Values

Story Time… Once upon a time there was a river that was practically overflowing with alligators. As you may have guessed, it was called Alligator River. A girl named Abigail lived on the west bank of the river. Her boyfriend, Greg, lived on the opposite bank. Abigail and Greg were very much in love with each other and wanted very much to see each other. But there was one slight complication: no boat, and an alligator-filled river stood between them. Abigail decided to seek help so that she could see her boyfriend, Greg.

She approached Sinbad the Sailor, who, as his name might indicate, owned a boat. She explained her situation to Sinbad and asked if she could borrow his boat. Sinbad thought for a moment and then replied: “Sure, you can borrow my boat, but only under one condition. The condition is that you sleep with me tonight.” This startled Abigail because she didn’t want to sleep with Sinbad; she just wanted to borrow his boat so that she could see Greg. So, she told Sinbad to forget it, and she wandered off seeking someone else who would help her.

After a great deal of time, Abigail was unable to find anyone else who could aid her. Discouraged, she returned home, where she sought out her mother. Explaining her dilemma and Sinbad’s proposition, Abigail asked her mother about what she should do. Mom responded with, “Look, Abigail, you’re a big girl now; it’s about time you started making these kinds of decisions for yourself.” With that, Mom turned and walked away.

Abigail thought and thought Abigail thought and thought. Finally, she decided to take Sinbad up on his offer because she wanted to see Greg so very much; so that night, Abigail and Sinbad slept with each other. The next morning, Sinbad, true to his word, lent his boat to Abigail. Abigail sailed across the river and saw her beloved. After spending a few delightful hours together, Abigail felt compelled to tell Greg what had happened. After she had relayed her whole story, Greg blew up completely. “You what? I can’t believe you did that!! I—I can’t believe you slept with him! That’s it! It’s all over. Just forget the relationship. Get out of my life!”

Distraught, Abigail wandered off. She came upon a fellow named Slug Distraught, Abigail wandered off. She came upon a fellow named Slug. Borrowing his shoulder to shed her tears, Abigail relayed her tale to Slug. Slug then went looking for Greg (with Abigail close behind). Slug found Greg and proceeded to beat the stuffing out of him, with Abigail standing there, laughing.

Your reactions are a reflection of your values What is your reaction to: Abigail? Greg? Sinbad the Sailor? Slug? Abigail’s mother? Your reactions are a reflection of your values

WHAT YOU CHOOSE TO DO WITH YOUR TIME IS A REFLECTION OF YOUR VALUES What are some of the things did you did during your spare time in the past week? WHAT YOU CHOOSE TO DO WITH YOUR TIME IS A REFLECTION OF YOUR VALUES

HOW YOU CHOOSE TO SPEND THE MONEY IS A REFLECTION OF YOUR VALUES You have been given $10,000.00 to do whatever you like with it… How would you spend it? Share with the class what you would do with it. HOW YOU CHOOSE TO SPEND THE MONEY IS A REFLECTION OF YOUR VALUES

YOUR CHOICES ARE A REFLECTION OF WHAT YOU VALUE. SELECT A MIRACLE Complete the “Miracle Worker” handout on your own… YOUR CHOICES ARE A REFLECTION OF WHAT YOU VALUE. What do you value?

What is a value? Qualities, characteristics, or ideas about which we feel strongly. A belief or feeling that someone or something is worthwhile. Something that affects our decisions, goals and behavior. Values are standards to guide your action, judgments, and attitudes.

Values – Goals – Behavior – Self-Value Values give direction and consistency to behavior. Values help you know what to and not to make time for. Values establish a relationship between you and the world. Values set the direction for one’s life.

Where do we get values? home school society friends TV church music books family culture era in which you were raised… What does your generation value?

Your age will greatly influence your values Your age will greatly influence your values. Different people and things influence you at different ages: Ages 1-7 --- parents Ages 8-13 --- teachers, heroes (athletes, musicians, actors) Ages 14-20 --- peers (values because of peers or peers because of values?) Ages 21+ your values are established, but you may test your values from time to time.

Mature vs Immature Maturity (values are identified) Clear values Life has purpose, meaning, direction Immaturity (values not identified) Unclear values Drifters, “flighty”, uncertain, apathetic Values can change over a life-time as your experiences change your view.

ACTING BASED ON VALUES a HYPOCRITE is someone who subscribes to one set of values but who’s actions reflect another Happiness comes from letting values decide your behavior and goals.

Complete the worksheet: Values – Unfinished Sentences ON YOUR OWN Share in your group Record a list of all the different values reflected in your statements

but doing the right things. “ “It’s not doing things right, but doing the right things. “

Assignment: Using the provided piece of paper create a map that lists at least FIVE values (qualities, characteristics, ideas, people, etc) in each of the following areas. You should be at the center of your map! 1. Family 2. Morals 3. Friends 4. Your future This is due at the end of class and will be marked according to the class rubric! Be sure to add colour, simple images, and visual details to your mind map!