Often when we think of heroes, we imagine showy acts of bravery or daring, but quiet heroes are just as important. Quiet heroes do something special during the normal course of their day. They do it without fanfare, parades or dinners to honor their accomplishments. Their actions help people and set a positive example for others to follow. Dave Knell says, “A hero is a person who does the right thing when the right thing is the hardest thing to do.” Dave overcame spinal cord surgery and then won two medals at the Senior Olympics. He swam to celebrate his journey through extreme back pain, surgery and recovery. He set an example for the people around him. He showed people that they could do virtually anything if they set a goal and pursued it with determination and enthusiasm. He is a hero. A few other examples of quiet heroes include a nurse who comforts a dying patient’s family, a teacher who stays late to tutor one student, a truck driver who stops to help a motorist, and a student who helps a friend who is being bullied. A quiet hero can be the school janitor or your mother who works two jobs so she can put food on the table. It can be someone who volunteers at church or the local Ronald McDonald House or who is a PTA committee member. Quiet heroes are all around us. They give us a smile when we need it, a hug at just the right time or some stern advice when that is appropriate. Through their unselfish efforts they make our day better. Suggestions for implementation: 1. List five people from your family, neighborhood, church or school who you think are quiet heroes. 2. Give a short description of the special thing each person does. Questions for discussion: 1. Why did you choose these five people? 2. What lessons can you learn from them? 3. How can you show your quiet heroes that you appreciate their efforts? 4. How can you be a quiet hero to someone? # Please visit www.TeachingMoments.com for more life skills ideas. FREE Reprints We want to reach as many children as possible with these positive life skills ideas. Please cut and paste them into your blog, newsletter, emails, magazine, egroups, Web site or newspaper. A byline with our Web address is requested. Forward If you believe this Teaching Moment can benefit others, please forward it to them.
Accent On Success® is an organization dedicated to giving parents and teachers the tools they need to help children succeed in school and in life. Their first book, Goal Setting for Students®, recently won three national book awards.
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