Anne Taylor – AGREE

“Golden Rule moment: A ‘warm’ tale of kindness” in the news!

Posted on February 12, 2022March 5, 2022 by Anne Taylor

Golden Rule moment: A ‘warm’ tale of kindness

Special to Arizona Republic USA TODAY NETWORK

“In 14 degree Fahrenheit weather, you definitely appreciate a nice sweater to keep you warm,” said Sue Shepard, Principal of Ash Creek Elementary. In fact, you’ll even see Little Joe, the school’s service dog, strutting around campus in his new sweater. Read this tale of a Golden Moment that will surely “warm” your heart as it did mine.

It all started with Carolyn Tolby, who has served on the school board for 7 years. As a result of Ash Creek Elementary being “near and dear to her heart”, her brother and his wife, Carter and Kim Reyer, began participating in a yearly holiday act of kindness. Last year they gave winter coats to all Ash Creek students. This year the plan was to give them warm and cozy winter sweaters. However, circumstances beyond their control delayed the intended donation.

“Our lives are a bit upside down right now,” the Reyers communicated to Sue Shepard, informing her of their gifts being delayed until after the Holidays. When Sue told her students, she was surprised by their sincere and sweet response, saying, “That’s ok, we like gifts anytime.” Sue noticed that nobody was upset, and within moments they decided to decorate and write cards expressing empathy and kindness to the Reyers.

Sue noted that since they became a Golden Rule School in 2021, she and her staff have noticed a significant change in student behavior. She stated, “They are showing kindness right back. They are learning that when someone does something nice…to just pass that kindness on, making that person feel special.” Little Joe also notices how students live the Golden Rule by helping him “type” his community posts, because typing with paws can be a challenge. You can check out his recent post about bullying on Ash Creek’s school website: https://ashcreekschool.wordpress. com/ When the Reyers received the students’ thank you cards, they responded by saying, “They (the cards) made us smile for the first time in weeks…made a stressful situation bearable.” And when the students received the anticipated sweaters, which were personalized with Ash Creek sweatshirts and included enough for both students and staff, the students wrote and sent another batch of cards, including a photo of them in their sweaters. This kindness circle continued, as the Reyers once again responded, “What a wonderful surprise! Please tell all the kids how grateful we are for them.” In the photo, the Reyers must have noticed a sweater wrapped around Little Joe, because not too long afterwards, he also received one just his size in the mail.

One act of kindness turned into another and then another. The students considered how the Reyers might feel and in a Golden Moment decided to participate in a circle of kind acts that even their furry friend can appreciate.

Ash Creek Elementary School.

Kendra Ruth

“Golden Rule Moments, from #LiveGoldenaz!” in the AZ Republic

Posted on September 11, 2021November 18, 2021 by Anne Taylor

Golden Rule Moments, from #LiveGoldenaz!

Kendra Ruth

Special to Arizona Republic USA TODAY NETWORK

It was a Live Golden Reunion – true Golden Moments to celebrate! Nivea Krishan and Grant Williams, the original Live Golden hosts, have set an amazing example, addressing important topics with teens and sharing them with the general public. #LiveGoldenaz episodes are three minutes long, encouraging teens to voice their opinions on difficult issues, then reflecting how the Golden Rule can be applied for solutions.

The excitement could be felt! After several years of different hosts and videographers, topics and a pandemic, current and former Live Golden Teams came, including Nivea Krishan, Grant Williams, Trisha Panse, Anusha Rahman and James Kinney. We missed Live Golden team members Evan Crabtree, Sean-David Ta and Manvi Harde.

As the conversations began, one topic addressed was how Live Golden helps create a new image for youth. Grant expressed his feeling that people’s opinions really do matter and that you can find goodness in those that are very different from yourself. Nivea also reflected, “Live Golden really taught me the importance of making sure people are engaged.” Larry Fultz, executive director of AZIFM, expressed his warm appreciation for the youth and the example they set that grants multigenerational hope for the future.

LeAnn Basha, AGREE coordinator, who joined the reunion virtually, shared her sentiments, “With youth like this in the world, I can ‘Imagine’ a beautiful future,” referencing John Lennon’s song. She continued, “Where you would like to see the world to be in five years?” The group collectively shared their desire for people to unify, for example identifying primarily as American or a global citizen, versus being so divided. James mentioned how the Olympics were a great example of this desired global energy.

