49 character from character first for sample and learning
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49 character from character first for sample and learning
- 1. Attentiveness Attentiveness is “concentrating on the person or task before me.” Not only does this help you learn, but it shows how much you value the person or project in front of you. Attentiveness isn’t always easy, especially in today’s multi-media and fast-paced world. Sometimes you have to silence your phone, turn off the television, or face away from other distractions in order to give someone the respect and attention they deserve. I Will... Look at people when they speak. Ask questions if I don’t understand. Sit or stand up straight. Not draw attention to myself. Not be distracted by others. Discussion Starters Have you ever felt ignored? How did it make you feel? Have you ever forgotten the answers to a test? What happened? What is the opposite of attentiveness? Can you show me? How do you think attentiveness can help you in school? At home? Availability Availability is “being ready and willing to help.” This means putting others’ needs ahead of your own and lending a helping hand when you can. This might include carrying books for a teacher, unloading groceries for your mom, opening the door for someone else, cleaning up after a meal, or reading to a younger brother or sister. Availability is similar to team sports. When individuals combine their efforts toward a common goal, they can achieve what they could not do alone. With team spirit and cooperation, victory waits just around the corner! I Will: Put others ahead of myself. Find a way to help, not a way to hide. Be ready when I am called. Be glad for the chance to serve. Get permission before I make commitments. Discussion Starters: What happens on a team when everyone works together? What happens when they do not cooperate with one another? Why should you care about others and not just yourself? Can you think of a person (real or make-believe) who got involved instead of avoiding the problem? How did this person “save the day”? Why should you get permission before agreeing to do something out of the ordinary?
- 2. Cautiousness Cautiousness is “taking the time to make sure the right decision is made or action is taken”. Cautiousness comes from the Latin root cautio meaning “wariness; heedfulness; circumspection; caution.” Cautiousness is not hasty. A cautious person matches appropriate actions with appropriate timing. They avoid rash decisions and are alert for possible problems. Practicing cautiousness can help reduce fear and build confidence. Cautious people think through their decisions. For example, a cautious person recognizes that it is good to swing a bat in a baseball game, but it is not a good idea when there are people standing next to you. A cautious person knows playing outside can be healthy, but might not be the best choice when it is icy and windy outside. I Will: Think before I act. Consider my words when I speak. Follow safety rules. Ask permission Look out for danger. Discussion Starters: How many ways did you have to be cautious on your way to school this morning? What sort of decisions do you have to make each day that require you to be cautious? When was a time that you, or someone in your life, did the right thing at the right time? Compassion Compassion is “helping those who are hurting.” Compassion begins with sympathy, which is seeing someone’s pain. It is noticing a student who skins his knee or a friend who hurts her arm. It is being alert to a weary co-worker or a stranger who needs assistance. Compassion also includes empathy, which is feeling someone’s pain. Once you notice an injury, empathy means you imagine how much it hurts. This creates a feeling of duty, responsibility, and sometimes urgency to help find a remedy. This brings us to the full meaning of compassion, which is doing something to relieve someone’s pain. It is not enough to see needs and feel badly for those who are hurting. Compassion means getting involved, investing in others, and finding ways to “bear someone’s burden” in order for healing to occur. I Will: Notice when others are hurting. Stop to help. Take time to listen. Do what I can. Be kind, regardless of differences.
