Setting Character Standards

Discuss and identify positive character traits

Have students discuss and list the characteristics they would like a friend to have, such as trustworthy, helpful, kind, faithful, honest, hard-working, playful, thoughtful, careful, sharing.

Bulletin Board

Each draw a picture of her or himself being a kid of character, with a bubble that says "I am ___________________(the characteristic that is being portrayed)." Cut out the pictures and bubbles, and arrange them on a large sheet of butcher paper, on a nylon sheet sprayed with repositional spray mount, or in a literacy quilt. Label it "We are kids of character!"

Learn a poem that reinforces positive character traits

Learn the "Kid of Character" poem below from a flip chart.

• First just speaking it expressively, using high, low, loud, soft, sad, happy, silly,
  proud, and other interpretive voices. Tell it to a partner.
  
• On another day, perform the poem patting the steady beat, then clapping
  the rhythm of the words, and finally snapping on key words.
  
• On a third day, transfer all three parts to unpitched instruments.
  

"Kid of Character"

"I'm a kid of character.
You can count on me.
Trusty and respectful in my
Class community.

You're a kid of character.
I can count on you.
Trusty and respectful
In the things you say and do.

We are kids of character
Showing that we care.
Every day we work and play.
We will do our share.

-by Sue Snyder

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