Program Structure

The  text is set up in four parts. Each is described below.

1. Introduction: This brief section helps students see why their study of this topic is so important. The goal is to help them to see how they can benefit from learning to get along well with others and from acquiring the attitudes, behaviors, and skills of good character.
2. True Stories: Set up as an illustrated chapter book, this section follows a group of real pre-teens and teens as they journey toward better relationships and less conflict between groups.
3. Skill Development: Here students engage in interactive activities. Each is designed to build a life skill. In the Respect book, these skills are developed.
4. • Expressing feelings
   • Figuring out other people's feelings
   • Analyzing sources of feelings
   • Empathy
   • Gathering and evaluating information
   • Active listening Responding successfully to hostility
   • Changing behavior that reveals prejudice
   • Acting with courage Asking for help when needed
   Role playing, cooperative group learning, and decision making are learning strategies often featured in this section.
5. Success Stories: This section is designed to help students see that good changes in the area of intergroup relations can be effected. Examples from United States and world history are featured, as well as current events examples of students bringing about good change.