Character Counts

August 25, 2011

Written by Contributing Writer, Sarah Farthing

School is starting up this week for my twin boys. They will be at preschool 5 mornings per week and I have been accordingly compiling a massive to-do list!

One very important item I aim to accomplish this fall is to contact our neighborhood school about CHARACTER COUNTS.

CHARACTER COUNTS! is the most widely implemented approach to character education and reaches millions of youth. I want my children to be counted among them, so I hope to get our school on board with this program before my boys enter kindergarten next year. CHARACTER COUNTS! is administered by Josephson Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

As explained on the website, CHARACTER COUNTS! is:

A framework centered on basic values called the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.

Embraced by thousands of schools, communities, public agencies and nonprofit organizations for a simple reason — it works. These groups receive support and development from a national office, which offers training programs, free e-newsletters, resources, products, and free consultation.

Nonprofit, not religious or political (though used by both secular and faith-based groups, and supported by public officials of both major parties).

Not a curriculum or add-on, but a powerful means to advance curricular and behavioral goals

Here is a more in-depth look at the Six Pillars of Character:

Trustworthiness

Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat, or steal • Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal — stand by your family, friends, and country

Respect

Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant and accepting of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements

Responsibility

Do what you are supposed to do • Plan ahead • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your words, actions, and attitudes • Set a good example for others

Fairness

Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly • Treat all people fairly

Caring

Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need

Citizenship

Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment • Volunteer

It is our duty as parents and community members to instill these values in the children that live with us and around us anyway. Having this resource, complete with lesson plans, ideas, support, funding sources!, etc… is simply amazing and is not something any school or parent should overlook. Please take the time to look into it.

Character Education Success in Elementary/Middle School

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5 Comments »

Mama Nolte
on August 25, 2011 8:45 am
This is the education every child needs to achieve personal success in life. Our families and our nation need this next generation and those following it to instill character and these values to our youth.
Heidi Farmer
on August 25, 2011 8:54 am
I’m going to “borrow” these as our Team Farmer rules. They are perfect.
Sarah
on August 25, 2011 9:43 am
I didn’t mention in this post but these pillars are also applicable to businesses and teams, of course, and Character Counts has programs that are specific to those groups and ready to implement!
Mike Henry
on August 25, 2011 6:03 pm
I must say I’m proud we have most of these in my company’s Vision & Values.
Sarah
on August 26, 2011 10:34 am
That is great Mike! I’m sure it leads to a very positive and productive work environment…