How should a social studies teacher incorporate character education in to their classroom? Character education should be a comprehensive, community wide program. Never the less, many educators who wish to incorporate character education in to their districts find themselves only with the ability to make change in their classroom.
Most character education programs follow some sort of general outline. The Eleven Principles of Effective Character Education from the Character Education Partnership is an excellent place to start for any educator who seeks to implement a character education in their classroom or their district.
The most expeditious way for an educator to introduce character education in to their classroom is through curricula based character education.
Almost any lesson plan can be made in to a character education lesson by incorporating one or more of the essential virtues. These virtues can be determined by the community or educators can us one of the existing "virtue lists." The following virtues are from the North Carolina Character Education Website.
Having
the determination to do the right thing even when others don’t; having the
strength to follow your conscience rather than the crowd; attempting difficult
things that are worthwhile.
Choosing
worthy goals and setting proper priorities; thinking through the consequences of
your actions; and basing decisions on practical wisdom and good sense.
Having
the inner strength to be truthful, trustworthy, and honest in all things; acting
justly and honorably.
Being
considerate, courteous, helpful, and understanding of others; showing care,
compassion, friendship, and generosity; and treating others as you would like to
be treated.
Being
persistent in the pursuit of worthy objectives in spite of difficulty,
opposition, or discouragement; and exhibiting patience and having the fortitude
to try again when confronted with delays, mistakes, or failures.
Showing
high regard for authority, for other people, for self, for property, and for
country; and understanding that all people have value as human beings.
Being
dependable in carrying out obligations and duties; showing reliability and
consistency in words and conduct; being accountable for your own actions; and
being committed to active involvement in your community.
Demonstrating hard work and commitment to purpose; regulating yourself for improvement and restraining from inappropriate behaviors; being in proper control of your words, actions, impulses, and desires; choosing abstinence from premarital sex, drugs, alcohol, and other harmful substances and behaviors; and doing your best in all situations.