Character+Education

Character Traits

Some of us build our programs based on character traits, some of us work them into our themes...we all use them throughout the year at one time or another!

If you are looking for a lesson geared toward a particular character trait, please refer to the type of counseling you are doing on the menu bar at left (i.e. classroom, small group, or 1-on-1) and then visit that page.

The pages are categorized by theme and then by grade level.

 In the meantime, here are the character traits by month (courtesy of Beth Wynn at Arthur Edwards Elementary School): = = ==== **July- Citizenship** (patriotism): doing our share to make our school and community a better place; being a good neighbor; cooperating with others; obeying laws and rules; respecting authority; protecting the environment; showing respect for our flag; love for or devotion to one’s country ====

==== ** Aug ** **- Optimism** (cheerfulness): choosing how we want to feel; remaining in control of ourselves and maintaining inner happiness; positive beliefs; to strive to be positive in your beliefs about yourself, others and the future ====

==== ** September ** **- Respect** (courtesy, manners): being patient and considerate to the elderly and disabled; obeying rules and guidelines at home and at school; honoring your parents requests, even when you don’t feel like it; treating others with dignity despite differences, race, age and religion; treating others and yourself with kindness; being careful with someone else’s belongings; being quiet when someone is talking or answering a question ====

==== ** October ** **- Responsibility** (dependability): others can count on you; admitting your mistakes and learning from them; finishing chores and duties at home; following through on commitments even when you don’t feel like it; keeping promises; treating others the way you want to be treated ====

==== **November- Self discipline** (self-control): being able to control your actions; not allowing your feelings to control your actions; maintaining a routine at home and at school; not giving in to negative peer pressure; avoiding procrastinating and being lazy; treating others as you want to be treated ====

==== **December- Caring** (kindness, generosity, service, compassion): sharing your toys; treating people like you want to be treated; taking care of your pet; helping others who feel sad; taking turns; playing fair; accepting people who are different or disabled ====

==== **January- Perseverance** ( hard-working, endurance): continuing something in the face of difficulties; trying your best; committing to something or someone; not letting doubts stop you from trying; to persist in a task ====

==== **February- Integrity** ( honor, honesty, trustworthiness): you are truthful; admitting your mistakes; you don’t have to exaggerate or show off to impress others; you don’t hurt other’s feelings just for the sake of telling the truth; you treat others the way you want to be treated; keeping your promises; being truthful even at the risk of being punished; being friendly with everyone, not just your friends; respecting other people’s property; you try your best in school and at home; you are a good role model ====

**March- Good Judgement** ( goal setting, decision making): doing the right thing; thinking things through; making good decisions; making good choices; thinking ahead; planning for the future
==== **April-Fairness** (justice): knowing both sides of a story; avoiding participation in gossip or in putting others down; treating others like you want to be treated; following the rules at school and at home; respecting the rights of others ====

==== **May- Courage** ( bravery): acting brave even when you don’t feel brave; standing up for what is right even in the face of peer pressure (laughing & joking); telling the truth despite the consequences; facing mistakes and learning from them ====

==== ** June ** **- Cooperation/Tolerance**: cooperation means working together with others to accomplish a common goal; tolerance means recognizing and respecting differences, values, and beliefs of other people ====