Reflecting back a few months, Manvi, Trisha, Anusha and James were featured on AZTV7’s “Daily Mix.” Show host Brad Perry named them Golden Rule ambassadors. Trisha heartily agreed with this title and stated that Live Golden is “all about giving a voice to teenagers and showing how they use the Golden Rule in their daily lives.” Manvi expressed, “(We) really need to make sure we are careful about what we say and how we make other people feel.” Videographer James also chimed in, stating that it is important to “get the student perspectives out there.” In the concluding moments of the feature, Perry concluded that the Live Golden ambassadors help show Arizonans the importance of listening to the voices of our youth.

During the #LiveGoldenaz Reunion, the truth of Brad’s statement echoed as the ambassadors were asked to pick a word that summed up their personal Live Golden Experience. The words they chose were profound, including: “transformative,” “pragmatic” and “community.” They each clarified their word choices with statements of impact and hope. Anusha, the Live Golden publicist, shared, “I think it is a very realistic way that we approach common social issues and we have this connection that is so real and so (practical) with the community around us, especially with teenagers and peers.” Their comments can assist us in reflecting on the positive impact diverse conversation can have on all of us.

After a countdown and a hearty cheer of “LIVE GOLDEN!,” the teens departed together, smiling and laughing. The sun’s light reflected in the atmosphere around them, and yet it seemed as though the light was coming from within each one of them. They had all experienced a change through their engagement with the Golden Rule. It was as though an army of “golden” civilians were marching out into the world, educated and ready to generate a brighter future.

See video highlights of the Live Golden Reunion at https://goldenruleeducation. org/category/news/ and BELOW.

“Ash Creek Elementary teaches students the Golden Rule”, published!

Posted on August 17, 2021March 2, 2022 by Anne Taylor

“Ash Creek Elementary teaches students the Golden Rule” – GOLDEN RULE MOMENTS

Kendra Ruth Guest Columnist

Road trips are always full of pleasant surprises and a recent road trip to the southern stretch of Arizona was no exception.

Pearce was one of over 48 stops to schools throughout Arizona, recently made by AGREE – Arizona Golden Rule Educational Experiences. The purpose of these visits was to introduce character experiences that use the universal Golden Rule, treating others the way you want to be treated, in classroom education.

In a Golden Moment, Principal Shepard of Ash Creek Elementary, who had been considering the Golden Rule as her character outreach, realized the AGREE program was just what she was looking for. It was impressive that she scheduled a training session with AGREE for all her staff, including teachers, maintenance, bus drivers, IT and the custodian. She knew it would take a team and wanted everyone on board to become examples of the Golden Rule.

Next, they engaged the students by teaching them about the Golden Rule through various educational experiences. As Ash Creek Elementary teachers included these embedded “golden” messages in lesson plans encouraging students to treat others the way they would like to be treated, they began to see changes.

One young student shared how she decided to treat a fellow student she had a hard time getting along with the way she would want to be treated. As a result, he responded positively to her, they became friends and additionally, he began making more friends!

Another Ash Creek Elementary student noted the positive effects that the Golden Rule had on his classmates and on the campus as a whole. He felt like no one should be “forced” to live the Golden Rule but he saw how those who did live it received more respect from others. In addition, teachers witnessed moments in the classroom where students identified when they were living the Golden Rule on their own accord, sharing how good it made them feel.

Ash Creek Elementary held a celebratory assembly to recognize school-wide efforts to become a Golden Rule School. During the assembly, staff and students shared works of art that expressed personal experiences with the Golden Rule. At the end of the assembly, staff and students took the AGREE pledge to live the Golden Rule by applying the four words; Kindness, Empathy, Respect and Civility. The excitement and resolution was felt by all. Ash Creek Elementary was chosen by AGREE as the 2021 Arizona Golden Rule School and was featured on AZTV, Channel 7. Their story can be seen on www.aztv.com and www.azGoldenRule. org. They received a $1,000 check to support them in continuing Golden Rule educational efforts.

The story doesn’t end there! They created a time capsule that includes meaningful items that commemorate the year they became a Golden Rule School. The time capsule will be opened again in 2036. Many staff humorously question if they will still be around at that time, but they all hope to see this resolve to be a Golden Rule School continue to grow.

