Character Education Program
Character education is the process of learning common values, beliefs and behaviors that are important for people to have as responsible citizens. This is especially important to teach during elementary years when children are gaining an understanding of what morals are. Students will learn about growth mindset, ethical decision-making, community support, as well as curiosity and intellectual virtues. These life skills are lessons our students will take with them for the rest of their lives.
This year our character education themes will be as follows:
September - Responsibility
October - Respect
November - Gratitude
December - Fairness
January - Acceptance
February - Kindness
March - Trustworthiness
April - Cooperation
May - Courage
June - Empathy
This program is based off of the six pillars of character which include trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.
At the beginning of each month, the character education trait being emphasized will be highlighted in various ways. Our monthly theme is discussed at the beginning of each month, and we will start our day by listening to a daily positive. Daily positives are presented by myself, students, and teachers, depending on the activity of the month.
Additionally, teachers will infuse the character theme of the month into their curriculum. Ms. Soluri and Mrs. Tuero will implement various activities throughout the school year. Character education themes will incorporate lessons presented to each class and/or student activities. We will also have contests and awards that will have our students showcase their knowledge and success in possessing these character traits. We acknowledge that this is not a task that educators can do alone. We are asking that you support and reinforce the character trait of the month at home.
____________________________________________________________________________________
May's character education theme is courage. Courage is overcoming your fears to do what is right. Courage begins by knowing what is good, right, and true.
One way to build our courage is to prepare ourselves for situations before they happen. Ask yourself what would I do if this happened to me? Thinking ahead will help you overcome fear and make better choices when you face strange, difficult, or frightening situations. When you know something is good and true, stand up with courage instead of hiding in fear. You never know how your boldness and bravery will inspire others to stand up for what is true, right, and just.
Being courageous means:
1) Do the right thing, even if others are not.
2) Bravely deal with your daily challenges.
3) Be willing to try new things, even if you might fail.
4) Tell the truth regardless of the consequences.
5) Face your fears and work to overcome them.
6) Admit your mistakes and learn from them.
7) Do not give into negative peer pressure.
Monthly Challenge: I will know the truth, get help when I am afraid, and do what is right.
“It takes courage to do the right thing. Stand up for what is right, even if you stand alone”
Resources about Courage
A Little Spot of Courage
Courageous People Who Changed The World
I Am Courage, A Book of Resilience
Right Now I Am Brave
What Is Courage
When You Are Brave
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
April's character education theme is cooperation. Cooperation means the ability to work together to accomplish any given task or goal. Ways to show that you are cooperative is to take turns, share, and work together. Cooperation is an important life skill that is used throughout an individual’s life in school, at work, and within the community.
Why is cooperation important?
- Makes problem-solving and teamwork much more effective
- Improves our relationships with our peers, friends, and families
- Ensures that every person’s voice is heard
- Learning how to balance your needs with the needs of others
-Allows us to be kind and practice being patient
Monthly Challenge: In what ways can we work together to make the lives of others easier?
Resources about Cooperation
A Little Spot of Teamwork
Cooperation
It's Great to Work Together
Let's Cooperate
Teamwork is Fun
“We cannot accomplish all that we need to do without working together.”
Resources about Courage
A Little Spot of Courage
Courageous People Who Changed The World
I Am Courage, A Book of Resilience
Right Now I Am Brave
What Is Courage
When You Are Brave
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
March’s character education theme is trustworthiness. Students will learn the meaning and importance of trustworthiness. Together we can help children to develop the tools and strategies they need to make the right choices. They will be learning that it is not always easy to make the "right" choice, but that the moral compass they are developing in their hearts will guide them to do what is right, even if it is the harder of the choices. Students will be learning that trustworthiness is essential to building positive relationships with others. A trustworthy person is honest, reliable, loyal and has integrity.
What makes a person trustworthy?
- Integrity: Living with integrity means having the courage to do what is right, to speak out about what you think is wrong, and to try new things even when they are difficult or you might fail. Integrity often takes the willingness to do what is right, even if it is costly or risky.
- Honesty: Honesty is being truthful and sincere in your actions and words, and accomplishing goals fairly, without cheating or stealing
- Reliability: Reliability means keeping your promises, honoring your word and commitments, doing what you say you will do, returning what you borrow, being on time and being dependable.
- Loyalty: Loyalty means protecting and supporting your family, friends, school and country.
Monthly Challenge: What are some ways that you can show your teachers and parents that you are trustworthy?
Resources about Trustworthiness
A Little Spot of Honesty: A Story About Trust & Integrity
Honesty is My Superpower
Honesty is the Best Policy
The Anthill: An Important Story About Truth and Honesty
Honesty for Kids
How to be an Honest Person
Trustworthiness
"Trust is shown not only in your words, but also in your actions."
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
February’s character education theme is kindness. Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate, but kindness means so much more. Kindness can mean different things to different people. The meaning is in how YOU choose to show it. Be it through empathy, acceptance, kind gestures, thoughtfulness, the possibilities are entirely up to you. Kindness might look like being helpful or showing empathy. It may mean doing nice things without expecting nice things in return. Kindness is more just than being nice to someone.