- 3. Discussion Starters: When have you been sick or injured? How did others help you? What does it mean to be a "good neighbor" when you see someone in need? How can you show compassion to someone who is being picked on, teased, bullied, or harrassed by other students? Sometimes compassion means showing "tough love." What do you think this means? Can you think of an example? Conservation Conservation is “being a good steward of what I have.” This means paying attention to your resources, making the most of what you have, and avoiding waste or careless spending. One reason to conserve resources is so you don’t run out of what you need. For example, if a storm knocks out your power and water supply, you conserve your flashlight batteries and drinking water since you don’t know how long it will take to restore electricity and water. You spend less now so you have enough later. Another reason to conserve resources is so you can do something special for yourself, your family, or someone else. By saving money instead of spending it right away, you give yourself more options. As your savings increase, you can buy more of what you need, you can buy something better, and you can help others by giving to their needs. Conservation means carefully managing your resources, which includes earning, saving, spending, and giving. By being a good steward in little things, you will be ready to manage greater things in the future! I Will: Save for the future. Spend money wisely. Make good use of what I already have. Repair, reuse, and recycle. Find ways to give. Discussion Starters: Why is conservation a good habit? Why should you save for the future? How can you save water or electricity at school and at home? What is the opposite of conservation? What is the difference between “needs” and “wants”? Give some examples. Courage Courage is “overcoming fear so I can do what is right.” Courage begins by knowing what is good, true, and right. This gives you confidence that you are heading in the right direction. Another way to build courage is to think through what you should do in specific situations. For example, what should you do if you wake up and hear a smoke alarm
- 4. in your home? What should you do if a stranger asks you to get into his car? What should you do if you see someone being teased or bullied? Thinking ahead will help you overcome fear and make better choices when you face strange, difficult, or frightening situations. When you know something is good and true, stand up with courage instead of hiding in fear. You never know how your boldness and bravery will inspire others to stand up for what is true, right, and just. I Will: Know the truth. Get help when I am afraid. Do what is right. Be willing to stand alone. Help those who are bullied or abused. Discussion Starters: Why is courage important? Who can you talk to when you feel afraid? Share an example of someone who showed courage in a story or movie. Imagine your friends are picking on someone new at school. What could you say or do? Creativity Creativity is “thinking about a situation, a task, or an idea in a new way”. Creativity means finding a new or different way to view a situation or accomplish a task. Often a new idea combines different parts of already existing ideas into something new. For example, a baking recipe may have a few of the same ingredients in both cookies and bread but when you combine those ingredients with a few other different ingredients, you get different results. A creative person looks for different and better ways to make or accomplish good things. I Will: Use my talents for good. See things from more than one perspective. Use principles to make decisions and solve problems. Learn all I can. Look for new ways to do things. Discussion Starters: What does it mean to make a decision based on your principles? How are you going to practice creativity today? What is a good way to remind yourself to take a step back from a situation and find a new perspective? Dependability Dependability is "doing what I said I would do, even when it is difficult". Dependability comes from the Latin prefix De- meaning “down” or “from” and
- 5. pendere meaning “to hang.” Combined, those terms mean “to hang from.” A swing can hang from a tree branch, window washers can hang from the top of a skyscraper, and mountain climbers can hang from a cliff. They all “hang from” a dependable structure that can bear weight without breaking. I Will: Keep my word. Be careful what I promise. Correct my mistakes. Do my fair share. Have a good attitude. Discussion Starters: How would being dependable change your day-to-day habits? In which relationships do you need to be dependable? Think of a time that someone you depended on fulfilled their promise to you. Share about the experience. What are some things to think about before you make a promise? Determination Determination is “overcoming obstacles in order to reach my goal.” Determination is like climbing a mountain. You have to know what you want to achieve, then put one foot in front of the other until you reach the top. Climbing a mountain takes a lot of effort. It is tempting to quit and turn back when you feel tired or discouraged. But determination means pressing on, pushing forward, and not giving up. Determination makes you a winner, not a quitter! You can “win” at school by concentrating in class, finishing your assignments, and doing your best in every subject. You can “win” at home by helping your family, doing your chores, and making good choices. It takes determination to win—but you can do it! I Will: Set the right goals. Get moving. Face challenges. Not be discouraged by failure. Keep trying. Discussion Starters: How do you feel after you accomplish something difficult or win a close game? Why is it important to finish what you start? What should you do if you discover you are heading in the wrong direction? What is the opposite of determination? (Quitting, working halfheartedly, giving up, or being lazy.) Diligence
- 6. Diligence is “focusing my effort on the work at hand.” Diligence is like an investment, which means that what you put into something determines what you will get out of it. A diligent person works hard because anything worth doing is worth doing right, and the way you do your work is a reflection of who you are. The opposite of diligence is laziness. Lazy students daydream in class, forget their homework, and care little about school. These habits lead to a poor education and a difficult future. Be diligent, not lazy. Your future depends on it!! I Will: Concentrate on my work. Follow instructions. Do a job right. Finish my projects. Not be lazy. Discussion Starters: What are some benefits of working hard? Why should you do your best, even if no one else is watching? How can you be diligent, even if you don't enjoy your work? Do you have projects you need to finish? What will it take to finish them? Discretion Discretion is “recognizing and avoiding words, actions, and attitudes that could have undesirable consequences” Sometimes the wisest course of action is to say nothing at all and remove yourself from a situation—or—just to be patient and wait for the right moment. When we apply discretion to our lives, we are able to “separate” out those words, actions, and attitudes which could have undesirable consequences. Just as a policeman directs traffic to run in an orderly and safe manner, discretion helps direct our words and actions to avoid accidents and situations that bring harm to ourselves and other people. Think about what I am going to say and do. Consider the consequences. Check my attitude. Practice good manners. Learn from my mistakes and commit to doing better. Discussion Starters: What are some situations you will encounter today in which what you don’t do is more important than what you do? How can you keep a good perspective so you can identify what words, actions, and attitudes might bring undesirable consequences?