As you walk across the beautiful Ash Creek Elementary campus, the walls are painted with “golden” images and messages about kindness are visibly displayed; even the rocks by their public library are painted with positive messages! They’re working to live the Golden Rule as a school family and team. AGREE applauds the students and staff of Ash Creek Elementary. May their golden efforts bless their lives well beyond their school years and have a positive impact in their communities!

How to live authentically as a Golden Rule activist

Posted on April 17, 2021April 29, 2021 by Anne Taylor

On June 2, 2020, 14.6 million people uploaded a single black square to their social media feed in light of the Black Lives Matter protests. This extensive online crusade swarmed the nation by storm after protests in the summer of 2020 and established the framework for the upcoming social media activist movement that still dominates our pages today.

However, beyond the sea of black lies a prominent underlying issue that we as a generation have faced today: performative activism. While the messages of spreading awareness have good intentions, acts such as Blackout Tuesday drown out the voices of those affected in a mass effort of solidarity.

Performative activism, additionally known as “slacktivism,” is best defined by Oxford Dictionary as “the practice of supporting a political or social cause by means such as social media … often involving very little effort or commitment.” It’s the very epitome of a popular saying: “Fake it til you make it.” But in this case, what you’re faking is the support for social justice movements that affect the livelihoods of millions across the nation.

So how can we as educated individuals differentiate between performance and being genuine? Here is where the Golden Rule comes in. While authenticity is not one of the four pillars of the Golden Rule, it most definitely is implied. Honesty and kindness together are the ingredients needed for being a supportive and true activist on social media. Without fighting for what we really believe in, while also acknowledging other points of view, we are neither being honest to ourselves nor to others. These youth demonstrate how our generation should really stand up for what they believe in, by being true ambassadors of the Golden Rule.

But the Golden Rule doesn’t only help

The first step is to acknowledge that you were a part of the problem and then see what you can do from there.

You become a better activist, it also serves as a guiding method for the next steps you can take to elevate your presence online AND offline.

The first step is to acknowledge that you were a part of the problem

The second is to educate yourself instead of depending on the people around you. Even if you are not in a position to donate or protest, you can still learn how to utilize your privilege and be thoughtful about moments when you may inadvertently speak over the group you mean to support. Maintaining a sense of civility within your conversations with others who might not share the same opinions as you is key in bridging cultural divisions.

And third, use your online platform to instead share fundraisers for the families of victims, email templates to send to your local representatives and links to bail funds such as the Minneapolis Freedom Fund, which has currently raised over $20 million. All of this may take some time out of your day, but the Golden Rule teaches us that genuine progress comes with genuine effort.

Tune into our segment about online activism on April 27 at 8 a.m. on AZTV Channel 7 or watch it on the AGREE Golden Rule website (azGolden-Rule.org) under LiveGolden.

Anusha Rahman is the publicist for LiveGoldenAZ! She is currently a student at Hamilton High School.

Live Golden

Anusha Rahman Special to Arizona Republic

Experience the Golden Rule Challenge

Posted on April 14, 2021November 18, 2021 by Anne Taylor

5 simple steps to help you live Golden Rule

Kendra Ruth Guest columnist

International Golden Rule Day has been celebrated on April 5 since 2007, when several notable organizations, including the United Nations, made the proclamation. There was a strong resolve by individuals such as Ambassador Mussie Hailu, who believed a focus on the Golden Rule would benefit citizens around the globe.

In gratitude, the Arizona Golden Rule Educational Experiences (AGREE) issued a challenge to the citizens of Arizona inviting you to “Experience the Golden Rule” in five simple steps.

High school student Shriya Shah took the Golden Rule Challenge and went “big” with her efforts. In an interview with youth reporter Kirra, she shared, “The Golden Rule means being able to recognize the little things that people do for you.” Shriya likes being able to go to school and have the resources for a good education. She decided to reach out to her community and identified a school lacking the resources that she personally feels privileged to have. With help from community partners, she was able to collect $3,000 worth of school supplies, including headsets, WiFi hotspots, tablets and hand sanitizer. In the process, Shriya was able to touch over 500 students’ lives! She shared how meaningful it was for her to see the gratitude expressed by school staff for the donations. Shriya stated that it was an “incredibly humbling experience.”

