What
Kind of Character
Are
You?
Grade
Level: 7
Subject(s):
English/Language
Arts, Social Studies, Technical Skills, Developmental Guidance, Health
Learner
Outcomes:
-
Students will be
able to identify and simply define the six "pillars" of character education
as presented in the philosophy of CHARACTER
COUNTS!
These "pillars" are the basic foundation for all character education programs.
-
Students will become
aware of what character is.
-
Students will be
able to present a basic power point presentation.
Duration
of Lesson: Three - four 45 minute class sessions-
Materials:
Handouts,
homework puzzle, paper, markers, tape, computers,
chart paper, note cards
Technology
Tools/Courseware: Microsoft office: Power Point, Word
Teacher
Notes:
-
Go over group/teamwork
rules before separating into groups.
-
Review the
basics of power point
-
On separate note
cards write the letters for the words: trustworthy, caring, responsible,
fair, citizenship-
Procedures:
-
Day 1
Introduce the "Pillars of Character" by handing our the preprinted
note cards. Tell the students that the note cards spell 6 words that
are part of everyone's "character". Put the first letter for each
word on the board or a piece of chart paper. Tell the students to
roam around the room and form groups to spell out what they think each
word is. Assign a different part of the room for each word.
Give them 10 minutes to solve the problem. Once they have been divided
by the spelling of the words, they will be in a group to brainstorm "What
is character?" Write responses on the board or chart paper until
all responses are exhausted.
-
Day 2
If available, show the video, "Let's Get Involved- What You Should Know
About CHARACTERCOUNTS!"
or show and review the power point about the
6 pillars of character education. Homework- "Six
Pillar Puzzle"
-
Day 3
Teacher has students divided into five groups. Teacher has already
prepared a short presentation about 1 pillar. The remaining five
pillars are disbursed so that each group will complete one report explaining
further about the components of the pillar assigned/chosen. These
report will be given at different times as each "pillar" is discussed in
class.
Modifications:
Students with learning needs can be
paired with a 'buddy' who is more proficient in computer functions to assist
in areas needed. Students with visual impairments will need alteration
in computer displays
( i.e.; larger
fonts, etc. ).
Enrichment
Activities: Power Point including
implementation of charts/graphs, additional sound waves, etc.
Throughout the unit, students will brainstorm, choose, and follow through
with at least one service project to
be completed at the school or in the community.
Evaluation/Assessment:
PowerPoint
Rubric completed by peers and teacher.
West
Virginia Standards West Virginia
State Department
Technology
7.163, 7.164, 7.165, 7.166, 7.167, 7.168, 7.169,
7.170, 7.171, 7.172 ,7.173
Language Arts
7.17, 7.65, 8.50, 9.66
Personal Growth
PW.1, PW.2, PW.5, PW.8, PW.9, PW.11, PW.12, PW.13, PW.15, PW.16,
PW.17, PW.18, PW.19, PW5.20, PW.21,PW.22, PW.24, PW.25
National
Standards
-
Plays a variety of
roles in group discussions
-
Uses new information
to adjust and extend personal knowledge base
-
Knows the common
features and uses of desktop publishing software (e.g., documents are created,
designed, and formatted for publication; data, graphics, and scanned images
can be imported into a document using desktop software)
-
Uses advanced features
and utilities of word processors (e.g., uses clip art, a spell-checker,
grammar checker, thesaurus, and outliner).
American
School Counselor National Standards
Academic Development
Standard A
Students will
acquire the attitudes, knowledge and skills contributing to effective learning
in school and across the life span.
Career Development
Standard A
Students will
acquire the skills to investigate the world of work in relation to knowledge
of self and to make informed career decision.
Standard B
Students will
employ strategies to achieve future career success and satisfaction.
Standard C
Students will
understand the relationship between personal qualities, education and training
and the world of work.
Personal/Social
Development
Standard A
Students will
acquire the attitudes, knowledge and interpersonal skills to help them
understand and respect self and others.
Standard B
Students will
make decisions, set goals and take necessary action to achieve goals.
CHARACTER
EDUCATION QUALITY STANDARDS
Principle
#1: Character education promotes core ethical values as the basis
of good character
Principle
#2: Character is comprehensively defined to include thinking, feeling,
and behavior.
Principle
#3: Effective character education requires an intentional, proactive,
and comprehensive approach that promotes the core values in all phases
of school life.
Principle
#4: The school is a caring community.
Principle
#5: To develop character, the school provides students opportunities
for moral action.
Principle
#6: Effective character education includes a meaningful and challenging
academic curriculum that respects all learners and helps them succeed.
Principle
#7: Character Education should strive to develop students' intrinsic
motivation for developing good character.
Principle
#8: The school staff is a learning and moral community in which all
share responsibility for character education and attempt to adhere to the
same core values that guide the education of students.
Principle
#9: Staff and students demonstrate moral leadership.
Principle
#10: The school recruits parents and community members as full partners
in the character-building effort.
Principle
#11: Evaluation of character education assesses the character of
the school, the school staff's functioning as character educators, and
the extent to which students manifest good character.
References:
Microsoft
Power Point Assistance
Teamwork/Group
Assistance
CHARACTER
COUNTS! Resources
Character
Education Partnership
Authors:
VeAnne Fuerhoff
Myla
Kreinik
Alexandra
Smith