Why is Character Education important?
Along with Reading, Writing and Math, Character Education needs to be taught in our schools.
Character Education sets the foundation for how students treat each other in school, at home and in the community. They grow up to be the adult citizens who live, work and vote in our communities. It is worth the time and energy to teach children how to be RESPECTFUL and RESPONSIBLE. They need to learn how to be COMPASSIONATE and GENEROUS, especially now when times are tough. Learning the traits of ACCEPTANCE, HONESTY and FRIENDSHIP will help them as they enter the workforce and have relationships with other people. SELF-DISCIPLINE and PERSEVERANCE will help them set goals and complete tasks. These skills can be taught and practiced in our schools, if we take the time to teach them.
I have been so fortunate to work in a school where these traits are valued and practiced. For the past thirteen years, I have been able to put my ideas into action with the help of a dedicated staff, an enthusiastic principal and an amazing school counselor. Although we have several ways in which we teach the character traits at my school, my contribution to the cause has been through character trait Assembly Skits and Songs.
Character Education sets the foundation for how students treat each other in school, at home and in the community. They grow up to be the adult citizens who live, work and vote in our communities. It is worth the time and energy to teach children how to be RESPECTFUL and RESPONSIBLE. They need to learn how to be COMPASSIONATE and GENEROUS, especially now when times are tough. Learning the traits of ACCEPTANCE, HONESTY and FRIENDSHIP will help them as they enter the workforce and have relationships with other people. SELF-DISCIPLINE and PERSEVERANCE will help them set goals and complete tasks. These skills can be taught and practiced in our schools, if we take the time to teach them.
I have been so fortunate to work in a school where these traits are valued and practiced. For the past thirteen years, I have been able to put my ideas into action with the help of a dedicated staff, an enthusiastic principal and an amazing school counselor. Although we have several ways in which we teach the character traits at my school, my contribution to the cause has been through character trait Assembly Skits and Songs.
The Monthly Character Trait Assembly
Each month we focus on a different character trait and that trait is visible thoughout the school all month (and all year): during morning announcements, in classrooms, in the hallways, the cafeteria, at PE and Music, outside during recess...and ALL staff take the responsibility of teaching and reinforcing each trait throughout the year. This ALL-school approach has helped us turn out some wonderful students who will be future leaders in our community.
Traits by Month:September--RESPECT
October--SELF-DISCIPLINE November--CITIZENSHIP December--COMPASSION/GENEROSITY January--ACCEPTANCE February--FRIENDSHIP/COOPERATION March--HONESTY April--RESPONSIBILITY May--PERSEVERANCE June--Review, wrap up the year |
Assembly Agenda (example)1. Welcome and Review of Previous Character Trait
(Principal and two Student Leaders grades 3-5) 2. Pledge of Allegiance (Student leader) 3. Character Trait Awards (aka:CITIZENSHIP) (Principal and Counselor) 4. Student Talent (if available) 5. Introduction of Next Character Trait (Counselor) 6. Staff Skit and Song (introducing new Character Trait) (Teachers and Staff) 7. Presentation of Quilt Pieces for Upcoming Character Trait (Created by 1 or 2 classrooms) 8. School Song (Music Teacher) 9. Closing (Principal) |