chareduc

CHARACTER EDUCATION

Our children need a clear set of moral values by which to lead their lives. They need to know how to behave and how to conduct their everyday encounters. They need to know the difference between right and wrong. And it is us -parents- who, through our love and devoted commitment, can teach our children the good, the decent, the right way to live."

Experts tell us character traits are learned and they are changeable. By controlling certain factors in a child's environment we can create the conditions that enhance or develop the qualities of character. These character traits can be developed through the introduction of critical skills focused on for a a period of six weeks to two months. Focusing on building one trait over a period of time is more effective than trying something different everyday.

Of course, the most important factor in influencing a child's behavior is having positive role models who demonstrate these behaviors on a regular basis. A parent or teacher can specifically demonstrate one of the character traits desired and this alone can have a tremendous impact.
There are five steps to building these traits.
The first is to target the desired behavior for 21 days.
The second is to define the needs and values of the trait.
The third step is to teach what the trait looks like and sounds like.
The fourth is to provide structered practice for 21 days.
The fifth is to reinforce the trait through immediate feedback and encourage uses for the trait in life.
The value of character in our kids can go a long way to prevent the all too commonly seen behaviors of violence, cheating, disrespect, cruelty, bad language, sexual precocity and abuse, self-destructivieness and many other negative behaviors so prevelant today. We CAN all make the difference through directing our efforts, and therefore our children's efforts in a positive way everyday!

Your Character is defined by what you
do, not what you say or believe.

Every choice you make helps define the
kind of person you are choosing to be.

Good character requires doing the right
thing, even when it is costly or risky.

You don't have to take the worst behavior of others as a standard for yourself. You can choose to be better than that!

What you do matters, and one person can make a big difference.
The payoff for a good character is that it makes you a better person and it makes the world a better place.