Hello Iowa. Thank you for being here!

Cape up! We soar to success when we use our superpowers to propel us toward good. Let’s begin with the end in mind. In our character building: *What do we want more of? *What do we want less of?

What do our alumni look like? Do they stand out? How? What do they stand for? Are they leaders at their next school? Whom would they say they learn their core values from? Would they know what your school values are? What would they change about how things are done at your school? Why?

How do your students know this? To optimize good character choices, students have to believe two things: They Can. It Matters. How do your students know this?

Being intentional We must flood our kids’ world with character by teaching and modeling the words, behaviors and skills we want them to use. We must make character a VERB! We must protect our kids from the inside out. We must give empower them with tools, give them permission to practice, then get out of their way so they can learn self-regulation. We must look at character development through a child’s eyes and see what they see so that we can better know what they need.

Becoming Brain Smart Research indicates that the brain acts differently when choice is offered because choice changes its chemistry. When we feel we are lacking in choices, the brain produces norepinephrine, the fight or flight chemical. Norepinephrine is part of the brain’s alarm system. In this state, motivation and morale are low and learning efficiency is poor. Source: Conscious Discipline

Honoring Voice & Choice Choice can trigger the release of the brain’s optimal thinking chemicals, known as endorphins. Endorphins, likened unto natural morphine, increase motivation, reduce stress, create positive feelings and foster an optimistic “I can” attitude. In short, the child experiences less pain and a general sense of well-being and confidence, empowered, even. Who wouldn’t want that for our superheroes?

The three domains of character: Know it, Love it, Do it! Cognitive - Know the values. Affective - Embrace the values. Behavioral – Live the values.

The Six Pillars are TeRRiFiCC superpowers The Six Pillars are TeRRiFiCC superpowers. T – trustworthiness (blue) R – respect (yellow) R – responsibility (green) F – fairness (orange) C – caring (red) C – citizenship (purple)

What we appreciate, appreciates What we appreciate, appreciates! Psychologists have found that when you call out strengths you see in others, you amplify them. Consider those strengths as superpowers.

Unleash the power of trustworthiness. Trustworthy students are: *honest; they don't deceive, cheat, or steal. *are reliable and do what they say they'll do. *have the courage to do the right thing. *have a good reputation. *are loyal - stand by their family, friends and country. NOTE: Trustworthiness is the friendship pillar. http://myfisd.com/characterroad/trust/

Teach students how to be a good friend. We must try to see the world through the child’s eyes. Ask questions like: Could you be friends with someone who steals? Cheats? Lies? Breaks promises? Is always late? Talks about his/her friends behind their backs? Gossips? Excludes people? Teases? Laughs at others? Laughs at you? Bosses you around? What are you looking for in a friend? What do you have to offer to a friend?

Our favorite character object lessons to illustrate the effects of honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness? “Water” You Covering Up? Our Wall Of Trust Our Friendship Kit http://corneroncharacter.blogspot.com/p/object-lessons.html

Picture books with a TRUSTWORTHINESS theme

Respectful students: • treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule. • are tolerant of differences. • use good manners, not bad language. • are considerate of the feelings of others. • don't threaten, hit or hurt anyone. • deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements Nothing says BOOM like R-E-S-P-E-C-T. http://myfisd.com/characterroad/respect/

Teach and practice respectful communication Because being understood does for the heart what water does for the body, we must listen to understand, not to respond.

Check out our conflict-resolution Peace Labyrinth.

If you were arrested for respect . . . would there be enough evidence to convict you?

Bradley is my superhero. How do we treat people who look different?

Discussion starters and reflection prompts for students and staff: How do I treat people with whom I am happy? upset? frustrated? In conflict? How is this treatment different if I care about them or have a relationship with them? What do I do when someone disagrees with me? What does agree to disagree look like? How does respect look, sound, feel in the classroom? At home? In the faculty lounge? What would I do if my principal or teacher were leading with bullying behaviors?

Picture books with a RESPECT theme

Cape up with responsibility. Responsible Students: Cape up with responsibility. Responsible Students: *do what they're supposed to do. *persevere and keep on trying! *always do their best. *use self-control and are self-disciplined. *are accountable for their choices *think before they act and consider the consequences and stakeholders. http://myfisd.com/characterroad/respons/

Powerful activity: What’s at stake Powerful activity: What’s at stake? Who are the stakeholders in this story? Ask students to stand with every stakeholder they can identify until everyone in the room is standing.

Anything is possible. If you’re going to doubt something, doubt your limits.

Picture books with a RESPONSIBILITY theme

Fair Students:. play by the rules,. take turns and share Fair Students: *play by the rules, *take turns and share. *are open minded and listen to others. *don't take advantage of others. *don't blame others carelessly. Unmask the power of fairness http://myfisd.com/characterroad/fairness/

Equity v. Equality: Fair doesn’t always mean equal. What does this mean? Why is it hard for students to understand? Give an example.

Picture books with a FAIRNESS theme

Lead a caring crusade. Caring Kids:. show empathy Lead a caring crusade. Caring Kids: *show empathy *are compassionate and kind *show they care *express gratitude *forgive others *help people in need *show empathy

More Than A Feeling … Caring is Thinking With Our Hearts. http://myfisd.com/characterroad/caring/

Try using pictures for perspective taking. EMPATHY: Putting yourself in someone else’s place, stepping into their story, and walking in their shoes. Ask questions like: What’s happening in this picture? How are these children feeling? How can you tell? What do they want? What do they need? How could you use your superpowers to help them?

Compassion . . . a sensitivity to the suffering of self and others, with a deep commitment to try to relieve it. ~The Dalai Lama

Do a kind act; it’ll boomerang back Do a kind act; it’ll boomerang back. Give kind, get kind, just like that.

Picture books with a CARING theme

Unmask the citizen within Unmask the citizen within. How do I make wherever I go better because I’m there? http://myfisd.com/characterroad/citizenship/

Good citizens: *do their share to make their school and community better *cooperate *stay informed and vote *are good neighbors *obey laws and rules *respect authority *protect the environment

Give Me Five: Pair And Share to take The Five Finger Promise – What are five ways in which you could show citizenship and make the world better?

Picture books with a CITIZENSHIP theme

You are my hero, my superhero. Use the tune from You Are My Sunshine: You are my hero, my superhero. Come to the rescue, when skies are gray. Use superpowers to make life better; time to cape up and go save the day.

The writing’s on the wall

Every day we get to choose!

Email: bgruener@fisdk12.net Twitter: @BarbaraGruener