You can show kindness by:
1) Letting the person in line behind you go ahead of you
2) Sitting next to someone who is sitting alone at lunch
3) Writing your sibling or a classmate a note about how much you appreciate them
4) Holding the door open for someone
5) Doing a chore without being asked
6) Cleaning up the classroom for your teacher
7) Smiling at everyone you see
Acts of kindness can make the world a happier place for everyone. They can boost feelings of confidence, being in control, happiness and optimism. They may also encourage others to repeat the good deeds they've experienced themselves – contributing to a more positive community.
Monthly Challenge: Complete one act of kindness a day - see how quickly kindness can spread.
Classroom Kindness Challenge
February Flyer: Kindness
Resources about Kindness
Kindness is My Superpower
Kindness Starts With You
Kindness Makes Me Stronger
A Little Respectful Spot
A Little Spot of Kindness
Kindergarten: Where Kindness Matters Everyday
Sesame Street: Kindness
Be Kind
Listening With My Heart
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
January's character education theme is acceptance. Acceptance means embracing individuals for who they re. We are all unique and should celebrate our differences. Accepting others means that we understand our differences and appreciate what others bring into our lives. It is also important to love ourselves and celebrate what makes us special. When we feel accepted, we feel like we belong and are respected. This allows us to feel safe and comfortable which helps with building strong friendships, advocating for ourselves, and excelling academically.
Resources about Acceptance
All About Acceptance
Acceptance is my Superpower
It's Okay To Be Different
Our Diversity Makes Us Stronger
What Makes Us Unique
Being Different is Beautiful
Monthly Challenge: Write a list of five things that make you special. Read those every morning for the month of January.
“It is because we are different that each of us is special.”
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
December’s character education theme is fairness. Fairness means treating others with respect and kindness. When we are fair, we consider how other people are feeling and make sure that no one is left out. Being fair means we share with others, take turns, and listen to what everyone has to say. We can show others that we are fair by being a good friend and appreciating every person for being special and unique.
Some ways to show fairness include:
- Find ways to share, take turns, and feel less jealous.
- Ask people what you can do to help make things fairer.
- Include others in games and activities; don't leave people out.
- Respect people who are different from you.
Helping children understand fairness is an important part of growing up and practicing empathy. When we understand what others need and perhaps what we don’t, we recognize our differences and think a little beyond ourselves. We get to step into someone else’s shoes for a moment and consider their life.
Videos & Resources about Fairness
A Book About Fairness
Be Fair and Share
Fair is Fair
Fairness
That's Not Fair
December Flyer
"Fairness is not everyone getting the same thing, but rather everyone getting what they need in order to be successful." _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
November's character education theme is gratitude. Showing gratitude means appreciating a person or thing that makes you happy or feel good. Gratitude means being thankful or appreciative. It can be easy to focus on the things we don’t have, but grateful people notice what they do have and cherish it. Being grateful allows us to recognize the good things in our lives. We can show gratitude to others by saying thank you or doing something kind for one another. Gratitude can help us to make smart decisions, have strong relationships, and have a positive effect on someone else. If you find yourself forgetting the things that make you feel happy or good, try writing it down in a positivity journal. You can also write thank you notes to the individuals you feel lucky to have in your life, such as your family, friends, teachers, etc.
Monthly Challenge: I challenge you to write down one thing that happens to you every day this month. This will help us to remember what we are thankful for.
Resources about Gratitude
Gratitude Movement Break
How Can Kids Practice Gratitude
SEL Video: Gratitude
Thankful Song
What is Gratitude?
Important Dates: World Kindness Week 11/13 - 11/17 World Kindness Week Spirit Days
November Flyer: Gratitude
“Gratitude is one of the most powerful human emotions. Once expressed, it changes attitude, brightens outlook and broadens our perspective.” ― Germany Kent
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The theme for October is respect. Respect means treating others the way we want to be treated despite our similarities or differences. When we are respectful, we care about how words and actions affect others. Respectful people use kind words even when they are upset. They also use their manners, share, and are careful to not damage other people’s belongings. It is also important to be respectful to ourselves. That means taking care of our minds and bodies. We can achieve this by eating healthy, exercising, and doing hobbies that make us feel good, such as reading or listening to music.
You show respect in many ways everyday that you may not even realize! Respect occurs when you:
- Listen to others
- Play fair
- Use good manners
- Wait your turn
- Compliment someone
- Pick up after yourself
- How you treat others
October Flyer: Respect
Week of Respect Spirit Days
Monthly Challenge: Create your own recipe for respect. What would go into your recipe?
Video: Word on the Street: Respect
"One of the most sincere ways to show respect is to listen to others."
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The theme for September is responsibility. Responsibility means being accountable for your own actions and behavior. A responsible person does the right thing so that others can trust and depend on you. Responsibility is not something that we are born with but rather something we learn.
Some ways we show responsibility include:
- Completing your homework assignments on time
- Remembering to pack your belongings each day before school
- Following through with your commitments, even if you don’t always want to
- Being accountable for your mistakes, and not making excuses or blaming someone else
- Taking care of your own belongings
- Making good choices
- Always doing your very best!
Resources about Responsibility
Build Character Build Success: Responsibility
Responsibility Song
“I am responsible for doing the work I need to do today, even though it may be hard.”