- 7. What is the opposite of discretion? How does being rash or careless affect you and the people around you? How do you think discretion will benefit you in life? Enthusiasm Enthusiasm is “putting my whole heart into what I do.” Whatever the task, no matter how big or small, it will always turn out better if you put your whole heart into it! Another great thing about enthusiasm is—it's contagious! Your "spark" of energy and excitement can ignite others to live their lives with enthusiasm. I Will: Be an "energy-giver." Smile. Encourage others. Treat every job as important. Not be discouraged by failure. Discussion Starters: What does it mean to "have a good attitude" at school? What does a "good attitude" look like at home? How can you have a positive attitude when doing something you don't like to do? Can you give an example? Why is it important to do your best in "little" things? The opposite of enthusiasm is apathy, which means not caring about what happens or how things turn out. What do you think will happen to a student who doesn't care about his or her work? Flexibility Flexibility is “adjusting to change with a good attitude.” A palm tree survives heavy storms because it bends with the wind instead of breaking under pressure. Similarly, you can show flexibility by adjusting to change the best you can and making the most of each situation. Even when you can’t control your circumstances, you can control how you respond. For example, what do you do when you plan to hang out with friends, but your mom needs you to go with her to the store instead? Or you expect to do something special for your birthday, but you are sick and have to stay in bed? Instead of complaining and feeling sorry for yourself, flexibility means looking on the bright side and rearranging your plans. Flexibility does not mean you should go along with everything or everybody. If someone pressures you to do something wrong, tell them, “No I can’t do that,” and walk away. Like a tree firmly rooted in the ground, always hold on to what is true and right. I Will Anticipate change. Adjust when needed.
- 8. Look for the benefits. Finish the job. Do what is right. Discussion Starters: How can change be a positive thing? In what ways should you NOT change? Imagine you are planning to spend the afternoon with friends, but your parents need you to do something else. How should you respond? Forgiveness Forgiveness is “letting go of bitterness and revenge.” Forgiveness is not a feeling, and it does not take away or excuse what others have done. Real forgiveness is recognizing the problem and all the pain and hurt that comes with it—and then choosing to let go of any bitterness, anger, and desire for revenge so you can move on with life. If you don’t forgive or let go, your life starts to revolve around the other person and how you can get even. Resentment then leads you to act with the same selfishness the other person demonstrated, making the problem worse. Forgiveness does not always remove the consequences of an offense. A student might forgive another student for an unkind remark, but the teacher might still send the offender to the principal’s office. Forgiveness is not easy, and sometimes it is a long process to work through the situation, rebuild trust, and restore a relationship. Sometimes the relationship cannot be restored and things are never the same. Even then, the attitude of forgiveness clears your mind so you can work through the process and make the most of the future. I Will: Acknowledge the pain. Choose to forgive. Not seek revenge. Ask for forgiveness when I do wrong. Move on with life. Discussion Starters: Why is forgiveness better than bitterness and revenge? How does it feel when someone forgives you? What makes it hard to forgive? How does forgiveness show strength of character? Generosity Generosity is “being careful with what I have so that I can share.” Generosity does not only mean giving other people your money and things. It also means giving your time, attention, hard work, patience, kind words, and talents to help and encourage others. It is not always easy to treat other people kindly or respectfully; but a
- 9. generous person does not let others’ actions define their own. They choose to be generous instead of stingy; and kind instead of hateful, no matter how the other person responds and acts. I Will: Share what I have with others. Save in order to be able to give. Not expect anything in return. Give of my time and talents. Be kind and encouraging. Discussion Starters: Why do you think generosity is important? How does a stingy person act? How does being generous help you be grateful for the things and people in your life? What are some wrong motives to give to people? What are some right motives? Gratefulness Gratefulness is “showing appreciation for what I have.” This means recognizing what others have done for you and showing your gratitude. This kind of positive and thankful attitude makes someone pleasant to be with—especially compared to an ungrateful person who takes things for granted. No matter what your circumstance, you can always find something to be grateful for—if you look for it! Children can develop gratefulness by saying “thank you” for their food, clothing, shelter, and the many “extra” things they enjoy such as toys, books, a bicycle, games, music lessons, and the ability to live in a free country. I Will: Appreciate the people in my life. Say "please" and "thank you." Enjoy what I have instead of complaining about what I don't have. Take care of my belongings. Write thank you notes. Discussion Starters: What are some things your parents and teachers did for you this week? How can you show appreciation? What is the opposite of gratefulness? (Being selfish, unthankful, grumpy, presuming, negative, or taking others for granted.) Why is it more fun to be around a grateful person than a selfish person? Honesty Honesty is “being truthful in what I say and do.” Honesty is more than just accurately reporting facts. It includes what you say, and it also includes what you don't say! For example, if your mom asks, "Did you eat the cookies?" you could accurately say "no" if you just ate one cookie. But that would be deceitful.
