Today Compass Charter Schools (CCS) is celebrating Character Day! It’s a day focused on understanding the science behind human character development. The awareness day is a global initiative to encourage understanding and to celebrate the uniqueness of human character.
Across the globe schools, charities, clubs and many other organizations are celebrating character by talking about the importance of self-expression and sharing helpful resources about the science of character. To honor this special day, we’re sharing four simple ways that parents can help their scholars understand the differences in human character and learn how they can develop positive character qualities of their own.
Explore the Meaning of Character
For families with younger scholars, it may be helpful to start by discussing the meaning of character. What is character? How do we develop character and why is it important? These simple questions can help introduce the concept of human character to young children. Families with older scholars may want to consider talking about their understanding of character, how character is developed and how actions can reflect character.
Talk About Positive Character Qualities
A simple, yet effective way that families can celebrate Character Day is by discussing positive character qualities. Parents with younger scholars may want to help their children create a fun art project about positive character qualities like loyalty, honesty, forgiveness, and humility to name a few. As they create their art projects, they can talk about the meaning of each character quality and decide if they possess each quality that is included in their project. Parents with older scholars may want to challenge them to write a short story or self-assessment about positive character qualities. This type of activity can help both scholars and parents start a discussion about character and the different character qualities that people can possess.
Encourage Self-Expression
Once scholars understand the meaning of character, they are often more equipped to assess their own character qualities and feel confident expressing themselves. Today, and every day, learning coaches can support scholars by encouraging them to freely and safely express their personal character traits. There are a few ways that parents can encourage their scholars to express themselves including through art, music, dance, cooking, writing and much more. Using these methods scholars can create projects that highlight their own existing character traits while perhaps developing new ones. We strongly encourage the free, open expression of personal character!
Practice Strengthening Character
There are a few simple activities that families with scholars of all ages can enjoy to help strengthen their children’s character qualities. Consider implementing these 10 Daily Practices to Strengthen Character. Activities include expressing gratitude, exercising self-control, considering other perspectives and more. These exercises can help scholars determine their character strengths and areas that may have room for improvement. Parents can turn the process of developing and strengthening character qualities into fun activities for their scholars!
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Compass Charter Schools (CCS) is a WASC-accredited virtual charter school that serves families throughout California. Interested in learning more about CCS’ flexible academic programs? Visit our website, or contact our enrollment team at enrollment@compasscharters.org or (877) 506-8631.