Comprehensive Character Building Classroom Activities
"The measure of a man's real character," Thomas Babington Macaulay said, "is what he would do if he knew he never would be found out." Teachers present a character model whether they want to or not, because students notice their behavior and pay attention to what they tolerate. Carefully planned and executed character building classroom activities can encourage students to adopt good ethical principles and behaviors.
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Emphasize the Positive
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Set appropriate rules for classroom behavior from the first day of class. Specify what you do want to see, not what you don't. On the first day, discuss the rules with the students and discuss with them what character traits are reinforced by each rule. Be a good example. For instance, completing your own work in a neat and timely manner reinforces the character traits of responsibility, punctuality and respect for others.
Allow students to suggest rules that might benefit the class. Praise students who exhibit appropriate behavior. Recognize and affirm the positive character traits exhibited by these behaviors. Award points for good behavior, and let students exchange points for free time.
Appropriate Role Models
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Students will choose role models with or without adult help. Point out positive role models in literature, history, the health and science fields, and the arts. Teach units about people you want your students to emulate.
Have students match the behaviors and traits of characters in a story. Give writing assignments to compare the characteristics of various story characters. Ask students to dramatize how some story elements could change if a character made better choices. Examine the behavior of historical and current world leaders and celebrities. Ask students to compare a person's words with his actions. Discuss how someone can improve his life by maintaining good character traits.
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Build Caring Community
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Teachers need to model good behavior in the classroom. Show respect for all students by avoiding name-calling or making character judgments when discussing behavior. Make an effort to include all students in activities, and demonstrate a caring attitude. Challenge students to identify good character in others. Ask them to praise others for behavior that builds community and communicates respect. Have them write a play, story or poem, or create a picture, that describes good character.
Character in Action
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Challenge students to choose a class project that would benefit the community. Ask them to brainstorm ideas that demonstrate respect, responsibility, honesty and fairness to all, and that help build strong community spirit. For example, older students might read to younger students or help collect and distribute food at a local food bank. Work with your students to plan the specific steps necessary to create and implement the project. Enlist community and parental support. Ask area sponsors to donate supplies, if needed.
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References
- Photo Credit Fair Play image by Marem from Fotolia.com
