a 36 lesson character curriculum - … example pages/character starts here...a 36 lesson character...

Real Students—Real Stories—Real Character

A 36 Lesson Character Curriculum

Building Character Can Be Fun!

15709 Arrow Highway, #2 Irwindale, CA 91706

626-960-6922 www.characteredtools.com [email protected]

Building a Foundation of Character

© 2012 Character Ed Tools All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form

without written permission from the publisher, with the exception of materials designed to be copied for individual classroom use.

Character Ed Tools

Character Ed Tools’ Vision

Empowering students to stand on a foundation of character so they may act responsibly when faced with difficult decisions.

Table of Contents

How To Use This Program

Character Trait #1 ……….Self-Control

Character Trait #2 ……….Respect

Character Trait #3 ……….Responsibility

Character Trait #4 ……….Perseverance

Character Trait #5 ……….Courage

Character Trait #6 ……….Honesty

Character Trait #7 ……….Fairness

Character Trait #8 ……….Citizenship

Character Trait #9 ……….Self-Leadership

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How To Use This Character Ed Tools Program

Overview Character is the basis for how we make decisions in our lives. It influences how we react to crisis and how we treat others and ourselves. The goal of this program is to empower individuals to stand on a foundation of values so they may act responsibly when faced with difficult decisions. We’ve selected the top nine character traits for you to discuss with your students. This program focuses on the attitudes that build up cliques and tears down confidence. Your students will discover that their character isn’t something that just happens, it’s developed over time. It takes a conscious effort to improve the methods we use to communicate with others and ourselves. Looking tough, smoking, spending a lot of money, or using illegal drugs are just a few of the ways students manifest poor character qualities. When we have the right character views, we can genuinely be ourselves. With good character, it’s easier to in-teract with those around us, bringing out the best qualities in ourselves and those we come in contact with each day. This program will help you present nine different character qualities to your students. There is a DVD for each character trait. Each DVD has four segments. Those four segments are the basis for each of the lessons in this program. Each lesson has discussion starting questions, an activity, student response sheets, and a prompt for you to play a segment of the DVD. A lesson should take one class period of time to complete. We’re excited about the opportunities you will have to help guide your students to become responsible and respectful adults. Most of all, have loads of fun and enjoy talking about each significant character quality. General Suggestions and Notes Each lesson contains tons of interesting insights and thoughts to get your students talking for hours and hours on end about character. Okay, maybe we’re exaggerating a bit but it will get your students talking. Activities This program contains an activity for each lesson. The goal of the activity is simply to get your students talking, thinking, or acting on what, when, and how the highlighted character trait is in play when they interact with those around them and themselves. The activity will highlight the character quality to be dis-cussed bringing some real life experiences to the surface to discuss and interact on the character quality presented.

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Tip for the Teacher: Teacher notes are provided through out the program along with a suggested outline for the lesson. When leading a discussion with the students, please remember that calling on students to verbally respond to any question from this program puts that student on the spot. The resulting tension can lead to a rushed response, a wild guess, or simply no response at all. Please give students 10-15 seconds between asking a question and asking a student to respond. This gives them time to formulate an answer. Help each student feel involved and encourage the others to practice good citizenship when listening to other students’ responses. The Discussion Each lesson is packed with thought-provoking content to get your students talking. An interesting comment is then followed by open class discussion. We think you’ll find it fun to see what your students think about each character trait presented. Worksheets Several worksheets are provided for each lesson to get your students’ feedback as they reflect on what they have learned. The DVD These are real students—talking about real situations they experienced. We believe you’ll find the interviews here to be loaded with great inspirational stories to spark discussion and get your students involved in considering their character in action. Some Legal Thoughts Copyrights and all that jazz. You know the drill. These lessons are owned by Character Ed Tools. Copying them wouldn’t be fair and not very nice. We’ve got options and cool pricing to get you more copies. But when it comes to those worksheets...well, you may copy tons of the worksheets (well, perhaps not tons since we are supposed to be saving trees, but you get the idea). Let’s get those students writing and reflecting on what they have learned. And most important of all, let’s have fun learning about character.

