A Planner That Stimulates Character-Building Discussions
Featuring 48 weekly lesson plans about individuals who have made a positive difference in the world, our CHARACTER COUNTS! School Agendas are designed to inspire by example and open dialogue among teachers, parents/guardians, and students about the value of good character. By stimulating classroom and at-home discussions, they help youth better understand the Six Pillars of Character (trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship) and apply them to their daily lives.
Lesson Plans Delivered in Five Simple Steps to Teachers and Parents/Guardians
Our unique people of character lesson plans concept may lay the foundation for implementing CHARACTER COUNTS! in grades
K-12 and beyond or enhance an existing character education program. Like the one of Emily and Sarah Buder above, these lesson plans act as a springboard for character building among students. By focusing on their five components as follows, educators are given a simple method for helping the youth of today put their best foot forward on the
road to good character.
1. |
Brief Biography with Original Drawing: This short synopsis of each person of character’s life is to be reviewed to establish for students when the person was born and died (if applicable) and detail his or her specific contributions to society. |
2. |
Reference Web Site: Teachers and parents/guardians are encouraged to visit this site with students to learn more about each person. |
3. |
Inspirational Quotation: The inspirational quotation shown with each character biography may be displayed in classrooms, hallways, or other common areas. It may also serve as a catalyst for classroom or home discussions focusing upon its meaning and author. |
4. |
Trait-Related Contribution: Here we’ve matched each person’s story to a trait corresponding with one of the Six Pillars of Character. This section may be used to further highlight and talk about both the person’s positive impact on the world and the qualities that define good character. In some schools, the pillar, which changes monthly, and trait being focused upon each week are read over the loudspeaker. Students are then asked to do their best to embody this pillar and trait and are recognized for doing so. |
5. |
Question/Exercise: The questions and/or exercises in each week’s lesson section are meant to generate classroom and home discussions about the person of character and the pillar and corresponding trait he or she exemplifies. Such discussions allow students to share their points of view and achieve a greater understanding of the lesson at hand. Educators may also use these questions/exercises as individual student assignments to be reviewed as a class later in the week. |
Documented Research Supports Character Education
Documented research (see http://charactercounts.org/research/index.html) shows a successful character education program, bolstered by the consistent implementation of our agenda and reinforcement of the Six Pillars of Character, creates a more nurturing school climate conducive to learning while fostering better relationships among students. Other benefits include a reduction in violence and behavior problems, as well as better overall test scores. Additional free resources and training are available through CHARACTER COUNTS! (CharacterCounts.org).
Food for Thought...
Even if your school has not instituted a full-scale character education program, our agendas will inspire students and guide parents/guardians in home discussions about good character. The role of today’s educators, parents, and guardians is not only to teach children but to also ensure they grow up to be happy, healthy, productive members of society. We at Alliance Publishing and Marketing, Inc. believe our unique student planners contribute to this important goal.