Character Education!
“Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression.” –Haim Ginott
WHAT IS CHARACTER EDUCATION?
A national movement creating schools that foster ethical, responsible, and caring young people by modeling and teaching good character through an emphasis on universal values that we all share. It is the INTENTIONAL, PROACTIVE effort by schools, districts, and states to instill in their students important core, ethical values such as respect for self and others, responsibility, integrity, and self-discipline. It is not a “quick fix” or silver-bullet cure-all. It provides long-term solutions that address moral, ethical, and academic issues that are of growing concern about our society and the safety of our schools. At its best, character education integrates positive values intoeveryaspect of the school day.
Character education...
Benefits:
“Effective character education is not adding a program or set of programs to a school. Rather it is a transformation of the culture and life of the school.” —Dr. Marvin Berkowitz
The Leader in Me by Franklin Covey teaches 21st century leadership and life skills to students and creates a culture of student empowerment based on the idea that every child can be a leader. It provides a logical, sequential and balanced process to help us proactively design the culture that reflects our vision of the ideal school. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is a key component of the overall The Leader in Me process. The 7 Habits is a synthesis of universal, timeless principles of personal and interpersonal effectiveness, such as responsibility, vision, integrity, teamwork, collaboration and renewal.
Habit 1: Be proactive- Be a responsible person, take initiative, Choose actions, attitudes and moods. DO not blame others for wrong actions. Do the right thing without being asked, even when no one is looking.
Habit 2: Begin with the end in mind- Plan ahead and set goals. Do things that have meaning and make a difference. Be an important part of your school and your school's mission and vision. Look for ways to be a good citizen.
Habit 3: Put first things first- Spend time on things that are most important. Say no to things you know you should not do. Set priorities and make a schedule. Follow a plan, be disciplined and organized.
Habit 4: Think win-win- Balance courage for getting what I want, with consideration of what others want. Make deposits into others emotional bank accounts (fill their buckets). When conflicts arise, look for a third alternative.
Habit 5: Seek first to understand, then to be understood- Listen to other's feelings and ideas. See things from their view points. Listen without interrupting. Be confident in voicing ideas. Look people in the eye when talking.
Habit 6: Synergize- Value other people's strengths and learn from them. Get along well with others, even people who are different. Work well in groups and seek out other's ideas to solve problems. Teaming with others can create better solutions than any one of us alone. BE HUMBLE!
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw- Take care of your body be eating right, exercising and getting sleep. Spend time with family and friends. Learn in lots of different ways, in lots of different places. Take time to find meaningful ways to help others.
List of Character Traits by Month
September: RESPECT-
Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant and accepting of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements
October: RESPONSIBILITY-
Do what you are supposed to do • Plan ahead • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your words, actions, and attitudes • Set a good example for others
November: HONESTY-
Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat, or steal • Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal — stand by your family, friends, and country
December: CARING-
Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need
January: JUSTICE and FAIRNESS-
Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly • Treat all people fairly
February: CITIZENSHIP-
Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment • Volunteer
March: COURAGE-
Have the courage to do the right thing • Stand up against bullies • never say never
• Stay strong
April: PERSEVERANCE
Steadfastness • Trying and trying again • Endurance • Work hard and give it your best thought • bear difficulties calmly
May: HOPE-
Having a positive attitude • Believing all things are possible• Being optimistic and positive about your future • Pursuing your goals and dreams • Practicing your faith • Helping and encouraging others
As part of your Making it Better Tool Kit, these video and print resources for parents can help to get families thinking, talking and connecting. Select from video segments and corresponding print resources focused on the following issues:
Each program features real student profiles as well as interviews with parents and experts. Video programs are divided into five segments each. Each segment is four to six minutes in length.
http://makingitbetter-cms.tv/welcome-to-the-parent-connection/
Build On It - Additional Parent Resources
For more ideas about building and reinforcing positive character in your child, click here.
http://charactered.net/parent/parentresources.asp
http://everymondaymatters.com/
YOU MATTER.
CMS has adopted a new character curriculum, Every Monday Matters (EMM) that gives us opportunity to create, mold, sculpt, influence, and foster our student leaders to ensure a future that is limitless for generations to come. The YOU MATTER Curriculum was created to help students become the leaders our schools, families, and communities need.
Every Monday Matters (EMM) promotes the fact that people have the power. People matter.