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Quotes for the Day:

British psychologist, William McDougal reasoned, “When we exercise our willpower to do good, and do so, we have good character, but when we willfully choose to neglect our responsibilities, we have bad character. Therefore, willpower is character in action.” W.K. Hope writes, “Self-discipline is when your conscience tells you to do something and you don’t talk back.”

Teaching Notes—Applying these lessons to everyday life:

These lessons will challenge your students to consider what it really means to have self-control. Too often, self-control is viewed as a negative or restraining character quality. However, in reality, self-control is the driving force behind the achievement of our goals and dreams. Self-control can be seen as missing out on some type of fun or delicious desert or it can be viewed as a tool used to study a little more to achieve a better grade or maintain a healthy body. Students will discover that self-control is a learned and developed skill. They’ll be provided with tools to increase their ability to maintain control and interesting methods for how to achieve their ambitions in life through self-control.

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Self-Control

Building A Culture of Character

Self-Control Segments:

1. The Power of “Self” Control 2. Out of Control 3. Get a Grip! 4. Rewards of Self-Control

What’s covered in these lessons:

Self-control is one of the core character traits that guides us toward our goals and dreams. Without it we may drift aimlessly in life driven by every whim or desire that comes to mind. Those who are truly success-ful in life are exercising self-control to channel their drive and ambitions to attain a better life.

Let’s get Started! Self-Control Lesson #1

When you hear the words “self-control,” you think “will power.” That ability to walk past a plate of brownies, or to sit still for long periods of time; it’s the power to say “NO.” But exercising self-control isn’t always that easy. For some, self-control means resisting the temptation to; eat another piece of cake, play just one more game, or sleep in an extra five minutes. But it doesn’t have to be like that. Self-control is the driving force you use to achieve your goals; it’s exercising discipline to attain a better life, a better you. Let’s Talk About It.

• What does self-control mean to you?

• What does self-control in action look like?

• What types of things would a person in-control do compared to those who we consider to be out-of- control?

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Self-Control Lesson #1 — The Power of “Self” Control

Teaching Notes—Why this lesson is important:

Self-control is “self” control. It begins and ends with personal responsibility. This lesson will help students recognize the importance of taking responsibility for their actions, realizing that self-control is an action step that only they can take for themselves. Students will discover that “will” power is a learned skill, a discipline that is developed by the decisions they make each day.

Overview: Self-control is the driving force in our lives that moves us toward our goals and dreams. Fortu-nately, self-control is a skill that can be developed through practice. We can begin today to take control of the little things in life which will prepare us to have greater control over the big things yet to come.

Objectives: Students will be able to:

• See limitations as motivation to work harder to improve their lives. • Perceive self-control as a positive force used to reach goals and dreams. • Get a Grip on their lives.

Materials Needed:

• Student Self-Control Worksheets #1 & 2

• Several Newspapers

Student

Handout

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Quote: Plato, a famous ancient philosopher, once said, “The first and best victory is to conquer self.” Why do you think Plato ranked conquering oneself as the best victory to be at-tained? What makes this achievement so difficult to accomplish?

Hand out student Self-Control Worksheet #1

Activity: Pass out several sections or copies of the newspaper to the students. If possible, make sure each student has at least a page of the paper. Have them identify sto-ries in the paper where someone lost their will power and did something wrong. Also, have the students identify ads in the paper and how the advertisers are at-tempting to break a person’s “will” power in their effort to make a sale. Discussion of Activity:

• What did you learn from those in the paper who lost control?

• What types of things may have motivated them to lose control?

• What do you think they should have done when feeling that pressure to have responded or acted in an inappropriate manner?

• What types of things do advertisers say or display to break your “will” power?

• What should you do to maintain better control at times such as this?

• What are some of the benefits for maintaining control? Play Segment #1 of the Self-Control DVD. (Playing Time: 7:50)

Discuss Video

Summary

Discussion Video

Questions

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Summary of Video Segment #1: The Power of “Self” Control:

Karlton’s goal was to start at cornerback for the Servite High School football team. But achieving this goal took a lot of effort. His freshman year they told him that he was too small and too slow to play. Karlton could have given up, but he didn’t. Instead, he committed himself to getting bigger, stronger, and faster.

