The Golden Rule

I have been telling fables to students for many years and usually adopt one from Aesop. Occasionally I get blocked and can’t find a good fable. At one of those times this story, which I was told in childhood, surfaced vividly in my memory. I wondered why this story was so memorable to me. Why did it resonate so deeply with me from childhood to middle age?

After reflection, I realized how relieved I was at that age to learn that a teacher could be considerate and attentive to the needs of one particular and difficult child. The teacher in the fable seriously considered the student’s question, before responding kindly and with substance. The teacher neither ridiculed nor patronized the student. For me, a shy and anxious kid, in public school with many students per class, it was a revelation. I realized that maybe I didn’t need to be so frightened and anxious with teachers.

Children can be vulnerable and insecure. Sometimes these feelings result in rude or arrogant behavior. The teacher in the fable saw behind the arrogant presentation and sensed that the student really did want to learn. Her answer met the student where he was and began a learning process. This leads nicely to my version of the Golden Rule for a school.

First in the negative, "Never do anything to interfere with the learning of another student." For example, ridiculing an answer a peer gave to a problem, or running in the hallway.

Second, to stretch yourself, the affirmative: "Always act proactively to enhance the learning of others." For example, acknowledging and affirming a peer's answer to a complicated question.

Following are their statements about what the teacher could have said to the student standing on one leg. Also, click here to view The Golden Rule from a cross-cultural perspective.

Student and Class Responses:

Grade 1
Treat people how you want to be treated"
Thankfully, "always do what someone tells you to do" didn't get enough votes!

Grade 2
To treat others the way you would want to be treated.

Grade 3
Do unto others as you would have done to you.
Love your self; respect others; take care of the world.

Grade 4
Before you make a decision, think about it
Listen to your teachers

Grade 5
"Stand on two feet." She meant it as a metaphor.

Grade 6
Take the time to find your own answer; you can't learn how to be a good person in the time that you can stand on one foot.

Second place: Golden Rule: Put yourself in the other person's shoes.

Grade 6
Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you. (Episcopalian:)
Go to school to learn, not just academics but how to be a learner.
Listen and you will be heard.
Be positive; don't try to trick people.
Trust your instincts.

Grade 7
Treat "others" the way in which you would want to be treated.

There is really no answer that applies to everyone. You have to look inside yourself to find the answer that will work for you. It will be different for everyone and you have to find that answer that applies to YOU and your life and happiness!