- 10. Honesty also includes your actions. For example, to cheat on a test is to pretend you know the answers when you really don't. Or to steal candy from a store is to act like you paid for it when you really didn't. Honesty means saying and doing what is true, not false. I Will: Tell the truth. Play by the rules. Not exaggerate the facts. Admit when I am wrong. Not take things that don't belong to me. Discussion Starters: How do you feel when someone lies to you? How can telling one lie lead to more lies? How can this cause problems? If someone lies or makes a mistake, what does that person need to do in order to make it right? When is it tempting to cheat or lie about something? Initiative Initiative is "recognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked to do it". Initiative has to be balanced with patience and dependability. You cannot shirk your responsibilities in one area to show initiative in a different area. A person who shows initiative will not only demonstrate to those around them that they care for them, they will also cultivate a life of motivation. They will show that they are willing to step out and do what is right without having to be constantly reminded and prodded. I Will: Do what is right before being told. Not put off until later what I can do now. Do my part for the team. Be a part of the solution rather than the problem. Look for ways to help others. Discussion Starters: Why do you think initiative is an important character quality to develop? When has someone shown initiative to help you? How did that make you feel? What are a few ways that you could show initiative today? Who in your life, or in history, do you think is an example of being an instigator of good? Loyalty Loyalty is “showing my commitment through difficult times.” Loyalty is like tape or glue that is really strong. It doesn’t come apart easily. When your friends or family go through difficult times, you can practice loyalty by encouraging them and finding ways to help. Difficult times could be when people are
- 11. sick, when they have a lot of work to do, when they feel stressed, or when things go wrong. Do not be a “fair-weather friend”—someone who is a friend when everything is going well, but leaves as soon as trouble comes. A “fair-weather friend” cannot be trusted. Practice loyalty and you will be a better friend, a better family member, and a better student! I Will: Do what is right before being told. Not put off until later what I can do now. Do my part for the team. Be a part of the solution rather than the problem. Look for ways to help others. Discussion Starters: Why do you think initiative is an important character quality to develop? When has someone shown initiative to help you? How did that make you feel? What are a few ways that you could show initiative today? Who in your life, or in history, do you think is an example of being an instigator of good? Obedience Obedience is “doing my duty with a good attitude.” Obedience is not just about rules, regulations, and punishment. It is really about cooperating with one another in order to have a safe and orderly school, home, and community. Think of the peace and freedom you enjoy when neighbors respect one another and obey the law—and the chaos that follows when there is no law and order. Obedience makes teamwork and cooperation possible by clarifying your duty and doing it to the best of your ability. Obedience does not mean following orders blindly. For example, you should not steal or cheat, even if someone tells you to. Everyone should obey the law and do what is right, including the people in charge of you. I Will: Follow instructions quickly. Complete what I am expected to do. Have a cheerful attitude. Go the "extra mile." Not obey a wrong command. Discussion Starters: Why is it important to follow the rules? How does obedience keep things running smoothly at school? Does obedience mean you should follow someone blindly? If you are told to do something wrong, who can you go to for help?