Katherine Salcido, a track star for San Dimas High School, has disciplined herself to work hard at developing her skills as a track and field athlete. Katherine has the natural ability to do well, but her desire was to be the best in the state. And like Karlton, Katherine disciplined herself to work hard to become the best that she could be.

Becky McDougal, an eighth grade drama student at Royal Oak Middle School, was born with just one leg. Becky uses a wheelchair to go long distances and needs a prosthetic leg when walking. She has limitation, but despite her physical disability she doesn’t want to be treated differently. Becky could be depressed, but she knows she has the power to control how she views herself and her abilities. She understands that the only person she can control or change is herself. Like anyone, Becky wonders what it would be like to be different. But instead of dwell-ing on those “what-ifs,” Becky has chosen to take control of her actions and atti-tudes. She’s moving forward to get the most out of her future. Questions for Segment #1

1. Kalton and Katherine have disciplined their lives to excel at their chosen sports. What can you learn from their example and how can you apply that knowledge to your life?

2. Becky is in control of her attitude and actions. She is moving for-ward despite her limitations. Discuss the importance of being positive and determined even when things don’t go your way.


1. The “power” to say “NO” varies for each person. Some find it easy to walk past a plate of brownies while others can’t help but take one or two. How about you? List three things that challenge your “will” power?

2. What is it about those items listed above that make them difficult for you to resist? 3. What are some of the negative things you will feel or experience if you give in to the

pressure concerning the items you listed above? 4. What are the benefits of resisting the temptations listed?

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Self-Control Worksheet #1

1. What have you learned from Karlton or Katherine’s example?

2. How can you apply what you’ve learned from them to your life? 3. Life has been difficult for Becky but she realizes that she is in control of how she

responds to it. Why do you think maintaining a positive attitude helps her overcome her circumstances and enjoy life?

4. What difficulty are you experiencing and how might you apply Becky’s attitude to-

ward this hardship?

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Student—Self-Control Worksheet #2


Let’s Get Started! Self-Control Lesson #2

Keeping a secret isn’t that easy to do. Everyone has struggled to do that at some point in life. But keeping a secret is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to self-control. How well do you handle your money or your time? Do you give in to the desire to spend money on clothes you don’t need, or to play another game when you know you need to get to bed? It doesn’t take too much for our self-control to get out-of-control. Our ability to maintain control will be challenged everyday of our lives. But one thing is certain. Those driven in any direction that the wind blows will only go wherever and when ever the wind blows. If we want to be successful in life, we have to resist temptations and take control of the decisions we make. Let’s Talk About It.

• How important is self-control to getting homework completed?

• How might eating a healthy diet demonstrate good self-control?

• Discuss the importance of time management & self-control.

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Self-Control Lesson #2 — Out of Control


Everyone struggles with self-control in some area of their life. It’s easy for our money, time, exercise, social or eating habits to get the best of us. This lesson will help students identify with others struggling with self-control and provide insight into what may be necessary to take control of that area of their lives.

Overview: Self-control is the character quality we use to maintain our lives. An out of control life, even in just one area of our lives, can lead to serious consequences. This lesson highlights the importance of using self-control to guide us towards our goals and dreams.


• See the importance of maintaining control. • Identify the dangers of getting out of control. • Recognize the importance of “self” control.

Materials Needed:


• Two cans of soda.

Student

Handout

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Quote:

“You can’t control the wind, but you can control your sails.” Motivational speaker, Anthony Robbins What are some events that may happen around you or to you that you cannot pre-vent. How might impulsive actions or losing your temper when these things happen get you into trouble? How might self-control improve your situation at a time such as this?


