In Fall 2011, Pierce Elementary in Birmingham, iMatter For Kids, and Winning Futures will implement an after-school mentoring program for 4th and 5th grade students. This pilot program for 24 students will engage adult mentors from the community to empower students to develop into strong, caring leaders and to know they matter. Parents will also attend family workshops with their children.
Students focus on understanding who they are and on developing the traits and goals they want to have in the future. We believe that building character in young people has to be driven by the student and supported through activities and assessments.
We focus on the following topics to assist youth in understanding who they are, who they want to become, and how to get there. We provide students with the tools and support to help them build a positive character which will launch them to reaching their personal success.
- Building a Positive Attitude
- Understanding your Strengths, Talents, Interests, and Skills
- Developing Responsibility and Leadership
- Understanding your Values (personal, life, work)
- Putting your Values into Action
- Understanding and Valuing Diversity
- Assessing, Building, and Maintaining Positive Relationships
- Understanding and Setting Three Areas of Goals (education/career, relationships, and personal)
- Creating your Road Map to Success
Character is more than just saying “I have these values”. It is truly understanding the person you want to be and letting those values navigate all the decisions in your life.
Students sense of belonging, competence and feelings of self worth thrive in school communities where there is trust, respect and collaboration among the key stakeholders including staff, students, parents and the wider community.
We offer a variety of programs to reach not only the child but all key stakeholders in a child's life:
- Inspire kids to gain clarity as to who they are, realize what matters most to them, learn to be happy and most importantly, feel acceptance along the way.
- Incorporate discussions, role playing, creative projects and exploration of art to emphasize sharing, honesty, appreciation and confidence through iMatter for Kids’ Motto: Be Kind, Be True, Be Great-ful, Be You!
- Provide an environment that allows for real dialogue and genuine interaction, to help kids feel safe so they are free to explore new ideas and discover the world, thereby building their self-esteem and increasing their self-worth.
- Engage teenagers and young adults with assisting younger children, thus providing a support network and vital leadership/mentoring training and opportunities.
- Invite caring adults, parents, coaches, teachers and community leaders to participate and provide support in the iMatter for Kids program. Psychology research continues to show that kids thrive in all areas when there is strong parental involvement and interaction with nurturing adults.
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