When someone mentions good character, many terms come to mind. Kind, truthful, just, empathetic, are but a few of the many traits people expect of someone who “has character.”
At Methow Valley Elementary School, the dedication to character development goes beyond a mission statement. We have adopted a goal to develop and use a common language regarding character.
In addition, we are undertaking a number of initiatives to make character development an integral part of school for every student. To support this goal, we would like to enlist families to join us in using this common language. Below is a list of character traits we have agreed upon to use as a K-12 system with some short definitions and/or explanations:
Wisdom: Wisdom is balancing all of the other virtues to make decisions that are good for us and good for others.
Justice: Respecting the rights of others, treating others how we wish to be treated.
Fortitude: Inner toughness that allows us to keep going in difficult situations.
Self-control: Regulation of our emotions and desires in the service of higher goals.
Love: The willingness to sacrifice self-interest for the benefit of others. Love is also challenging others to improve, while accepting them as they are at present.
Positive attitude: Like many other virtues, our attitude is something we can choose
Hard work: We use this a lot, but what do we mean? Goal setting, being resourceful, showing initiative are a few more specific elements of what it means to work hard.
Integrity: Doing the right thing, even if no one is looking.
Gratitude: Choosing to be thankful. Counting our blessings.
Humility: There’s sort of two parts to humility: Awareness of our own flaws and using our abilities without constant need of praise.
Clearly there is a lot of overlap among these broad character traits. If we can use this language consistently, from the soccer field to the dinner table, we believe that we will effect positive change in behavior. If we continually refer to these traits, model them for our children, ask questions using a common language, we can raise children that are smart and good.
