KHEC Curriculum Framework 3.0

The Association for Moral Education (AME). The objectives of the AME are to provide a forum for professionals in a wide variety of positions in moral education; to foster communication, cooperation, training, and research in moral education; and to serve as a resource in matters relating to moral education. The association supports self-reflective educational practices that value the worth and dignity of each individual as a moral agent in a pluralistic society. Its emphasis is on the development of moral understanding in all individuals and believes that such development requires opportunities for engagement in moral dialogue. For additional information: www.amenetwork.org/

The Journal of Moral Education provides an interdisciplinary forum for all aspects of moral education and development across the lifespan. It contains reports of empirical research and evaluation of educational strategies which address a range of value issues and the process of valuing. For additional information: www.tandf.co.uk/journals/carfax/03057240.html

Can We Teach Ethics by Howard B. Radest. This thought-provoking book examines the foundations of moral education from a philosophical and practical perspective and recommends that the teaching of ethics be treated with "theater as the metaphor, dialogue as the genre, and Socrates as the model." Moral education is presented from a humanist point of view with emphasis on the developmental approach of Piaget. Research findings are blended with the practice of bringing ethical reasoning to the classroom. A five-level curriculum is outlined in which moral education is introduced without religious prescription. Contact information: Westport, CN: Praeger Publishers. 1989.

Heart Talk for Kids: An Introduction to Human Universal Needs. The foundation of Heart Talk is the understanding that all people share the same needs. Young or old, of any ethnicity, our survival depends on food, shelter, safety, and for play, peace and meaning in our lives. Heart Talk (also known as Compassionate or Nonviolent Communication) is "speaking and listening from the heart." Its purpose is to communicate with each other in empathy and to understand and see our common humanity. The curriculum that has been developed follows Rosenberg's Nonviolent Communication model where children learn to make observations, get in touch with their feelings, learn the difference between a universal need and a strategy, and practice clear requests. They explore anger, empathy, gratitude, conflict resolution and look at historical and current peacemakers. A number of lessons have been developed for Pre-K through the 6th grade. They include: Observation, Feelings, Needs, Requests, Self-Empathy, Gratitude and Celebration, Anger, Empathy and Conflict Resolution, and Peace and Contribution. For additional information, visit: www.uucards.org/lassen0807.php or heartvistas.com/nvccurriculum.aspx

Roots of Empathy. This program has been shown to have dramatic effects in reducing aggression in children by raising social/emotional competence and increasing empathy. Empathy is defined here as a key ingredient to responsible citizenship and responsive parenting. The lengthy curriculum is divided into nine themes and four age ranges: kindergarten, grades 1 - 3, grades 4 - 6, and grades 7 – 8. The curriculum addresses the affective side of education although the activities have many links to the curriculum. For example, literature is used as a way to open the door to feelings. Art also plays a role as children paint their inner feelings which they often cannot say with words. The related program, Seeds of Empathy, fosters social and emotional and attitudes in children 3-5 years of age. For additional information: www.parentmap.com/content/view/875