In one day we teach several different lessons from math to English to science to history. Another concept we cover every single day that we may not even realize is good character. While this may not be in the Common Core Standards, it is vital that our students learn how to be good citizens or just good people. How can we teach this? Here are four ways to teach character in the classroom.
#1 Monkey See Monkey Do
One of the best ways to teach character is to practice good character skills yourself. Being a good role model is always the first step. I don’t think any of us are purposely displaying bad character traits, but it can be easy to slip when we are talking to a colleague in the hallway or in our room “alone” for a moment.
To be a good role model, make sure you pay attention to your surroundings and how you talk to students. I’m not saying you need to be perfect, but always keep in mind that you are the person all of your students look up to.
#2 Praise Posts!
Another great way to reinforce good character skills is to have “Praise Posts.” You will need:
- Bulletin board
- Sticky notes
How does this work? When students display good character traits, anyone who saw it can write down what they saw the student doing and “Post-It” on the “Praise Post.” This will not only make the person getting the praise feel amazing, it will also encourage students to do nice things so they can get praised as well.
As the teacher, you will want to make sure everyone gets praised at some point for something. No matter how “bad” a kid is, they do something right every day, and you calling that out might make the “bad” turn into “good.”
#3 Character Night
A fun activity for students to do involved a little writing. After teaching students how to write, have them put together a skit with a friend and showcase one of the pillars of character. This writing activity increases your student’s writing skills, their teamwork skills, and it teaches them about the six pillars of character which will help them make “ethical decisions” now and in the future.
After character night, you can give each student an award for being brave, showing good integrity, or for facing their fears. Really the options are endless!
#4 The Paper Plate Activity
The paper plate activity is a great activity to do if you are noticing bullying going on in your classroom. Sometimes when we talk about character, students roll their eyes or just nod and act like they are listening, but this activity puts a visual on what bullying can do. To begin you will need:
- Paper plates
- Glue/tape
After you have passed out the supplies, you will read off a series of scenarios. If a student has experienced what you have read (someone calling them a mean name for example) they rip the paper plate. After students have ripped the paper plate several times, you will have them try to put it back together. Afterwards, you can talk about how the paper plate can be put back together, but it still isn’t the same. Its integrity has been broken and it wouldn’t be able to hold as much. Having this conversation and this visual can have a huge impact when it comes to teaching students about character and being kind.
Character is one of those “little things” that can make a big difference. Teaching your students about character can be vital for their future. In a world where we are “cut off” while “plugging in,” how to treat others has become a little tricky to handle. Teach your students what is means to be a person of good character this year; you’ll be happy you did.