How can I make a difference with my friends? Youth Reporter Kirra also took the challenge! She likes when other people make her things. So decided to make a bunch of cookies and delivered them to her friends. She created a work of art that depicted her experience, and because she took the challenge, she now understands more fully what it means to live the Golden Rule.

Both Shriya and Kirra took the challenge in their own unique way, with that “golden” thread being how good it feels to live the Golden Rule. Imagine the impact if Arizona citizens took the challenge and flooded our great state with Golden Rule actions this month!

How does the challenge work? The five simple steps are as follows: 1 Write. Write about multiple ways that you like to be treated.

2 Plan. Make a “golden” plan to do something for someone else by treating them in one of the ways you like to be treated.

3 Take Action. Take action on your plan! Remember to take pictures and write about your experiences, reflecting on how they responded.

4 Create. Create a work of art to share your Golden Rule experience. It could be a poem, a drawing, a song, anything to help the experience become more meaningful to you and others.

5 Share. Youth may choose to submit their writings and art at experience@ azgoldenrule.com for the opportunity to be interviewed by AGREE youth.

Reporter Kirra Abplanalp is featured on AGREE Social Media. Adults may choose to post about their experience on social media #AZGREE sharing how they took the challenge and inviting others to do the same. In essence, you would be both creating and sharing your own golden moment.

The Golden Rule is a rule of action. By reflecting, you begin to develop an inner compass to help navigate all your social interactions based on how you like to be treated. May we each live the Golden Rule, focusing not on what others can do for us but focusing on what we can do for others.

Kendra Ruth is an AGREE Development/ School Liaison.

Golden Rule Moments

“5 simple steps to help you live Golden Rule” published

Posted on April 11, 2021November 18, 2021 by Anne Taylor

5 simple steps to help you live Golden Rule

Kendra Ruth Guest columnist

International Golden Rule Day has been celebrated on April 5 since 2007, when several notable organizations, including the United Nations, made the proclamation. There was a strong resolve by individuals such as Ambassador Mussie Hailu, who believed a focus on the Golden Rule would benefit citizens around the globe.

In gratitude, the Arizona Golden Rule Educational Experiences (AGREE) issued a challenge to the citizens of Arizona inviting you to “Experience the Golden Rule” in five simple steps.

High school student Shriya Shah took the Golden Rule Challenge and went “big” with her efforts. In an interview with youth reporter Kirra, she shared, “The Golden Rule means being able to recognize the little things that people do for you.” Shriya likes being able to go to school and have the resources for a good education. She decided to reach out to her community and identified a school lacking the resources that she personally feels privileged to have. With help from community partners, she was able to collect $3,000 worth of school supplies, including headsets, WiFi hotspots, tablets and hand sanitizer. In the process, Shriya was able to touch over 500 students’ lives! She shared how meaningful it was for her to see the gratitude expressed by school staff for the donations. Shriya stated that it was an “incredibly humbling experience.”

How can I make a difference with my friends? Youth Reporter Kirra also took the challenge! She likes when other people make her things. So decided

Golden Rule Moments

to make a bunch of cookies and delivered them to her friends. She created a work of art that depicted her experience, and because she took the challenge, she now understands more fully what it means to live the Golden Rule.

Both Shriya and Kirra took the challenge in their own unique way, with that “golden” thread being how good it feels to live the Golden Rule. Imagine the impact if Arizona citizens took the challenge and flooded our great state with Golden Rule actions this month!

How does the challenge work? The five simple steps are as follows: 1 Write. Write about multiple ways that you like to be treated.

2 Plan. Make a “golden” plan to do something for someone else by treating them in one of the ways you like to be treated.

3 Take Action. Take action on your plan! Remember to take pictures and write about your experiences, reflecting on how they responded.

4 Create. Create a work of art to share your Golden Rule experience. It could be a poem, a drawing, a song, anything to help the experience become more meaningful to you and others.

5 Share. Youth may choose to submit their writings and art at experience@ azgoldenrule.com for the opportunity to be interviewed by AGREE youth.

The Golden Rule is a rule of action. By reflecting, you begin to develop an inner compass to help navigate all your social interactions based on how you like to be treated. May we each live the Golden Rule, focusing not on what others can do for us but focusing on what we can do for others.

Kendra Ruth is an AGREE Development/ School Liaison.

“Golden Rule gesture for all of Arizona” published!

