How we use Eriksons Theory in Education

We may not label some of the topics that we teach as "Erickson's Theory" but when we teach about "Bully Proofing" or Character Building" or "Equity Building" we are teaching his theory. He would see that what we are doing is helping these children to succesfully get through their "developmental crisis". The school culture teaches us about relationships with others as well as about our identiity and the role of culture in our lives. These are big markers in his theory. These are being taught through classes like the Character Education classes Denver Public Schools www.cetac.org/Resourses/current and the Climate and Culture classes that Cherry Creek Schools require all of their students to attend in junior high. These teach conflict resolution, citizenship, controlling anger along with other issues that help children make good choices. There are lesson plans for elementary schools that can be downloaded www.goodcharater.com/EStopics.html that teach about life skills, and the six pillars of character. Erikson called the school years "industry verses inferiority", this is because students begin to see the relationship between perserverance and the pleasure of a job well done. As Erikson said "How well students do in the primary grades matters more for their future success than does their school performance at any other time."

additional sites:
www.teacher.scholastic.com/professional/todayschild/comeback.htm
www.goodcharacter.com/article_4.html

article points out why we should teach charater building www.colorado.org/character