Activity:

Take two cans of soda and shake them wildly for several seconds. Ask the stu-dents to tell you what they think will happen when you open the first soda can. Then open the can quickly allowing it to spray out or foam over and spill. Be sure to have a place for it to spill. When something makes us mad its kind of like that soda can. We get a little shook up and then explode, making a mess all around us that has to be cleaned up. Now, prepare to open the second can. This time, open it slowly allowing some of the pressure to escape but not fast enough to explode everywhere to make a mess. We won’t always be able to avoid situations that will shake us up and make us angry but we can control how we respond. When we maintain control we are less messy and can control the damage we may do to others and the environment around us. Play Segment #2 of the Self-Control DVD. (Playing Time: 6:48)

Discussion Video

Summary

Discussion Video

Questions

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Summary of Video Segment #2: Out of Control

It’s not always easy to maintain your self-control. Life is full of situations where your “will” power will be tested. For example, Tina and Jessica are standing by the door at the front of the classroom as other students are coming in. Tina is whis-pering something to Jessica. It’s a secret! Jessica takes her seat as class begins but desperately wants to tell others about the gossip she just heard. She’s torn between the desire to keep the secret to herself and wishing to tell others the gos-sip. Eventually she gives into the pressure and blurts out the message.

Frustrated by how heavy she was getting, Sarah Jacobo set out to lose weight. She exercised self-control around food and began losing weight. However, her weigh-loss soon became an out-of-control obsession. Sarah’s weight went from 180 to a mere 70 pounds. Losing weight had become an addiction. She didn’t re-alize she had gone too far until she was rail thin. She had to break her addiction to the weight loss and work at eating healthy.

Sounds crazy doesn’t it? Addicted to losing weight? It can happen. We can be-come addicted to just about anything. Using a cell phone, reading a book or play-ing games can all be wonderful things to do unless you’re obsessed with them to a point where they take control of your life. That’s what it’s like to be hooked on drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes. They grab a hold of you and take over your life. Questions for Segment #2

1. It’s not always easy to keep a secret. Talk about why secrets are

so difficult to keep to ourselves. 2. Sarah’s life was out of control. At first, she was over-weight, and

then severely under-weight. Discuss how too much self-discipline can actually do more harm than good.


1. List three activities that can easily take control of your life? 2. Time can pass so fast when enjoying those activities listed above. What are some

of the negative consequences that can happen to you if you allow those activities to take control of your time?

3. How important is time management to getting your

homework done on time? 4. How can you apply Anthony Robbins statement, “You can’t control the wind but you

can control your sails” to help you take control of your life?

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1. Jessica had difficult keeping a secret, secret. Why do you feel she was compelled

to tell others the secret she had heard when she knew she wasn’t supposed to tell anyone?

2. Sarah was overweight. She developed a plan to lose weight and became deter-

mined to do so. What do we admire about people like this? 3. Unfortunately, Sarah became addicted to hearing others comment about how nice

she looked as she lost weight and became addicted to the losing process. How does an addiction take control of your life and what do you think needs to be done to break that addiction?

4. There are many addictions that can be harmful to your health. But there are addic-

tions than can be harmful to your studies or social life—for example—spending too much time playing computer games can distract you from getting homework done on time. Think of one of these types of addictions and how can it be harmful?

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Discussion


Everyone wants to look cool, but some have to build up their “cool” by cutting oth-ers down. That’s bullying. And bullying has become more than just pushing some-one into a locker to make yourself look tough. It’s moved into the cyber world. The Internet and text messaging have taken bullying to a whole new level. You can get “even” while hiding behind your computer screen or phone. Let’s Talk About It.

• Talk about the various ways your students have encountered negative messages via the cyber world.

• Why do people cyber bully?

• What should we do when we’ve been cyber bullied?

• What should we do when we get a cyber bullies message directed at an-other person?

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Self-Control Lesson #3 — Get a Grip!


Self-control is a character trait that can be developed over time. Taking control of the little things in life will give students the confidence needed to tackle the bigger challenges down the road of life. This lesson gives students insights into develop-ing greater self-control.

Overview: Life is full of obstacles that can derail our lives. This lesson covers the challenges of dealing with cyber bullying and the unplanned changes in our lives. Your students will be challenged to consider the im-portance of self-control as they respond to these types obstacles and will receive tips to overcome them.


• Overcome cyber bullying and help others do the same. • See obstacles as opportunities to excel. • To be better able to get a grip on their lives.

Materials Needed:


• Whiteboard

Student

Handout

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Quote:

“What we do upon some great occasion will probably depend on what we already are; and what we are will be the result of previous years of self-discipline.” Anglican Pastor & Philosopher, H.P.Liddon Talk about how years of making good choices prepares you for critical moments in the future. How might making good decisions on the little things in life add up to an ability to make good choices when you encounter a bully or hardship in life?