Posted on March 13, 2021March 17, 2021 by Anne Taylor

Golden Rule gesture for all of Arizona

Golden Rule Moment

Kendra Ruth Guest columnist

This kind of great news seldom is heard or known.

First, a little background: Rep. Mark Anderson, along with countless other faith leaders and community leaders, had the fortune of meeting and knowing Mesa resident Daryl Andersen. He was known by many as the “Golden Rule” guy — the guy who wore Golden Rule suspenders.

Perhaps many readers may remember Daryl’s efforts, sharing Golden Rule bumper stickers, meeting with religious leaders to bridge differences and his passion for educating the community about the Golden Rule. Gradually, it became clear that the Golden Rule wasn’t just for one religion but was common in most faiths, as well as being a standard for many secular ethics.

With Mark’s character and familiarity with the Golden Rule, the scene was set for our Golden Moment to happen at the state Legislature. In a recent interview, he shared how members of the Arizona Interfaith Movement (AZIFM) approached him while he was in the House of Representatives. They brought to Mark’s attention the idea of Arizona becoming a “Golden Rule state.” In Mark’s words, “I was just the person facilitating the process, there were so many people who went and talked to legislators.” I couldn’t help but chuckle as he told us that one of the questions he used to convince his colleagues was, “Are you sure you want to go on record as someone who voted against the Golden Rule?” Yet, through his efforts, the resolution went to the House, to the Senate and then to the Governor’s Office, where it was signed and made official on May 13, 2003. Arizona became the first Golden Rule state in the United States.

Mark also shared a story that occurred while he was later serving as justice of peace. Two men were ticketed for jaywalking, and they expressed how they didn’t feel the charge was fair. Mark heard their story and realized that the nearest crosswalk was about 1 ⁄ 4 mile away from where they crossed. Rather than holding them to their fine, he proposed something different. He had them draft a proposal to the Scottsdale City Council suggesting a crosswalk in the very same area where they were ticketed. Showing empathy by considering how it might feel if he were in their same situation resulted in a win-win for everyone.

As the development/school liaison for Arizona Golden Rule Educational Experiences (AGREE), I have seen firsthand the impact of this statewide resolution and celebrate each person who voted “yes.” AGREE offers the universal concepts of the Golden Rule through folktales from around the world that carry insights about why we live “kindness, empathy, civility and respect” day to day.

Another unique outcome of becoming a Golden Rule state was the creation of a specialty Arizona Golden Rule license plate that reads, “Live the Golden Rule.” Mark encourages others to purchase one.

“It’s a chance for people to express their values,” he said. “If everybody lived the Golden Rule, we wouldn’t need laws, courts, police or judges, because people would be treating each other properly, in the right way.”

In all his professional practices, Mark’s goal has been to figure out how best to help each person he has come in contact with. He has kept a focus on character and educating others, especially our youth, about the Golden Rule. This Golden Moment when Mark Anderson and others helped Arizona become a Golden Rule state will forever be a reminder to each of us to ponder what it means to treat others the way we want to be treated and find ways daily to live it.

Kendra Ruth is a development/school liaison for Arizona Golden Rule Educational Experiences.

Anderson

“Bringing Golden Rule to the playing field” published

Posted on March 12, 2021March 12, 2021 by Anne Taylor

The fresh green grass lay crisp with a hint of morning dew as the sun rose above my neighborhood park. The playground still stood proudly over the sea of messy wood chips, and the faint buzzing of the sprinklers could be heard occasionally throughout the day.

However, this familiar landscape felt stranger than ever before. The swing sets helplessly croaked, while the basketball courts were left as a barren desert. Fields that were once brimming with competition and excitement reeked of negligence and surrender. Sports had always been a major part of this neighborhood, but after months of isolation, the image of a bustling park on a Saturday afternoon before the weekly mini-volleyball tournament seemed like a foreign concept.

The realities of my specific neighborhood park can be applied to the rest of the nation, as sporting events have been canceled again and again while the pandemic passes. Sports have served as an important part of social interaction for many teens across the country and integrated itself as a favorite pastime of many people. Parents play catch with their kids in the backyard, families go for early morning walks, and friend groups ride bikes in the evening together. Every moment is a special instance of community in which actions can speak louder than words.

But after sports have started to return in recent months, athletes have recognized an important lesson from their times in quarantine, one that utilizes the Golden Rule to its full potential.

