Character Education in the classroom

Educating students in life as well as subject matter.

What is it?

Character education is teaching our students to be good human beings and school citizens.

It is bringing out the best in our young people and ourselves.

It is ethics in action!

Why should we all teach Character Education? Many students do not have the strong family

structure that teachers used to be able to count on for creating ethical classroom participants.

When that ethical basis is missing, we end up with societal problems on a large scale- i.e. Enron!

It is in all of our interests to encourage a positive, safe learning environment.

No one ever says “I wish I hadn’t made such a good impression”!

How will I find the time?!

Character education creates a positive and supportive learning environment that makes each class more productive.

It is as simple as correcting a student to be more respectful and positive. It takes no additional time or money!

Where do I begin?

Give your students just a few very clear expectations that are easy to monitor and always follow through.

Students respect consistency and reasonable expectations. Emphasize basic rules like listen respectfully to each other and complete your work on time and well.

P.R.I.D.E.

Positive attitude Respect Individuality Determination Excellence

Be proactive!

What you accept, you teach. What you permit, you promote. Be consistent in asking students in the hall

and your room to be polite, watch their language, use a title when addressing or talking about a teacher, dress appropriately, etc.

Be a role model everyday everywhere! Students need to see their teachers speaking

respectfully, using humor in a positive classroom environment, dressed professionally, and choosing a positive attitude.

You are the authority in your classroom. You have the right and responsibility to be

respected and obeyed in your classroom. You also have the responsibility to create a

safe, positive and respectful learning environment for your students.

Exercise authoritative, loving, consistent reasoning and classroom control.

Holland High School has a wonderful culture of caring and character!

It takes very little to keep it going and has a terrific result!

Students need to hear and see what can happen when good people think of others as well as themselves.