Activity:

Have the students list on the whiteboard the various ways an athlete prepares for an athletic event.

• What types of training might they participate in doing?

• How many hours would they likely spend practicing and developing their skills in a given week?

• How many years of this type of practice might it take to reach the top levels of their chosen sport?

• What types of activities or events might an athlete skip to maintain focus or their athletic skills.

Discussion of Activity:

Athletes spend thousands of hours training for the confrontations they encounter in their chosen sport. They don’t expect to perform well unless they have prepared well. Likewise, we can do better when we encounter a bully or difficult circum-stance with better preparation. The Development of self-control and self-discipline is critical to overcoming the negative events we will encounter in life. Play Segment #3 of the Self-Control DVD. (Playing Time: 7:08)

Discussion Video

Summary

Discussion Video

Questions

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Summary of Video Segment #3: Get a Grip!

Cyber bullying is a problem many students will encounter today. If you’ve been cyber bullied, you don’t have to just sit there and take it. The easiest thing to do is to simply log out and ignore it. You can minimize the opportunity for others to cyber bully you by limiting those who know your phone number or Internet IDs. Finally, limit your social network to people that you know and trust. By exercising a little self-control in the cyber world you can make it a safer place to play.

It’s easy to lose your grip on self-control when things don’t turn out like you planned. Shane’s relationship with his dad was really solid, he enjoyed being with his dad. But then, at the age of 14, the unexpected happened. His father died, turning Shane’s world upside down. He struggled to understand why. He got really angry at the world, at life, and at those closest to him. Shane lost his grip on school. His grades got worse until he was failing every class; he needed help. He started going to counseling. The more Shane talked about how he was feeling the better he was able to get back in control of his life, making decisions that would be good for him.

There will be obstacles and distractions in life that will challenge your “will” power. And too many will let unforeseen circumstances in life derail their self-control. But it doesn’t have to be that way. You can take control of your life, get a grip on your decisions and where you are going. It’s won’t always be easy but you can do it. You can get a grip on your life and start making decisions that will move you in the right direction! Questions for Segment #3

1. Social networking is a great way to stay connected with friends and family. However, social networking has also brought us cyber bullying. Discuss how using common sense and self-control can positively affect your online experiences. Talk about how you can protect yourself from cyber bullying.

2. Shane lost control of his life after his father unexpectedly died. He be-

came angry, allowing his emotions to get the best of him. Discuss the importance of seeking counseling or getting trusted advice from those who have your best interest in mind when going through a difficult time in your life.


1. Have you or someone you know been cyber bullied? What happened? 2. Why do you think people resort to cyber bullying rather than

confronting them face- to-face? 3. Why is cyber bullying a bit more difficult to understand and combat? 4. What can you do to help put an end to cyber bullying?

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1. Social networking is a great way to stay connected with friends and family. Unfortu-

nately some are using it to hurt others. What steps can you take to minimize the cy-ber bullies attacks against you?

2. Shane lost control of his life after his father died unexpectedly.

He became angry, allowing his emotions to control his life. What can you learn from his experiences?

3. How does developing self-control over time help you respond better to adversity in

the future? 4. Why is it important to get a grip on your life when encountering negative situations?

What are the benefits to taking control of your emotions at times such as these?

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Discussion


Procrastination—it’s a big word with no action. It’s putting things off that you could do today to sometime in the future. The problem is that when the future comes, you’ve got no time to get it done right and you start feeling an enormous amount of pressure. So why do we do it? Well, it’s easier to procrastinate when there are more exciting things to do. One of the best ways to overcome procrastination is to prioritize your activities according to what must be done first to those things you’d like to do. Exercising self-control to get those things that must be done out of the way first will eliminate a tremendous amount of stress from your life making those things you enjoy doing far more enjoyable.

Let’s Talk About It.

• List some things that might cause us to procrastinate.

• How does getting those things that must be done completed first eliminate stress from you life?

• What should you do when you feel that urge to procrastinate?

