CHARACTER EDUCATION

Fairness, Caring, Citizenship, Trustworthiness, Respect, and Responisbility

These kids get what it's all about
​From our Club at Schreiber School

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​through the Joseph and Edna Josephson Institute of Ethics.
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Free Character Education Lesson  Plans

Following are lesson plans teaching elementary students character traits like trust, respect, and responsibility. They include a biblical element, are taught in voluntary lunch huddles or after school  clubs, and promote community involvement while fostering essential life skills. 
 

Trustworthiness

Character Lesson: Being a Trustworthy Friend

Objective: To introduce the concept of trustworthiness to elementary school kids and emphasize the importance of being reliable in friendships.

Introduction:
Hey there, awesome kids! Today, we're going to talk about something really important – being a trustworthy friend. Have you ever wondered what makes a good friend? Well, one big part of it is being someone others can trust. That means when you say you'll do something, your friends can count on you to do it. Let's dive in and learn more about this!

Key Points:

1. What is Trustworthiness?
   - Trustworthiness means being someone who keeps their promises and does what they say they will do.
   - It's like being a superhero friend – always there to help and stick to your word.

2. Keeping Promises:
   - When you promise to do something, like sharing a toy or helping with a game, try your best to keep that promise.
   - Keeping promises makes your friends feel happy and safe around you.

3. Being Reliable:
   - Reliable means people can depend on you. It's like being a friend who's always ready to help out and be a good pal.
   - Being reliable makes your friendships strong and fun.

4. Punctuality:
   - Being on time is important. When you have a playdate or a meeting, try your best to arrive when you're supposed to.
   - It shows your friends that you care about their time and feelings.

Activities:

1. Promise Pledge:
   - Have each student create a "Promise Pledge" card. They write down one promise they'll make to be a better friend.
   - Display these cards somewhere visible in the classroom as a reminder.

2. Trustworthiness Art:
   - Let kids draw pictures of themselves being trustworthy friends – helping, sharing, and keeping promises.
   - Share these drawings and discuss why trustworthiness is important in friendships.

3. Storytime and Discussion:
   - Read a short story about trust and reliability in friendships.
   - After reading, have a group discussion about the story and ask kids how they can be trustworthy friends in real life.

Conclusion:
Remember, being a trustworthy friend is like planting seeds of happiness in your friendships. When you keep your promises, show up on time, and help out, you're making your friendships stronger and full of joy. Just like superheroes save the day, being reliable and trustworthy makes you a super friend! So, go out there and show the world how awesome you can be by being a friend everyone can trust.

Character Lesson: Being a Trustworthy Friend with Biblical Wisdom

Objective: To introduce the concept of trustworthiness to elementary school kids, emphasize the importance of being reliable in friendships, and connect these values with teachings from the Bible.

Introduction:
Hello, young learners! Today, we're going to talk about being a trustworthy friend, and we'll also discover how the teachings from the Bible can guide us in becoming better friends. You know, the Bible has lots of wisdom about trust and friendship, so let's explore this together!

Key Points:
1. What is Trustworthiness?
   - Trustworthiness means keeping your promises and being someone others can count on, just like how God is always faithful to us.
   - In the Bible, Proverbs 3:3 says, "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart."

2. Keeping Promises:
   - When you promise to do something, try your best to keep that promise, just as God always keeps His promises to us.
   - God's word in Psalm 89:34 reminds us, "I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered."

3. Being Reliable:
   - Being a reliable friend means you're there to help and support your friends, just like how God is our constant helper.
   - Psalm 145:13b says, "The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does."

4. Punctuality:
   - Being on time shows respect for others' time and is a way to honor our friendships, which is a teaching found in the Bible.
   - In Ecclesiastes 3:1, it says, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."