- 12. Orderliness Orderliness is “keeping things clean and neat.” Orderliness is not a natural tendency or event. Even the second law of thermodynamics states that without intervention, all things move toward greater entropy and disorder. You can see this every day as your desk, purse, book bag, bedroom, closet, and vehicle become less organized and more dirty without someone making an effort to keep them clean and neat. You can be orderly by keeping your school supplies clean and organized, hanging up your jacket instead of throwing it on the floor, picking up trash, straightening your chair, staying in line, and waiting your turn. At home, you can be orderly by folding your clothes, cleaning your room, and putting toys back where they belong. The key to an orderly lifestyle is making it a habit—putting things away and keeping things clean one day at a time. I Will: Clean up after myself. Put things where they belong. Avoid clutter. Not litter. Do things in the right order. Discussion Starters: Why is it important to keep your schoolwork, assignments, and papers in order? Why should you clean up after yourself instead of expecting others to do it for you? Why is it a good idea to put your toys away instead of leaving them on the floor? These are related words and concepts you can discuss: organization, efficiency, productivity, method, cleanliness, and hygiene. Patience Patience is “waiting without getting upset.” Some things just take time—like growing up, traveling from one place to another, or learning something new. A patient person responds to these situations with a positive outlook and attitude. This includes trying new approaches and “pushing through” in order to overcome obstacles. Patience is a necessary part of life. Instead of getting frustrated when you face a difficult situation, patience helps you respond the right way—without getting upset or losing your temper. This makes everyone’s life better at school, at home, while driving in the car, or when checking out at the grocery store. I Will: Wait my turn. Not complain when I don’t get my way. Accept what cannot be changed. Use my time wisely. Try and try again. Discussion Starters:
- 13. What are some times you have to wait with patience? Can you name five specific examples from school or home? Think about the examples you just gave. What about these situations can you control? What is out of your control? What is the opposite of patience? (complaining, nagging, griping, fussing) What does this accomplish? How does complaining affect your attitude? How do you think patience can help you in life? Punctuality Punctuality is "showing respect for other people and their time." Being on time takes preparation and forethought. It requires using your time wisely. This means that you do not waste time or allow yourself to be distracted. Prioritize the most important projects or classes and give yourself enough time to prepare. This allows you to keep your promises and make a habit of being in the places you said you would be at the times you indicated. Being punctual also requires self-motivation. There will not always be other people reminding you when you need to be places. You must be aware of how time is passing and act accordingly. Often the reason a person is late, or does not finish a project by the deadline, is because they told themselves “just one more thing…” or they “lost track of time.” Choosing to be punctual means you recognize when you are wasting time and have the self-control to stop and do what needs to be done. I Will: Be at the right place at the right time. Plan for unexpected delays. Do my work ahead of time. Make a daily schedule and keep it. Think of the impact on others. Discussion Starters: Can you think of a time someone else was not punctual and it affected your day? What was the cost of their lack of preparation and forethought? Why is punctuality important? How does being a punctual person change your day-to-day schedule/choices? Why is it important to prepare for unexpected delays? The passing of time can be a sobering concept to think about. In what ways can you better use your time? Respect Respect is “treating others with honor and dignity.” Everyone has worth and dignity as a human being, whether they are young or old, rich or poor, male or female, or any other difference. This is why you should treat others with honor, dignity, and courtesy instead of bullying, harassing, or manipulating in order to get what you want. You show respect in many ways. For example, when someone is talking, you show respect by being attentive. When you receive a gift, you show respect by saying
- 14. “thank you.” At work or at home, you show respect to those counting on you by being responsible, diligent, and thorough. Self-respect means you recognize your own worth as a human being and avoid anything that will damage your mind, body, or integrity. This means you do your best no matter who is watching—because what you do reveals who you are. Respect does not mean you have to like everyone, and others might not treat you as they should. But even when you disagree with others or have to part ways, you can still treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve. I Will: Value others. Respect differences. Use good manners. Not bully or harass others. Treat people the way I want to be treated. Discussion Starters: How does it feel when someone shows disrespect? How can you respect other students? How can you respect your teachers? What are some good manners you can show at meal time, at the store, or at school? What would happen to bullying if everyone showed respect to one another? Responsibility Responsibility is “taking ownership of my thoughts, words, and actions.” This trait is essential for becoming a healthy, happy, and productive person…and it is the basis for a free and civil society where each person does what he or she is expected to do. Responsibility begins with “little things” like taking care of your belongings, working with a good attitude, resolving conflicts peacefully, and owning up to mistakes. Taking responsibility in these “little things” prepares students for greater opportunities in the future! I Will: Know what’s expected. Keep my commitments. Do my best. Not make excuses. Correct my mistakes. Discussion Starters: It’s easy to take responsibility or ownership when things go well. Why is it hard to take responsibility when things don’t go well? What is the opposite of responsibility? (unreliability, blaming others, making excuses) Who do you trust more—someone who owns up to mistakes or someone who covers them up? Why? How do you think responsibility can help you in school? At home?