Mountain View senior Pratik Shah said, “Kindness and empathy really helps with forming a new bond with your teammates.” Hamilton High junior Megan Misener furthered, “Treating others with respect can really bring out the best performance from everybody.” These teens have constructed a compelling narrative about the personal development that sports can bring them during such a difficult time and how their normal routines have been drastically shifted.

The Golden Rule is a flexible principle that can be applied to any aspect of life, and through these shared experiences, living golden within sports can be as simple as being there for your teammates by cheering them on at practices and meets.

Resilient youth illustrate how deep the values of respect, honesty, civility and kindness impact the way we view and participate in sports today. Winning, winning, winning — is that what sports is really about? Well, according to these athletes, integrity must be placed on the same pedestal as winning in sports. Integrity is the foundational principle for creating uplifting and supportive environments that allow all of the athletes, whether they are on the same team or opposing team, to flourish. The Golden Rule is cultivated on the soil of integrity, and this is demonstrated by these youth who work hard and play hard.

So, my neighborhood park may not have as many people showing up to the mini-volleyball tournaments anymore, but I can still invite that warmth of community into my own home with my family.

Tune into our segment about sports during COVID-19 on March 23rd on AZTV Channel 7 at 8 a.m. or watch it on the AGREE Golden Rule website azGoldenRule. org under LiveGolden.

Anusha Rahman is the publicist for LiveGoldenAZ! She is currently a junior at Hamilton High School.

Live Golden

Anusha Rahman Guest columnist

The Arts as Ally, Advocate and Lifeline for Children with Learning Disabilities

Posted on March 3, 2021March 12, 2021 by Anne Taylor

The Arts as Ally, Advocate and Lifeline for Children with Learning Disabilities by Jenna Sherman, guest author

One in five children in the US have learning and attention issues, such as dyslexia and ADHD. According to Mimi Corcoran, President and CEO of National Center for Learning Disabilities, these children can achieve at high levels with the right support. Fortunately, opportunities for “the right support” can be just a paintbrush, dance shoe, or drum set away.

While the arts might not be a cure-all for all learning disabilities, they have provided countless children with a new path for learning, expression, and greater self-esteem. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Education have shared that children showed more motivation, paid closer attention, and remembered what they learned more easily when the arts were integrated into their curriculum.

If you’re having difficulty finding a class that caters to your child’s abilities, consider teaching them yourself. You may discover that you have a knack for teaching, which could help other parents in your situation. Just remember that if you decide to give lessons professionally, you’ll need to take steps to properly register your business with the state, so it’s important you know how to start a business in Arizona. Our state has LLC guidelines in place that you’ll need to follow, so make sure you understand everything thoroughly before you decide to register as such. In addition, it’s important to write up a business plan. You can work with a professional or follow an online template to create yours.

Below are eight tips from Arizona Golden Rule Educational Experiences (AGREE) for helping your child with learning disabilities get involved with the arts:

Expose your child to as many arts as possible. Give him the chance to sculpt something out of clay, rent a musical instrument, experiment with art supplies, or attend a puppet show. Which activities make him smile? Which ones simply frustrate him? Listen to your child and watch for clues regarding what makes his heart sing.
Once you’ve identified a few avenues you’d like to explore, look for classes and programs after school, on weekends, and during vacations. Many community parks and recreation centers offer classes. Talk with other parents and research online.
Acknowledge and encourage your child’s attempts. After being immersed in a school culture that values standardized testing, it’s easy for children with learning differences to feel less intelligent and less capable than their peers. The best gift you can give your child is allowing him to understand that being artistic is another way of being “smart.”
Communicate with your child’s teacher. If he or she doesn’t understand how the arts can open up a new world of self-expression and self-worth for children, either educate her or look for a new teacher. You need to find a teacher that understands how artistic projects can help make your child’s thinking more visible to others, and how it can assist her memory and lead to more success in school.
Help your child find a musical instrument with his “name” on it. Research abounds on the benefits of playing a musical instrument — from cognitive and sensory to social and emotional. It’s a priceless outlet for self-expression and socialization too. When it comes to choosing the best instrument for your child, you’ll want to consider the following:

What is your child’s body type? If your child is quite small, the bassoon may not be your best bet.
What is your child’s personality type? Playing percussion can be perfect for children who tend to be a little restless, and saxophones are very popular for children who are considered to be extroverts.
What are your child’s abilities? For example, if your child has speech difficulties, woodwinds could be challenging because of the tongue coordination required to play them.
What kind of music does your child like? If your child doesn’t like the sound a flute makes, why would he want to play one?

