Practice Six – Character Resources

CHARACTER RESOURCES

"Why is Character Important? Because it saves the world." 

Marvin Berkowitz , Ph.D. Sanford N. McDonnell Professor of Character Education

 

“Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them become what they are of capable of being.”

- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

(printable posters)

Character is an important step in transforming the learning environment. These tools provide learners with a new ‘script’ that can bring about changes in behaviors and attitudes that affect the learning environment.

Objective: To analyze character with literature and life events through the lens of the Eight Expectations for Living,the Life Principles, and creeds.

RESOURCES:

• Character 1 - Definition poster with green life principle border
• Character 2 - Definition poster with black/white definition poster
• Character 3 - Definition poster with no border
• Quotes on Character - 8 quote posters
• Life Principles - online resource materials for 36 life principles (See menu on right for links to expanded material)
• Life Principle Mind Map - general mind map for any life principle
• Life Principle Mind Map for the School Environment - a mind map for applying any of the life principles in the school environment
• Life Application Lessons for Life Principles - 3 strategies for applying a life principle
• Creeds - Quotes, mind map, lessons, examples, research, and other resources
•  Eight Expectations for Living: All Eight Expectations address behavior supporting Character Education. Resources include printable posters of each of the 8 Expectation, a printable quote, and sections for literature, vocabulary, music and videos, an introductory activity, a cooperative structure, sign language, self-reflection, celebrations, and a brain break. Each allows for selection of appropriate grade level material: Elementary, Middle, and High School.
• Hand Signs for Eight Expectations - FREE Digital Download Task Cards - A PROACTIVE CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT  TOOL! - 8 Sign Language Task Cards for the 8 Expectations for Living with supporting documents.
  Sign language hand signs include:
  Friend, Respect, Please, Thank you, Cheer, Help, Applaud, Encourage, and Practice
• Expectation #8 - We will practice virtuous living using the Life Principles. - Expanded resources at three levels:
  High School
  Middle School
  Elementary

QUOTES:

“Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching.” - C. S. Lewis

• Creating Positive Dialogue by Redirecting with Quotes - Examples of alternate dialogue using quotes and printable quote posters

CHARACTER LITERATURE RESOURCES:

• Strategies: Each of the Eight Expectations for Living and expanded Life Principles have multiple literature resources including lesson plans.
• Analyze any literature selection using: ‘Hand’y Curriculum Connections Page One, Page Two - graphic organizer - a strategy for analyzing what life principles and/or Eight Expectations for Living are evident in any piece of literature.
• Hand'y Curriculum Connections - Digital download
• Short Stories: (Any piece of literature may be used.)
  • “Why the Thumb Stands Alone” - African Folktale
  • "A Boiled Seed Cannot Sprout"- Author Unknown
  • "The Rabbi and The Pearl" by Rabbi Fred Davidow
  • “Carl’s Garden” - Author Unknown
  • 'Test of Three' Story & Poster
• Poetry:
  • The Bridge Builder by Will Allen Dromgoole
  • The Bridge Builder - 3:38 min. Video of poem
  • Two Wolves Poem
  • Two Frogs Poem
• Videos: - See each of the individual expanded Eight Expectations and Life Principles for additional videos. 
  • "Integrity"** 30 sec.
  • "Basketball"** 1:00 min. - Sportsmanship