The THUMB show sugar coats this message with magic, juggling and good old fashioned knee slapping hilarity, then serves it up to years 4-7 in an inspiring show that will leave them with the notion – Hey I’m just a kid but
I CAN make my school a better place.
It's easy if you use the rule of thumb…
If you think it sounds suspiciously like give a man a fish and you feed him for a day BUT teach a man to fish and you feed his family for a lifetime, you'd be right. We introduce them to the idea that every problem has a cause, and treating the cause of a problem is more effective than just treating the symptoms.
To fix a problem they need tools. To their surprise these tools are already inside of them: values like Respect, Resilience and Responsibility. We unleash a few of those and give them a run around the paddock. Students are encouraged to make helping a habit.
The secret ingredient to making a difference though, is clever thinking. Mix in a bit of that and watch what happens.
They learn that, as individuals or in groups, they have the power to effect change.
Armed with the Rule of THUMB, they are ready to take a look around their school. What do you know, problems everywhere waiting to be solved:
- On a personal level this could be conflict with a friend or a teacher. A relationship could be saved, a fight could be nipped in the bud. Students learn to stop, think and act smart.
- On a class level they could show compassion and console a bullied friend. This is a good thing but by putting their heads together they realise they could collectively make a real dent in the problem of school bullying.
- Can they surprise their teachers with a bit of teamwork. They have just learnt that pooling problem solving skills achieves results. Watch out, decision makers on the loose.
To the students it will seem like the best fun day of their school year but the message is loud and clear.
What was it about? Kids can make a difference at their school
How? Use the Rule of Thumb
