In an elementary classroom, there is one necessity for a thriving learning environment: justice. If a class is filled with children who obey the rules (and have the character to respectfully challenge unjust rules), then teacher and students together can create an enjoy a rich learning environment because the classroom is a safe place for everyone. Justice, in a very significant sense, is the most important condition for a healthy classroom environment.
So where do children learn to respect authority, obey just rules, respectfully challenge unjust rules, and engage in authentic dialogue? It happens at home. Children who learn these important values at home thrive in a classroom environment where there are appropriate boundaries with fitting consequences. However, children who have learned at home not to respect authority, to obey the rules only when it is advantageous, to flaunt their rebellion, and to yell rather than to listen destabilize the learning environment for all the students.
The classroom is a microcosm of the larger economy. Where justice thrives, and injustice is persistently and appropriately challenged, learning and economic exchange flourish. Is a small-business owner more likely to locate a warehouse in a neighborhood with reputation for arson and vandalism, or in one where there is a thriving block association? Is she more likely to hire someone with a strong work ethic, or someone who just punches the time card? Justice, in a very significant sense, is the most important condition for a healthy economy.
So where do citizens learn a strong work ethic, respect for property, care for others, and integrity to challenge dishonest practices within an organization? It happens at home. One one occasion when I was teaching third grade, I saw one girl push another, and told her that there would be a consequence when we returned to the classroom. By the time we returned to the classroom, I had completely forgotten what I said. This student politely raised her hand and said, "Mr. Scharf, you said that there was going to be a consequence for pushing Elizabeth. I think you forgot." My jaw dropped. She already knew (from home) that integrity was far more important than the embarrassment of a consequence. I turned to the rest of the class, "Do you see what Felisha just did? That is beautiful. If I was an employer, I would hire Felisha in a heartbeat, because I know that she is going to do what is right."
Learning and commerce thrive where people do what is right. No one has greater cultural power to set expectations for integrity, respect and diligence than parents. Justice in the home is the foundation of a just society, and therefore of a healthy economy.