- 15. Self-Control Self-Control is “doing what is right, even when I don't feel like it.” Imagine riding in a car that is out of control. It can be frightening and very dangerous! This is also true for people who are out of control. They can hurt themselves and other people. Self-control is like having steering and brakes in the journey of life. It means saying "no" to some things in order to say "yes" to something better—something that can help you reach your goals! I Will: Think before I act. Control my temper. Respect others and their belongings. Sit still and be quiet. Build healthy habits. Discussion Starters: Why is it important to do what is right, even when you don't feel like it? What are some healthy habits that can make you a stronger person? Athletes make a lot of sacrifices in order to reach their goals. Can you think of ways athletes show self-control or self-discipline? What could happen to someone who has very little self-control? Sensitivity Sensitivity is “carefully using my senses so I can better respond to the people and situations in my life” Sensitivity comes from the Latin word sentio, meaning “to sense; to perceive,” as in a sense of touch. In the human body, the five senses are used to help us stay aware of our surroundings; enjoy things like food, flowers, and sunsets; and alert us to danger. Our senses help us survive. When a nerve senses pain, it sends an urgent signal to the brain so that the body can respond quickly and appropriately. A sensitive person also uses the five senses to learn about the people and situations around them in order to have a helpful and kind response. I Will: Listen carefully to others. Watch their body language. Notice their tone of voice. Put myself in others' shoes. Show that I care. Discussion Starters: What does being insensitive to other people look like? Can you think of ways that you can be sensitive to the feelings of your friends? Family? Fellow students?
- 16. How do you think showing sensitivity is beneficial to you as a student? A person? How will practicing sensitivity at school help you show sensitivity to others for the rest of your life? Thoroughness Thoroughness is “taking care of details and doing my best”. Thoroughness is a quality that deals with details as well as the big picture. A thorough person sees a project through to the end leaving no detail incomplete; while also keeping in mind the overall purpose and timing of the project. I Will: 1. Plan my work. 2. Pay attention to details. 3. Make a list so I don't forget. 4. Finish what I start. 5. Clean up along the way. Discussion Starters: Why is thoroughness important? How can you practice thoroughness today? Is there a project you began a while ago that you could complete today? What does it mean to finish well? 48. Tolerance Tolerance is “showing respect for others who are different than me” The word tolerance comes from the Latin verb tolerare, meaning “to bear.” To bear something means to carry a weight or to continue on in the face of pain or irritation. There are two times in particular when tolerance is very important—one is looking past character flaws and bearing with those who irritate you, the other is being respectful and understanding of the differences between people. Tolerance towards others can be difficult. Sometimes it means being kind and respectful to the people who are really irritating. Being tolerant does not mean you must accept disrespectful or bad attitudes. But being a tolerant person does mean encouraging good character in others and yourself. I Will: 1. Listen to others. 2. Remember that not everyone is the same. 3. Look for ways to connect with others. 4. Know the difference between what is "popular" and what is "right." 5. Help others, and myself, grow. Discussion Starters: Have you ever been in a situation where someone got angry with you because you disagreed with them? How did it feel? How do you think tolerance can help you in school and at home?
- 17. Describe a time you listened carefully and tried to understand someone else’s perspective before reacting. What are some ways to evaluate if something is right or just popular? 49. Wisdom Wisdom is “applying truth to my daily decisions.” Being wise is different than being smart. A smart person knows a lot of facts, but a wise person is able to apply those facts to the situation at hand. If you want to make wise decisions, you must realize that every decision is important. Just as it takes thousands of small bricks to construct a large building, your character is made up of thousands of small decisions. You should also consider that every decision has a consequence. Sometimes consequences affect just one person, and sometimes they affect many. But sooner or later, you reap what you sow—for better or for worse. Finally, remember that every decision has a lesson. Whether the outcome is good or bad, a wise person learns from past decisions and makes better ones in the future. Even the worst mistakes can become the best lessons for those who are willing to learn! I Will: 1. Listen to my parents and teachers. 2. Learn from mistakes. 3. Choose my friends carefully. 4. Consider the consequences. 5. Ask, "What is the right thing to do?" Discussion Starters: Who are some wise people you know? What can you learn from them? Who are some friends that encourage you in the right direction? What do you think the saying means, "You reap what you sow”? What do you think happens if you don't learn from your mistakes?