Activities:

1. Promise Pledge:
   - Each student can create a "Promise Pledge" card with a promise to be a trustworthy friend.

Fairness

Understanding Fairness and Its Importance
Objective: To introduce the concept of fairness to elementary school kids, help them understand the importance of being fair, and encourage fair behavior in various situations.
Introduction: Hello, young learners! Today, we're going to talk about something really important – fairness. Have you ever heard the phrase "It's not fair!"? Well, fairness is all about treating everyone with equality and making sure things are just right. Let's dive in and learn more about what it means to be fair!
Key Points:

1. What is Fairness?
   • Fairness means treating everyone in a just and equal way, like sharing toys, playing games, and making sure everyone has a chance.
   • It's like being a superhero of justice, making sure everyone gets a fair shot.
2. Treating Others Right:
   • Fairness is about being kind and treating others the way you would want to be treated.
   • When you share, take turns, and listen to others, you're showing fairness in action.
3. Inclusion and Diversity:
   • Being fair also means including everyone, no matter their differences.
   • Just like a puzzle with many pieces, our differences fit together to make something beautiful and complete.
4. Solving Problems Fairly:
   • When problems come up, like deciding who goes first in a game, try to find a solution that's fair for everyone.
   • It's like being a detective, finding the best solution that makes everyone happy.

Activities:

1. Fairness Scenarios:
   • Discuss different scenarios with the kids, such as sharing treats, choosing teams, or taking turns.
   • Ask them how they would handle each situation in a fair way and why it's important.
2. Fairness Pledge:
   • Have each student create a "Fairness Pledge" card. They write down one way they'll show fairness in their daily lives.
   • Display these cards in the classroom as a reminder of their commitment.
3. Fair Art:
   • Encourage kids to draw pictures that show fairness – kids playing together, sharing, and solving problems.
   • Share their drawings and discuss how these actions create fairness and happiness.​

Conclusion: Fairness is like a magic ingredient that makes our friendships and communities strong. When we treat others with kindness, share, and make sure everyone's voice is heard, we're spreading fairness and making the world a better place. Just like superheroes fight for justice, being fair makes you a hero of kindness and equality. So, let's go out and show the world how awesome we can be by treating everyone with fairness and respect!

Biblical Perspective: Embracing Fairness through God's Wisdom
Objective: To introduce the concept of fairness to elementary school kids, help them understand the biblical perspective on fairness, and encourage them to embrace fair behavior guided by biblical teachings.
Introduction: Hello, young learners! Today, we're going to explore the concept of fairness and discover how the teachings of the Bible can guide us to be fair and just in our actions. The Bible is full of wisdom that can help us understand the importance of treating others with fairness and kindness. Let's learn together!
Key Points:

1. Understanding Fairness Biblically:
   • Fairness, according to the Bible, is rooted in treating others as we would like to be treated, just as Jesus taught us.
   • In Matthew 7:12, Jesus said, "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you."
2. Treating Others with Love:
   • Fairness is a way to show God's love to everyone, regardless of their differences.
   • Galatians 3:28 reminds us, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
3. Seeking Justice:
   • The Bible encourages us to stand up for what is right and to be fair even when it's challenging.
   • Proverbs 21:15 teaches, "When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers."
4. Forgiveness and Fairness:
   • Fairness involves forgiving others, just as God forgives us.
   • Colossians 3:13 says, "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

Activities:

1. Biblical Fairness Discussion:
   • Share stories from the Bible where fairness and justice were demonstrated, such as the story of King Solomon's wise judgment.
   • Discuss how these stories teach us about the importance of treating others fairly.
2. Fairness Pledge:
   • Each student can create a "Biblical Fairness Pledge" card, committing to show fairness in their actions, guided by biblical principles.
   • Reflect on Jesus' words in Luke 6:31, "Do to others as you would have them do to you."
3. Fairness Art:
   • Encourage kids to create art that depicts biblical scenes of fairness and justice.
   • Discuss how these scenes reflect God's desire for us to live in harmony and treat others with fairness.

Conclusion: As followers of God's teachings, we are called to embrace fairness as a way to spread His love and bring justice to the world. The Bible teaches us that fairness means treating everyone with kindness and respect, just as God treats us with love and forgiveness. By practicing fairness, we can be agents of positive change, reflecting God's heart in our actions and relationships. So, let's go forth and be fair, just as God is fair, and let our actions be a testament to His love for all of us.