Creative dance is particularly beneficial for children with learning disabilities, because it gives them a special way to express themselves and aids with body awareness. Play music every day at home and encourage your child to dance with you. Communicate that there are no “right” or “wrong” ways to express themselves in these dance sessions. For added fun, give your child some scarves or silk ribbons they can move with the music.

Many children who have great difficulty in academia excel in the arts. Your child who once struggled in school may find herself gainfully employed in the art industry. Your son who thought he could never accomplish anything in life may thrive as a dance instructor. Whether your child one day sings in Carnegie Hall or at your next family get-together, she will be experiencing the joy and self-realization of following her bliss. As a parent, is there any greater aspiration for your child than this? For more ideas on how to give your child an educational experience that inspires Gold Standard behavior, visit the Arizona Golden Rule Educational Experiences (AGREE) website, or contact us online for curriculum details or presentation requests

“Living Golden Rule helps teens through isolation of pandemic”

Posted on February 16, 2021April 27, 2022 by Anne Taylor

“Living Golden Rule helps teens through isolation of pandemic” by Anusha for The Arizona Republic

It’s noon.

After a lengthy night of binge-watching Netflix and mindlessly scrolling through TikTok, I finally trudge out of bed and fight every fiber of my being to plod my way into the bathroom. My phone softly buzzes on the sink countertop from the incoming assignments from Google Classroom, serving as a stark reminder of the outside responsibilities that lurk behind me. There was more than enough time in the world, yet so little energy to finish the tasks at hand. My life had turned into an endless cycle of monotony that consisted of prolonged naps, half-finished meals and an unhealthy amount of screentime.

This depressing reality mirrors the lifestyles of millions across the nation during quarantine, as isolation and remote learning have crumbled the foundation for stable mental health. A sharp incline in the prevalence of mental illness within adolescents has become the primary narrative for the harsh actualities of the global pandemic. According to a study held by the non-profit organization America’s Promise Alliance in June 2020, nearly one-third of surveyed high school students reported feeling unhappy or depressed. Additionally, Ann Murphy, an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation at Rutgers, stated, “Social isolation and loneliness is linked with poorer mental health and higher rates of depression and anxiety.”

However, despite the constant battle between seclusion and satisfaction, a light at the end of the tunnel can be seen. Even with the seemingly neverending repetition of the same schedule and lack of social interaction, a nationwide survey held by the Institute for Family Studies at the Wheaton Institution in October of the same year revealed that the percentage of teens who were depressed or lonely was actually lower in 2020 than in 2018. The survey findings further declared that “teens’ technology use did not appear to increase dramatically during the pandemic when compared with 2018.”

The results have demonstrated a ray of hope within the inevitable fate of extended solitude and can even be seen in the lives of those around us. When interviewing Arizona teens for the Live-Golden Segment, many expressed an improvement in their well-being regardless of their circumstances. Diya, a junior at Hamilton High School, affirmed, “People around me were going through the exact same thing, and we were able to share our thoughts together.” James, a senior at Perry High School, added, “People are much more open to mental health than ever before.”

These teens reflect an important aspect of the Golden Rule that has helped their journey on this rocky path. By utilizing empathy and respect, they are transparent about their emotional situations and share their experiences to have open conversations about mental health. They understand the hardships that their peers are going through.

And you can too. Through the Golden Rule, you can leverage your empathy and respect to be the best support system for both you and those around you. In difficult times such as now, people of different backgrounds and religions can unite and become the driving force for change. Whether it be through simply checking in with a friend through text or volunteering for a local community food drive, every action counts. Your struggles matter and your community is here for you.

Tune into our segment about mental health during quarantine on Feb. 23 on AZTV Channel 7 at 8 a.m. or watch it on the AGREE Golden Rule website (az-GoldenRule.org) under LiveGolden.

Anusha Rahman is the publicist for LiveGoldenAZ! She is currently a junior at Hamilton High School.

Golden Rule Moments

Anusha Rahman Guest columnist