Create a Stargirl Constitution

Creating a Constitution is an opportunity for any organization or classroom to discuss and think about their ideals and the fundamental principles that empower the members of their organization.  The Stargirl Constitution provides an example.  Inspire your students to write their own! 

The Constitution of Stargirls

Lucy Merriman, one of our Stargirl leaders designed this constitution.  It reflects the ideals we have identified through our discussions of themes in the Stargirl Book.

We, the Stargirls of Kent, Ohio, in order to form a more perfect middle school and someday, a more perfect world, enact this constitution:

1. RESPECT YOURSELF:  This means…

·      Don’t smoke, do drugs or anything harmful to your body.

·      If you are really sad or depressed, call a fellow Stargirl and tell her about it; let her help you.

·      Counter negative self thoughts with positive ones.

·      Avoid peer pressure.  Be true to yourself.

·      Go after your goals.

2. RESPECT YOUR PEERS:  This means…

·      Be responsible.  Let people know they can count on you.

·      Be a positive force in your school.  Start new clubs and support others.

·      Reach out to help others in a time of need.

·      Acknowledge the opinion of others even if their opinion is not the same as yours.

·      Be forgiving.  Give people second chances.

·      Don’t gossip about other girls, or guys for that matter.  Gossip is very hurtful.

·      Make new friends.

3. RESEPECT THE EARTH:  This means…

·      Recycle

·      Don’t litter

·      Be kind to animals.

·      Educate yourself about global issues such as endangered species and habitats.

·      Initiate community service projects both small and large.

Have your class create their own Constitution for your classroom or organization!  Here is a link with other examples on Pinterest.  
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/177188566562928757/?lp=true

A Stargirl Pledge!

Happy International Women's Day.  This seems like a perfect time to present the Stargirl Pledge.  Many of our outstanding women role models exemplify the characteristics described in the pledge written by our Stargirl Leaders.

Stargirl Sarah leads a discussion related to the Stargirl Pledge.  Middle school Stargirls submit questions before our meetings so the high school leaders can prepare with stories, guidance, and support.

SHOOTING STAR NEWSLETTER

STARGIRLS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Would you like a copy of the February STARGIRL NEWSLETTER?  The theme of this Stargirl meeting was Entrepreneurship.  The three page newsletter includes the steps of creating an Entrepreneur Business Plan.  If you would like a copy just email: kathy.frazier1@gmail.com  

*A sample from page one of the newsletter:

         STARGIRLS

                             SHOOTING STAR NEWSLETTER

WE ARE EMPOWERED AND POISED

Thanks to a grant from the Young Entrepreneur Institute we were able to invite Leah Berdysz from “Empowered and Poised” for our February meeting. During the workshop, we learned her story about the challenges she faced growing up and how she became an entrepreneur. As she guided us through the creative problem solving process, we identified challenges and brainstormed solutions related to plastic and its effects on sea life. We learned how to create a Business Model Canvas. We will pursue our own entrepreneur venture related to creating an Empowered Girls Card Company at the next meeting.

Stargirl and Developing Empathy

                           STARGIRL AND DEVELOPING EMPATHY

Stargirl often did random acts of kindness. Examples of her thoughtfulness appear throughout the book and her high degree of empathy is evident.  Stargirl was very observant and often discovered something special about individuals by watching and listening to others.  She even read the newspaper to inspire ways she might support or uplift people she did not even know in her community.  Stargirl did these special acts of kindness secretly.  She wanted no credit.

Identify the Random Acts of Kindness carried out by Stargirl and involve your students in this developing their own kind acts. Help them to develop empathy.

Objectives:  Students will...
- Develop empathy as they identify and creatively carry out Random Acts of Kindness
- Enhance their communication skills with other Stargirls in the process of organizing and carrying 
  out Random Acts of Kindness projects
- Build confidence with one’s own ability to help others
- Develop skills in the area of the 4’Cs:  Creativity, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving,           Communication, and Collaboration
-Experience “self-satisfaction” independent of exterior recognition
-Analyze the relationship between contributing to the happiness of others, and to the happiness of     oneself

Procedure:

Identify and discuss Stargirl’s Random Acts of Kindness from the novel. 

     - Discuss why donating time, energy, and support to members of your community is            important. (Identify the community as your school, town, state, or world)

      -Establish the importance of service in your community.

     -Divide into “Constellation Groups.” (A fun title for small group work – students may name     their Constellation Group from their favorite constellation or make up one.)

     -Each Constellation Group will brainstorm a random act of kindness that could be done i         individually or in a group. 

    - Provide a block of time for students to be observant and check out the newspaper or online   news to get ideas.
    - Regroup.  Each Constellation Group will share their ideas.

     -Decide if this project should be completed individually or in small groups. (Or both)

     -If students would like to develop a class project, have them vote.

     -Allow work time to organize their Random Act of Kindness and write an Action Plan. An     Action Plan should include: Who, What, Where, When, How, and any obstacles that might   be anticipated. How could they be solved?

    - Implement the Plan of Action

   

     Closure:

*Robert Sweetland provides an excellent passage from Stargirl, Chapter 21 along with discussion quests that might be applied to the class project.              http://www.homeofbob.com/cman/intrvntns/randmActsPraise.html

*Discuss if they were able to carry out their Random Act of Kindness as outlined in their Action Plan.

*How did the recipient react?  Especially if the person was unaware of who carried out the Random Act of Kindness.  

*What Feelings result from planning Random Acts of Kindness.  Will you continue to find ways to implement Random Acts of Kindness?

*Define the word Empathy.  How did this project help you to develop empathy?

Stargirls Develop Empathy

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Stargirls create a quilt to support a special mother who lost her Stargirl daughter.

Amazing Resource: