The Noddings Center

Caring for Self

 

 

Physical Life

Traditional physical education departments do not exist. Instead this center will include “information on why, how, and where to exercise,… [along with] discussion on various social and economic issues on the topic” (Noddings, 2005b, p. 75). Housework is often associated with work of  females and those of low economic status. Housework then will be appreciated as a form of physical exercise and self-satisfaction. Nutrition and health management topics will be explored.

 

Spiritual Life

Spirit and body are connected. Critical thinking, discussion and research skills are exercised through a study of various religions. “Topics that can be treated include forms of mediation, prayer, laughter, poetry, ritual, song, and dance” (Noddings, 2005b, p. 82).

 

Occupational Life

Through the use of literature, tasks and projects that are part of any occupation will be studied. Occupations will be studied through different perspectives such as psychological, historical, multicultural, and sociological. At the secondary level, “[p]art of the [academic] courses…should be devoted to subject matter counseling” (Noddings, 2005b, p. 88).

 

Recreational Life

Students will plan for a lifetime of activities that help to revitalize and renew. Along with exposure to different forms of recreation, students will also reflect on their choices, dialoguing such questions as: “Why do kids hang out at malls? Why do they spend small fortunes on sport shoes and biking outfits? What do they really enjoy? How will they prepare to have fun throughout their lives?” (Noddings, 2005b, p. 90).