Caring

​Character Lesson: The Heart of Caring

Objective: To introduce the concept of caring to elementary school kids, emphasize its importance, and then connect it with teachings from the Bible.

Introduction:
Hello, fantastic students! Today, we're going to talk about something truly special – caring. Have you ever noticed how wonderful it feels when someone shows they care about you? Well, caring is like a big warm hug for the heart. Let's dive into the world of caring and discover why it's so important!

Key Points:

1. What is Caring?
   - Caring means showing kindness, love, and consideration to others and the world around us.
   - It's like being a helper and a friend, making the world a better place one kind act at a time.

2. Acts of Kindness:
   - When you care, you do things that make others feel good and show that you're thinking about them.
   - Acts of kindness, like sharing toys, helping with chores, or comforting a friend, are ways to show you care.

3. Building Connections:
   - Caring helps us build strong connections with our friends, family, and community.
   - When you care about someone, you create a bond of trust and happiness that grows over time.

4. A Caring World:
   - Imagine a world where everyone cared about each other and the environment. It would be a world full of smiles and harmony.
   - Caring for nature, animals, and our neighborhoods helps us appreciate the wonderful world we live in.

**Biblical Teaching: The Golden Rule**

In the Bible, Jesus shared a powerful teaching called the "Golden Rule." In Matthew 7:12, He said, "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you." This means that just as we want others to be kind and caring towards us, we should also treat them with the same kindness and caring.

**Discussion and Reflection:**

1. Can you think of a time when someone showed they cared for you? How did it make you feel?

2. How do you think caring for others can make our homes, schools, and communities better places?

3. How does the Golden Rule connect with the idea of caring? How can we practice the Golden Rule in our daily lives?

**Activity: Caring Cards:**

- Have students create caring cards for someone special – a friend, family member, or even a teacher. Encourage them to write kind messages that show they care.

**Conclusion:**

Caring is like a sprinkle of magic that makes the world brighter and happier. When you show kindness, compassion, and consideration for others, you're spreading joy and making a positive impact. Remember, the Golden Rule reminds us to treat others the way we want to be treated, and this includes showing caring and love. So, let's go out and fill the world with caring actions, making our communities shine with kindness and warmth!

Citizenship

​Character Lesson: Embracing Citizenship

Objective: To introduce the concept of citizenship to elementary school kids, emphasize its importance, and encourage responsible and active participation in their communities.

Introduction:
Hello, amazing students! Today, we're going to explore the world of citizenship and discover how each one of you plays a vital role in making our communities better. Just like the pieces of a puzzle fit together to create a beautiful picture, your actions as responsible citizens can shape a wonderful community for everyone. Let's dive into the exciting world of citizenship!

Key Points:

1. What is Citizenship?
   - Citizenship means being a responsible and active member of your community, school, and country.
   - It's like being part of a big team that works together to create a happy and safe place.

2. Taking Responsibility:
   - As citizens, we have a responsibility to take care of our environment, follow rules, and help others.
   - Simple acts like picking up litter, using resources wisely, and being respectful show good citizenship.

3. Contributing Positively:
   - Good citizens contribute positively to their communities by being helpful, respectful, and inclusive.
   - When you work together with others, you can achieve great things and make a difference.

4. Building a Better Community:
   - Imagine if everyone worked together to make their community a better place. It would be a place full of harmony and progress.
   - By being a responsible citizen, you can help create a safe, friendly, and thriving environment.

**Biblical Teaching: Loving Your Neighbor**

In the Bible, Jesus taught us about loving our neighbors. In Matthew 22:39, He said, "Love your neighbor as yourself." This teaching reminds us that being a good citizen includes showing love and respect to those around us.

**Discussion and Reflection:**

1. Can you think of ways you've seen people in your community being good citizens? What did they do?

2. How do you think responsible citizenship can make your school and community a better place?

3. How does the teaching of loving your neighbor connect with the concept of citizenship? How can you practice this teaching as a responsible citizen?

**Activity: Community Helpers Chart:**

- Create a chart with different roles in the community, like police officers, doctors, teachers, and more. Have students draw or write about how each role contributes to a better community.

