Fostering the Ideals of Knighthood

by Dr. Randall Parr

With the recent tragedies in Littleton, CO and other cities across the US, the need for effective character education for our children has never before been so evident. As both a parent and professional educator, however, I can assure you that teaching character to school kids is easier said than done. Since it is consistently demonstrated that "rules without relationship equals rebellion," it is imperative that educators and parents employ creative character development techniques that are based upon a thorough understanding of a child's mentality, interests, and motivations.
It is toward this goal that I have found the ideals of Knighthood to be much more than the stuff of weekend re-enactment. Working together with elementary, middle and high schools across the nation, my organization, The Knights of the Guild, has successfully implemented a chivalry-based character education program which teaches positive core values to kids at the most formative time in their lives.
In just the past few months, for example, we have helped over 50,000 schoolchildren in seven states to discover that what is most important in life is not the strength of the arm but the character of the heart. By teaching the reality of modern-day Knighthood, along with the benefits of adopting chivalric virtues, many kids are finding their potential nobility (to the delight of teachers, parents, and others) with the end result being that these schools are becoming safer and more productive learning environments.
Many of us who enjoy reliving the highlights of history have much to offer the children of today, so here are some tips to consider, should you decide to make a similar difference in your coummunity.

The Power of Persona
T oday's young people comprise the "media generation," and, as such, are highly responsive to the conditioning of television, film, video games, and the visual stimulus of other high-tech wizardry. Since one must "catch" a fish before cleaning it, a child must first be sufficiently captivated by sight so that a pathway to the heart can then be established.
Since Knights and other medieval themes are so much a part of the virtual reality enjoyed by young people today, it is not hard to imagine the visual impact inspired by one of our 6-foot athletes entering a classroom in a full suit of gleaming, stainless steel armor. Even the toughest opponents of discipline and civility will drop what they are doing to pay attention if their senses are properly commanded-so use your polished persona with confidence to establish your role-model authority.

Instill Importance and Self-Worth
One common characteristic of modern youth often found at the core of destructive behavior is poor self-esteem. By understanding that a child sees the world through the lenses of his/her own perceived worth, teachers and parents can defuse innumerable problems by encouraging personal potential and rewarding success.
In schools, for instance, we urge a strong commitment to a value system called "The Code" where we suggest that one of ten Knightly virtues be taught to students each month, with awards bestowed upon the boy and girl of each grade level who demonstrates that particular virtue to the highest degree.
At home, we help parents learn how to employ a similar system, using ceremonies to acknowledge the accomplishment of significant goals throughout their lifestages. There is no greater investment one can make in the life of a child than instilling the feeling of importance and appreciation, and it is never too late to start.

Develop a Transcendent Cause
Studies show that while members of this generation considers themselves more "compassionate" than their parents, they are also pessimistic about a future that they believe they have no power to change. This fatalistic worldview often results in a dysfunctional carpe diem outlook on life, which can tragically serve to negate their potential contribution to society.
  In the spirit of the Knightly quest, children should be encouraged to look beyond themselves to see the difference one person can make in the face of seemingly hopeless opposition. Armed with their individual talents and undaunted determination, for instance, ordinary people such as Joan of Arc, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King rose from obscurity to make their world a little bit better of a place to live. Our kids can do no less.
Truly, the ideals of Knighthood and Chivalry have never died, but have only been asleep while awaiting the call of necessity. Despite the growing reports of destruction in this world, I am encouraged about what we can do to change the course of history. For while the dragons of Violence, Mediocrity, and Intolerance still plague the kingdoms of humanity, there is also a new generation of modern-day Knights who need only be prepared to accept the challenge.

If you are an educator or parent and want to find out more about creative character education, contact the Knights of The Guild at (817) 938-4504, or visit us on the web at www.execpc.com/~clisto/guild