Kids Building Character

WORD OF THE MONTH

Positive Character Traits

“Reputation, it has been said, is about who you are when people are watching. Character is about who you are when there’s nobody in the room but you. Both matter, but of the two, character is far and away the most important. The former can induce others to think well of you. But only the latter allows you to think well of yourself.”

Superior Elementary School has for many years sponsored a Positive Character Trait Word of the Month program to encourage students to think more deeply about the development of their character. Each month of the year, we have focused upon a different character trait. This year we will be giving Superior Kid Awards based upon the following selected positive character traits: cooperation, altruism, acceptance, respect, responsibility, kindness, honesty, and self-control.

The “Word of the Month” is stressed at the school level with announcements and special projects and recognition. We have used these traits to reinforce good behavior. Writing projects, service activities and special events have highlighted these “traits” throughout the school year. A School Improvement Team student survey taken at Superior Elementary in the fall of 2002 indicated that the Word of the Month positively impacted students’ choices about behavior. Parents are encouraged to talk about the Word of the Month with their children at home.