**Conclusion:**

Being a responsible citizen is like being a superhero for your community. Your actions and choices matter, and they have the power to create positive change. Remember, by taking care of your surroundings, respecting rules, and treating others kindly, you're showing your commitment to building a better community. The teaching of loving your neighbor from the Bible reminds us to treat others with love and respect, just like good citizens do. So, let's go out and be active and responsible citizens, working together to build communities that are full of kindness, progress, and unity!

Responsibility

​Character Lesson: Embracing Responsibility

Objective: To introduce the concept of responsibility to elementary school kids, emphasize its importance, and encourage accountable behavior in various aspects of their lives.

Introduction:
Hello, wonderful students! Today, we're going to delve into the world of responsibility and discover how it can help us become reliable and dependable individuals. Just like a captain takes care of their ship, being responsible means taking care of our actions and duties. Let's embark on this exciting journey of responsibility!

Key Points:

1. What is Responsibility?
   - Responsibility means taking ownership of your actions, tasks, and duties, and doing them to the best of your ability.
   - It's like being the captain of your own ship, steering it in the right direction.

2. Completing Tasks:
   - When you're responsible, you finish what you start and complete your tasks on time.
   - Whether it's homework, chores, or commitments, being responsible shows you're dependable.

3. Making Good Choices:
   - Responsible individuals make wise choices that have positive consequences for themselves and others.
   - It's like being a decision-maker who considers how their actions will affect those around them.

4. Building Trust:
   - Being responsible helps build trust with others because they know they can rely on you.
   - When you keep your promises and follow through on your commitments, you earn the trust of friends, family, and teachers.

**Biblical Teaching: The Parable of the Talents**

In the Bible, Jesus told the "Parable of the Talents." In Matthew 25:14-30, He spoke about the importance of using our abilities and resources responsibly. This teaching reminds us that God entrusts us with talents, and it's our responsibility to use them wisely.

**Discussion and Reflection:**

1. Can you think of a time when you were responsible for something important? How did it feel when you did your task well?

2. How do you think being responsible can positively impact your schoolwork, relationships, and personal goals?

3. How does the Parable of the Talents connect with the concept of responsibility? How can we apply this teaching in our lives?

**Activity: Responsibility Star Chart:**

- Create a star chart where students earn stars for completing responsibilities, like homework, chores, and other tasks. Discuss the sense of accomplishment that comes from being responsible.

**Conclusion:**

Responsibility is like a lantern that guides us through life's journey. When we take ownership of our actions and tasks, we become dependable individuals who can be trusted by others. Remember, just as the Parable of the Talents teaches us to use our abilities responsibly, being responsible in our actions and choices is a way to honor the gifts we've been given. So, let's sail through life with the flag of responsibility flying high, knowing that our choices and actions have the power to shape a brighter future for ourselves and those around us.

Respect

Character Lesson: Embracing Respect

Objective: To introduce the concept of respect to elementary school kids, emphasize its importance, and encourage treating others and the world around them with respect.

Introduction:
Hello, awesome students! Today, we're going to explore the wonderful world of respect and discover how it can make our interactions and relationships kinder and more meaningful. Just like a flower blooms when it's cared for, showing respect helps create a beautiful atmosphere of understanding and harmony. Let's dive into the world of respect and its incredible impact!

Key Points:

1. What is Respect?
   - Respect means treating others and the world around you with kindness, consideration, and understanding.
   - It's like shining a light on the good in everyone and everything.

2. Treating Others Kindly:
   - When you respect others, you treat them the way you'd like to be treated.
   - This includes using good manners, being polite, and showing empathy to understand their feelings.

3. Valuing Differences:
   - Respect means appreciating and embracing the unique qualities and differences of others.
   - Just like a puzzle's pieces fit together to create a beautiful picture, our differences create a vibrant and diverse world.

4. Creating Positive Spaces:
   - Being respectful helps create positive environments where everyone feels valued and safe.
   - It's like planting seeds of positivity that grow into a garden of strong friendships and mutual understanding.

**Biblical Teaching: The Golden Rule**

The Bible teaches us the "Golden Rule." In Matthew 7:12, Jesus said, "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you." This teaching reminds us that respecting others is a way to show love and kindness.

