Character First! - Education
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What is Character First! Education?
Young people need specifics. They need examples. They need reasons.
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| Download the 49 Qualities |
Character First! directly and indirectly addresses school problems, such as bullying, apathy, cheating, stealing, and shifting responsibility. And it encourages good citizenship, teamwork, respect for others, and higher academic performance.
Character First! materials take a non-sectarian approach, and are appropriate for secular and religious institutions. Thousands of schools now use Character First! in more than 20 countries. Learn more on the history page or read testimonials about Character First!
Implementation Overview
Building character differs from developing skills because it focuses on attitudes and behaviors as well as knowledge. Different schools might implement this pattern differently, but these four basic principles will still apply.
Leadership Training
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The 6-hour Teacher Orientation Seminar explains what character is, why character matters, how you can build a culture of character in your classrooms, how to send the character message home with students, how to reward a student's character, how to correct poor character, and how to measure your progress.
The Implementation Seminar can also help school administrators and teachers build character-based leadership and management skills.
You can schedule on-site seminars by contacting a Character First! consultant or the Character First! team in Oklahoma City. You can also purchase the Teacher Orientation Seminar DVDs online.
- Character Recognition
Teachers and parents often focus on what students achieve rather than how they conduct themselves, and this approach can send a subtle message that it's okay to make small compromises in order to succeed.
Your gratitude for a person's character communicates the priority of integrity, encourages the person to persevere, and it gives others a real-time example of what a particular character quality looks like.
- Spontaneous Recognition
Recognize others' small choices throughout each day: "Thanks for being here on time. Your punctuality helps us get started on time." "Thanks for paying attention in class. That shows respect." "I noticed you cleaning up your desk. Your orderliness sets a good example." "I know it wasn't easy to forgive her, but that shows your commitment to character, even when it hurts."
- Public Recognition
You can also give public recognition during class, school assemblies, and morning announcements: "This week is Sarah's 15th birthday, and I want to recognize her for diligence, which is 'investing all my energy to complete the tasks assigned to me.' Sarah consistently does her work at school, and her mom said Sarah does her homework as soon as she gets home. Then she helps take care of her younger brother and sister and does her chores with a good attitude. I'm grateful Sarah is part of our class. Happy Birthday!"
- Written Recognition
Express your appreciation in writing so that students can show it to family members. Write an occasional thank you note. Print a certificate. Write an encouraging note as you grade papers.
- Spontaneous Recognition
- Teaching Resources
Most schools emphasize a different character quality each month. This approach helps a school emphasize fresh aspects of good character, and it allows students to work out each concept in daily life.
"Achieving True Success…How to build character as a family" provides the most economical resource for teaching character. This book teaches all 49 character qualities, using one-page lessons for children of all ages.
The Character First! Education curriculum is specifically designed for schools. Each 16-page teacher's guide contains a wide variety of lessons. There are currently 36 Elementary Teacher's Guides (grades K-5) and 18 Secondary Teacher's Guides (grades 6-12).
Download sample materials Character First! has also published elementary, intermediate, and advanced student guides for 36 character qualities.
Teachers should present at least one 15-minute character lesson each week. Once students understand a character quality, teachers can reinforce the lesson-at the beginning of class, when students do well, and when correction is needed.
A full set of curriculum for one year (9 character qualities) averages $150 per secondary classroom and $200 per elementary classroom. Browse the online store or contact a Character First! representative to help determine what materials are most appropriate for your situation.
- Community Building
Harness the energy, creativity, and resources of your people by establishing a character committee in your school. This committee could include teachers, faculty, staff, students, and parents, and it might encourage character through family events, community service, field trips, class parties, parenting classes, or dramatic presentations.
The committee could also evaluate the effects of Character First! in your school, monitoring student attendance, office referrals, suspensions, and overall academic performance.
Get Started
Contact a Character First! consultant in your area or the Character First! team in Oklahoma City. Discuss the details of your situation, and generate a cost proposal for training and resources.
If you want to learn more about Character First!, here are some recommendations.
- Download the list of 49 qualities.
- Download a sample Teacher's Guide or Student Guide.
- Read testimonies about what others have experienced.
- Watch the introduction videos.
- Download "An Introduction to Character First!" booklet.
