What’s in Your Pocket?
We put so many things in our pockets these days, and this will never change. So, I thought we could discuss good character to add along our way! They’re simple, they’re fun, they’re just the right size, just color and fold and place me inside…………a pocket, a backpack or another book, just be sure to remember to take a good look. Our character is who we become as we grow into who we are, our habits, our words, our actions as well become part of what others will tell……..others, about who you are. So be sure that you’re character is in a good place and model it for others, improve our human race.
My favorite quote is by Benjamin Franklin and goes like this: ‘TELL me and I forget, TEACH me and I remember, INVOLVE me and I learn. When I was a young mom I would tell our kids to behave. Not thinking of explaining the meaning at the time. It didn’t take long before I then needed to teach them what this meant, good behaviors. When I began to teach preschool it became crystal clear that I needed to involve the children in activities to see, hear and feel what it meant to have good behavior, you know, like Behavior Bear! There were daily ‘tattles’ being told to me from the children. One day, as I gathered them all around, we talked about what it meant to have good behavior. For example, good behavior means:
keeping your hands and feet to yourself
listening when another person speaks
speak kind words
share and be helpful
include others in activities and conversations
This helped the children to not only understand what it means to have good behavior, but the tattles were lessened because they were all getting along much better and keeping an eye out for one another. I often said to a child who seemed a bit crabby when they arrived to our classroom, “Did you forget your smile today?” I would reach in my pocket to give them one of mine (an actual smiley face) to put in their pocket. You know I got a smile out of them each and every time! Then I encouraged them to share their smile because it wasn’t theirs to keep, but to put a smile on their face first and lend it to another. You could take this a step further and inquire why the child didn’t have a smile that day, their feelings are very important. Get creative, think like a kid! You can make a simple smiley face on paper, on a yellow pom-pom or on a squishy ball! Keep them in your pocket and be sure to give them away, while you’re at home, at school and even at play. Everyone needs a smile!
We created a small booklet for each of our characters. Print yours out here. Talk with your children about what good behavior is, what is sounds like. Is it noisy? Sometimes! When there is a group of children having fun, they might be laughing and playing and including everyone! That sounds like good behavior to me! Is good behavior pleasing to the eyes? Yes, it sure is! Think about your children working together on a puzzle or chores and they are getting along, that looks like good behavior to me! What does good behavior feel like? If someone is using hurtful words, not including you or ignoring that you’re standing right there will naturally make you sad or mad. You know how this makes you feel. Please, don’t do this to anyone else. Children often need reminders, so remind them often what good behavior is. You might use a Behavior Bear chart to encourage good behavior. Add a smiley face or color one in on the chart and talk to them about good behavior. Encourage them to make it a habit to have good behaviors! Some children need visuals, so create visuals with your children to be reminded to have good behavior. Maybe make a chart and hang it in a place they will see it and allow them to ask questions about good behavior. Be a role model, remember that they are watching you and listening to you and most likely want to be just like YOU.
Did you know we have published books for each of the Characters of Character? We have! Below is what we call our Resource Book because it is filled with so many ideas, suggestions, templates and activities to engage and empower your children in good behaviors. We also have a Bulletin Boards book for each character as well as a Social Story. Some of our characters have extra books, too! We have created them to support you in your journey to teach your children and students these vital core values. Please, reach out to us at anytime, Joni loves sharing and talking about the Characters of Character!
