Character Counts

If you've ever wondered "How am I supposed to teach my students to be good people?" Isn't that their parents' job? Here's a site to help! "Character Counts" is a program implemented by many schools to help students learn six pillars of good character. The six pillars of good character are: Trustworthiness, Caring, Citizenship, Respect, Responsibility, and Fairness. I've worked in two schools in which the Character Counts program was implemented. When the entire school implements the program, it can be SO effective! The students are getting reinforcement from every adult on campus,(including custodial staff, food service staff, and office staff) for exhibiting good character. It's a positive reinforcement program that will help your classroom management. Not only that, but schools that have implemented the Character Counts Program report that school-wide discipline problems declined significantly, making for a school climate conducive to learning.

We don't often think about it when we tell children they need to do the right thing; but some children have not yet been explicitly taught what exactly is the "right thing" to do. Sadly, some don't get the modeling from adults in their lives, and what they see on reality T.V. and You Tube is the antithesis of character building. What better way to create a level playing field for all the students in your class? For those whose families have already taught about good character, this program will reinforce what they learn at home. For those whose families have not taught about good character, this is an important life-changing skill they need to learn. The concepts and skills they learn will follow them to the work world, and into their public lives. No child in your class will be exempt from exhibiting qualities of good character, no matter what their background.