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Self-Control Lesson #4 — Rewards of Self-Control


Self-control is a key character trait that helps young people get a grip on their lives in an effort to shape and control their futures. This lesson will help students recognize that self-control isn’t about denying oneself of something enjoyable. Self-control is taking control of your life to achieve goals and dreams.

Overview: Self-control, is “SELF” control. It’s a decision you make to take control of what you do and when you do it. You decide what you eat, how you spend money, when to get angry, or how you view oth-ers. Those with good self-control are making decisions for themselves, have taken control of their futures and are experiencing the satisfaction of achieving their goals.


• See self-control as the character trait that empowers them to achieve goals. • Recognize the pitfalls of procrastination and make an effort to get moving. • Gain satisfaction from knowing that they moved in the direction of their dreams.

Materials Needed:


• Whiteboard

Student

Handout

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Quote: “Successful individuals take responsibility for their decisions, recognizing that suc-cess and fulfillment in life comes to those who exercise self-control in their efforts to reach their goals and dreams.” Motivational Writer, Michael Ziegler Talk about the inner satisfaction a person feels when they sacrifice time, energy, or fun to achieve a goal. For example, a person gives up deserts and sodas in their effort to achieve a weight loss goal. How might self-control be a key character trait in earning an “A” is math?


Activity: Motivational statements placed in view can remind you of those character values or actions you admire. For example, How might the statement, “Is this the best usage of my time!” right above the TV alter your TV viewing habits. That sign may direct your attention to other activities that are more pressing for that time. Have the students make a list of statements and suggested locations for those statements that may alter their lives for the better. Discussion of Activity: Talk about the statements they created.

• What changes to their lifestyle are they hoping to make?

• How will that change take them toward a goal or dream?

• What reward may they receive for following that statement? Play Segment #4 of the Self-Control DVD. (Playing Time: 8:37)

Discussion Video

Summary

Discussion Video

Questions

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Summary of Video Segment #4: Rewards of Self-Control

Megan Jansen, a senior at Glendora High School, recognized the importance of getting things done now rather than leaving things to the last minute. She knows from experience that the toughest part of getting any type of work done is getting started. Now, after twelve years of school, she can see the rewards of all that hard work and extra effort. For Megan, the secret of self-control is taking responsibility for her choices and making decisions that will improve her life.

The students at the Los Altos Academy of Engineering are participants in the So-lar Cup, an annual solar boat competitions. At last year’s event, the team failed to qualify. Their boat wasn’t properly prepared for the competition. Creating a solar boat is a massive undertaking. To be better prepared this year, the team started working diligently eight months before the race. Because of the size of the project the students were divided into groups responsible for different tasks. Their hard work and planning paid off. With two weeks left before the competition, the stu-dents were ready.

Self-control, is “SELF” control. It’s a decision you make to take control of what you do and when you do it. You decide what you eat, how you spend money, when to get angry, or how you view others. When you get a grip on your life you’ll start making decisions that will move you towards a better life and a better you.

Questions for Segment #4

1. Megan is involved in several different activities at her school. Pro-crastination is a problem she deals with on a daily basis. What can you learn from her about the importance of exercising self-control to accomplish several tasks?

2. The solar boat team broke the project down into manageable

parts and divided up the responsibilities for the project. How can you apply this same type of strategy to accomplishing the de-mands of school? Hand out student Self-Control Worksheet #8

1. List three things do you procrastinate at doing? 2. Why do you think you put off doing those things listed above? 3. How much stress or problems are created in your life by procrastinating? 4. What reward might you achieve or feeling would you feel if you procrastinated less

and completed those things you listed above in a more timely manner?

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1. Megan is involved in several different activities at her school.

Procrastination is a problem she deals with on a daily basis. What can you learn from her about the importance of exercising self-control to accomplish several tasks?

2. How might prioritizing your responsibilities and desires help you focus more time

and energy on those thing which must be done now compared to those you’d like to do now?

3, List two projects or assignment that you have that take a lot of time. 4. The solar boat team broke the project down into manageable parts and divided up

the responsibilities for the project. How can you apply this same type of strategy to accomplishing the demands of school?

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Self-Control Lesson #4 — Rewards of Self-Control Grip!


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