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home :: character education
Character Education – how to teach your child appropriate
behavior and positive self-esteem
Character Education should be a part of your homeschool instruction. We
all want our children to grow up to be described by a long list of adjective:
responsible, respectful, honest, kind, hard-working, appreciative, helpful,
good self-esteem…and the list goes on. Modeling these positive character
traits in your home is the first step to passing these qualities on to your
child, direct instruction in character education is the next step to ensuring
that your child knows practices these behaviors in their daily lives. Learning
these qualities will help your child’s self-esteem, and make you proud
of their daily choices.
Direct instruction of character education begins with children understanding
basic emotions. You can teach your child to read the outward signs of
emotions in body language and facial expression. Also make them aware
of their own feelings on a daily basis and encourage them to consider
why they are feeling this way. A child who has can recognize their own
emotions and the emotions of others will have a greater sense of self-esteem
and a greater desire to help others.
Once students understand the basic emotions, character education leads
to problem solving lessons. Children should be taught how to behave in
a variety of challenging situations. Role playing different situations
your child might encounter and discussing them is one way to teach. Also,
take TV time as an educational time. Ask your child to analyze the behaviors
of their favorite cartoon characters. Through these exercises and many
others you can teach your child important life skills that will lead
to self-esteem and self control.
Character education means that you also hold your child accountable
for their behavior at home. When you respond to your child in a positive
of negative way you are teaching him/her what is acceptable and unacceptable
behavior in your family. Behavior charts are a concrete way to keep track
of your child’s daily behavior and promote positive self-esteem
by recognizing their daily contributions to the family in attitude and
action.
There are a variety of character education games, books, and videos
online. These resources can help you to build your child into a responsible,
respectful, honest, kind, hard-working, appreciative, helpful person
with good self-esteem.
BehaviorStore.com - Character Education and Behavioral management techniques.
Books, games, toys, videos and programs to teach values and manage behavior problems. Many products geared toward children with special needs.
ChildSafeNetwork.org – Child Safety information and instruction
This organization is dedicated to educating and preventing missing and abducted children.
Zoobook.com – childrens magazines.
Exciting full color magazines that will increase your child’s environmental awareness.
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