Learning Objective

Our aim is to gain a greater understanding of the value and benefits of building good character. 

Wise Words

Watch your thoughts, they become words.
Watch your words, they become actions.
Watch your actions, they become habits.
Watch your habits, they become character.
Watch your character, it becomes your destiny.

~ Adapted from Buddhist Scripture

Everything you do sends a message about who you are and what you value.

~ Michael Josephson, founder of CHARACTER COUNTS! and the Josephson Institute 1942

The sword of a virtuous character and upright conduct is sharper than blades of steel.

~ Baha'u'llah (1817-1892)

It is not what we eat but what we digest that makes us strong; not what we gain but what we save that makes us rich; not what we read but what we remember that makes us learned; and not what we profess but what we practice that gives us integrity.

~ Francis Bacon, English statesman, writer and philosopher of science (1561-1626)

Principal

"Character development is a fundamental element of education because the daily application of knowledge and our interaction with others is based on character.  Virtues are the building blocks of good character and character is the foundation upon which we build our lives.  Acquiring virtues is a life long endeavor for every human being. "⁽¹⁾

Activity - Juggling Responsibilities

You will need:

• Many Pairs of socks  (At least 1 for every three people in your group.)
• Three or four other balls to be passed around.

What To Do:

• In a circle, start out by throwing one pair of socks from person to person.  When you catch the socks the first time, you have to throw them to another person who has not caught them yet.  You can put your hand up so everyone knows not to throw it to you again.  Continue until each person in the group has caught and thrown the socks once.  The last person will have to throw the socks back to the person who was the first one to throw the socks.  If you drop them, just pick them up and keep going as quickly as possible.
• Now add another pair of socks continuing the pattern that has been established.  Continue adding socks every few seconds until each person is catching and throwing the socks almost constantly.  
• After everyone has gotten the hang of the pattern add the other balls to be passed around the circle person to person. 
• Once you have gotten used to the pattern and flow for a few minutes, add one more challenge.  Have everyone do the same thing holding their balance on one foot. 

Activity Discussion

• What was the hardest part of this activity?
• What strategy did you use to improve?
• How does this activity relate to the many responsibilities you have to juggle in your life?
• How could focus and discipline help us handle the many responsibilities of life?

The balls that came around represent the many challenges that come up in our lives that we don't expect.

• What are some of the other problems that come up in life that we don't always expect?
• What character qualities do you think would help you to get through the many unexpected problems that can come up in our lives?

The final challenge in the activity was to hold your balance on one foot while still juggling all the responsibilities and problems of everyday life.

• Was the activity more difficult when you were not standing on a firm foundation of two feet? 
• Were you able to stay on one foot the entire time? 
• How does a strong character provide a firm foundation to deal with responsibilities and problems?

Role Model Exercise

The people we respect and admire often become role models for our own lives.  Role models encourage us to strive to be better people. 

• What are some of the qualities that you think are important for people to possess. 
• Name one or two people that you would choose as a role model for your life. 
• What are the character qualities that they demonstrate in their lives that you find attractive?
• Of the qualities that you admire in other people, which ones do you think you possess and which ones do you need to work at?
• How are these qualities demonstrated in your life?
• Do you think that you choose friends who have the qualities you admire?

Developing Character

Like building muscle when we work out, virtues are developed when we make the choice to be virtuous!

Role Playing Activity

• Choose an activity to do with two friends. (play a game, go to the mall, etc.)
• In the first scene, the friend(s) have no virtues.  What happens?
• Repeat the scenario; however, this time the friend(s) are practicing their virtues.

Discussion

• How did a good or bad character make a difference in each situation?

Building a Project Exercise

This can be done in a group or individually.

You are the director(s) of a project that you are passionate about. 

Decide what your project is and discuss the following points with others.

• What project have you decided to create?
• What are some of the goals of the project? 
• Who would use what you are creating and how would they benefit from it? 
• In what way will it contribute to the community and society?

What kind of people would you want to work at the place you have created? 

• What do you think are the most important qualities for them to have?
• How could the success or failure of your project be determined by the character of the people who work there? 
• How could the character of people who attend or participate in your project affect the success or failure of the project? 
• What qualities do you feel you offer to projects you are involved in? 

Performance Discussions

The concept of character development should be explored as it relates to each dance in the Workshop presentation. 

(1) Laura Lee; educator