THE

CHARACTER CONNECTION

Introduction

     In today’s society, young people come into contact with individuals who have a variety of backgrounds and beliefs. It can be a difficult task to talk with or work with an individual who is different from one self. In order to become more tolerant of others, one must first become aware of which character "pillars" he/she possesses and personally build upon each character pillar, and then recognize the impact that possessing the positive character pillars will have upon someone else.

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     As an outstanding leader of the class, you have been selected to be the "character expert" who will be assisting the teacher in teaching responsibility, respect, good-citizenship, fairness, caring, and trustworthiness to the other students in the building. The teacher has requested your assistance in lessons and activities to help the students become aware of the variety of cultures within the school and community, and to help the students to become tolerant and accepting of the individual differences found within the school and community.

Process

1. Take the Character Education Pretest.
2. The first step in helping the teacher to develop activities is to define the six pillars of character. Using the online thesaurus, define each pillar word and create a list of synonyms for each of the six pillars. This will help the students understand the meaning of the positive character traits. Use the  Pillar Outline as you complete your definitions and list of synonyms.
3. What actions demonstrate each of the six pillars of character? Your next step is to make a list of specific actions that demonstrate each pillar category. Write your list of actions on the Pillar Outline.
4. Now that you know the six pillars of character, your next task is to show how these pillars fit into our district’s Character Connection curriculum: Integrity, respect, responsibility, caring, and self-discipline. For each of these "connections", complete the sentences on the Character Connection.
5. Watch for behavior of others in your classroom that illustrate each pillar and document what you see happening on the color-coded pieces of paper. Label who demonstrated a pillar behavior and write a complete sentence describing the behavior. Place your documentation paper in the basket. Your paper will be displayed on the foam pillar according to the specific behavior and character trait.

1. What makes a hero? What characteristics define a hero? Write your list on the top portion of the Hero Characteristics worksheet.
2. Who in your family portrays the characteristics you listed? Who in your family has been a hero to you? Who in your family has supports and encourages you and loves you unconditionally? Select one of your family heroes. Write about this family hero on the bottom portion of the Hero Characteristics worksheet. Be specific about how your family member has been a hero to you. Questions to think about while writing: How has your family hero supported you in your activities and schooling? How does your family hero help you to do your best? What are some special times you have spent with your family hero? What has your family hero done to help you build your self-esteem?
3. After you have written your family hero draft, ask your teacher or a friend to help you edit your writing.
4. Publish your final copy of your family hero writing on the computer by using your rough draft of the Family Hero form as your guide. After you have finished writing, use spellchecker to check for errors. Print your final copy. Illustrate the top portion with a picture of you and your family hero.
5. Be prepared to share your family hero writing and illustration during class share time.

1. Create character education bookmarks for another class, e.g., "Make a Difference", "Let Peace Begin with Me". When presenting the bookmarks to another class, be sure to explain to them the Six Pillars of Character and how having a positive character helps to have a successful relationship with others.
2. Gather three or four of your friends and spend time after school cleaning the school grounds.
3. Take the Character Education Posttest.
4. Write a Reflection Paper describing how utilizing positive character traits have impacted your relationships with others.

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Worksheets

1.  Character Education Pretest

2.  Pillar Outline

3.  Character Connection

4.  Hero Characteristics

5.  Family Hero

6.  Character Education Posttest

7.  Reflection Paper

8.  Rubric

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On-Line Resources

www.goodcharacter.com

www.charactercounts.org (Pillars of Character)

www.teachingtolerance.org

www.tolerance.org

http://www.m-w.com (Online Dictionary/Thesaurus)

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Evaluation

Project Rubric

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Conclusion    

     You have learned that possessing positive character traits is essential in developing positive relationships with all people. Those who are able to demonstrate the six Pillars of Character in their relationships with others have the best opportunity at being successful citizens and happy in their relationships. People of character are tolerant and accepting of all people and their respective personal history. People of character know the difference between right and wrong. People of character guide their actions and thoughts by the Pillars of Character in their daily lives.

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     Webquest Goal: Students will learn what traits constitute a positive character and will be able to utilize their character learning in building positive relationships with others.

1. This webquest is designed for 4th grade, but can be adapted for grades 3-6.
2. The webquest will take approximately 4 weeks. This webquest may be done in consecutive weeks or spaced throughout the semester or school year.
3. Following the completion of week two’s writing activity, plan a "Families of Character Day" inviting the family heroes for a reception - honoring each one of them for the positive influence he/she has had on the life of the young person in their family.
4. Invite "Heroes or Sheroes" to school to speak to the class about how being a person of positive character impacts his/her career. (Police officer, fireman, minister, principal, teacher, etc. Be sure to include people of all backgrounds and abilities.)
5. Each form is available by clicking on the link and printing the page.  You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader to use these forms.  It is a free download available here. 

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