**Discussion and Reflection:**

1. Can you think of a time when you felt respected by someone? How did it make you feel?

2. How do you think showing respect can make your school, family, and community more harmonious?

3. How does the Golden Rule connect with the concept of respect? How can we practice this teaching in our interactions with others?

**Activity: Respectful Acts Tree:**

- Create a tree on a poster board, and have students write down respectful actions they can take on leaves. Discuss how these actions can make their surroundings more respectful.

**Conclusion:**

Respect is like a melody that brings harmony to our relationships and environments. When we treat others and the world with kindness and understanding, we create a symphony of positivity and unity. Just as the Golden Rule teaches us to treat others as we want to be treated, showing respect is a way to spread love and create a better world. So, let's go out and be ambassadors of respect, nurturing a garden of empathy, kindness, and understanding wherever we go!

Want more free resources?
​Here's a link to CHARACTER COUNTS! free lessons: 
charactercounts.org/digital_classroom/digital-classroom/

Social Emotional Learning SEL

Social-emotional learning (SEL) focuses on developing skills like self-awareness, empathy, and responsible decision-making, which align closely with character education’s emphasis on values such as respect, responsibility, and integrity. Faith-based and biblical teaching complements SEL by grounding these traits in spiritual principles, encouraging students to see their personal growth as part of their faith journey. Programs combining SEL, character education, and biblical teachings foster holistic development, nurturing both emotional well-being and moral character while emphasizing the importance of love, kindness, and service to others.  

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Click for Teacher's Guide

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Character Education has been a capstone in schools for decades and is encouraged if not mandated by almost all states in the Union. Why not help schools teach character education since biblical teaching is congruent with character education and almost every Bible story contains some teaching on character.  
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The Department of Education states:
"Throughout history, character education has been the shared responsibility of parents, teachers and members of the community, who come together to support positive character development." (2)⁠

Christian Clubs help with that responsibility by focusing on faith-based character education and Social Emotional Learning from Bible stories such as honesty, responsibility, caring, trustworthiness, fairness, citizenship, etc.

Many elementary school parents send their kids to our faith-based character education club so they can learn Christian morals and make friends. They might be too busy to bring their kids to church or don't really want to go to church themselves. However, they still value the Christian teaching and want their kids to learn about God and the Bible. According to Barna Research, eighty five percent of Christians find the love of God during elementary and middle school years. Faith peaks during those years before anti-Christian teaching puts doubts in their minds.

Benjamin Franklin stated: "… nothing is of more importance for the public than to form and train up youth in wisdom and virtue.

Education at its best should expand the mind and build character,” 
President, University of Carolina and former Secretary of US Department of Education: Margaret Spellings

"People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built." 
Eleanor Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt stated, “To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society." 

What is character education?
Character education focuses on the social-emotional, ethical, and moral education of students. Numerous studies have supported the notion that students can only succeed academically when their social-emotional needs are met. 

State and federal mandate to teach character education.
Not only have individual states mandated character education, but the federal government has also enacted character education. The United States Congress authorized the Partnerships in Character Education Program in 1994. The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 renewed this tradition. The new Every Child Succeeds Act (ESSA) which was signed into law by Pres. Obama in December 2015 also contains language which supports character education via making sure that schools have a good school climate.

How many schools teach character education?
Almost every school throughout the United States, be it an elementary, middle or high school has some sort of character education program. Those schools typically have ceremonies to recognize students or staff of outstanding character. Throughout the decades many good programs for character education have emerged. 

What character traits are taught?
Character education includes traits such as respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, honesty and good citizenship. Teaching on those subjects improves not only student-student relations but also student-teacher relations, ultimately resulting in improved academic success. 

​How effective is character Education?
A study by Oregon State University researchers found that Positive Action®, a program which teaches social and emotional skills and character development to elementary school children, can improve academic test scores as much as 10% on national standardized math and reading tests.⁠ (7) 

Other key findings include:

• 21% improvement on state reading tests
• 51% improvement on state math tests 
• 70% fewer suspensions 
• 15% less absenteeism