reflections on the Stream of Life

Chapter 13 - An Attitude We Need to Adopt

Chapter 14 - Personal Development

Chapter 15 - Quotes to Inspire Students

Chapter 16 - The Locomotive Called our Life

Chapter 17 - Talent Night

Chapter 18 - Finding Meaning on the Information Highway

Chapter 19 - Golf as a Metaphor for Life

Chapter 20 - Adopting One of Nature’s Secrets

Chapter 21 - The Joys of a Library Card

Chapter 22 - The Kernel of our Existence

Chapter 23 - Creating Meaning in the Classroom

Chapter 24 - A Spiritual GPS

Chapter 25 - Giving New Meaning to - Lifelong Learner

Chapter 26 - Taking Charge of your Life

Chapter 27 - Getting Comfortable on Life’s Journey

Chapter 28 - Ingredients for Peace

Chapter 29 - Finding our Passion

Chapter 30 - Refining the Craft of Teaching

Thank you

Preface

The articles or chapters you are about to read are a sample of newspaper columns I’ve written over the past decade or so. My first column appeared in the Southern Gazette in Marystown, NL on, interestingly enough, Tuesday, September 11, 2001. Besides the Southern Gazette, my column also appears in the Gateway Gazette in Alberta, and the Thompson Citizen in Manitoba.

In hundreds of articles I’ve written since 2001, I have tried to distill some of the ideas of great thinkers, and then fashion them into my own commentary on both the process of teaching and the art of life.

For a long time, it’s been a desire of mine to be a writer. Early in my teaching career (about twenty years ago), I showed some of my writing to a colleague. She said she liked what I wrote and then told me that I was a wizard with words. Well, needless to say, I was very flattered by her remark. Since then I’ve tried to aspire to the high standard she set for me.

It is my hope that you will find some inspiration in the chapters ahead. If even one of my articles strikes a chord with you so that you will have an elevated belief for what’s possible in your life, I will feel very grateful.

Leonard Quilty

January, 2013

About the Author

Leonard Quilty has been involved in some aspect of education for almost thirty years, and has worked in three provinces of Canada. He has been a classroom teacher, vice-principal, French program specialist, e-teacher, and guidance counselor.

Leonard holds three degrees from Memorial University: B.A., B. Ed, and M.Ed. He is married to his wife, Jane (over 25 years now), and they have three children – one son, Jeffrey, and two daughters, Rebecca and Carla.

Leonard prides himself on being a life-long learner and enjoys reading and writing. Besides enjoying time spent with his family, Leonard is also an avid golfer and tennis player.

Chapter 1

The Focused Student

Without involvement, there is no commitment. Mark it down, asterisk it, circle it, underline it. No involvement, no commitment.

- Stephen R. Covey

Total involvement in any endeavor is the key to enhancing its overall value. As our level of involvement increases in the activity, the more we become committed to its successful completion.

In my classroom, on a daily basis, I’m always impressed with those students who set high standards for their involvement in the particular lesson. They stand out among the group for several reasons.

From the front of the class the first thing you notice about the above group is that they’ve come prepared with all the necessary materials. Then as you begin your instruction, their focus narrows to the topic at hand. Following that there is an immediate transfer of initial focus to active involvement (i.e., volunteering answers for homework questions, taking notes from the board, or raising a hand to seek permission to contribute to the discussion).

It’s no surprise that when test time comes these students are the ones who invariably score the highest grades. As a pleasant corollary, the elevated marks serve as an extrinsic reward for their due diligence in class. Added to that, there’s increased motivation for them to continue the same work habits.

Recently in one of my classes I was reinforcing with my students the importance of paying attention in class. I believe I also made reference to one of my favorite quotes by Jim Rohn: Life is the study of attention.

During the above discussion I mentioned to the class that, in a recent conversation with