Volume 1, Issue 2

Character Education

The Cloverbud years of five to seven are when youngsters often begin to form their opinions and values related to many issues such as money, ethnic groups, and religion. It is also a time when children like to practice different roles and can be introduced to the "art of social graces" and other social traits. University of Illinois Extension offers two programs that help parents and 4-H volunteers teach youngsters about character traits and social practices.

4-H Focus on Character is a program geared for community 4-H Clubs but can also be adapted for Cloverbud groups. The materials are based on the Six Pillars of Character developed by the Josephson Institute of Ethics and the Character Counts! coalition. The six traits are trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. Training for 4-H volunteers will be offered on November 22, 1999 so contact your local Extension office if you are interested in learning more about 4-H Focus on Character.

Companion materials appropriate for Cloverbuds includes two videos - Kids for Character and Choices Count. Many Extension offices have these to loan to Cloverbud groups. The videos may also be available through libraries or purchased at retail discount stores. The 60 minute videos feature dozens of popular children's characters as they introduce young children to words and ideas of good character and positive ethical values. Learning right from wrong has never been so much fun! The Character Counts! coalition also has a web site that highlights character education activities. You may want to refer to the website for additional ideas. (www.charactercounts.org)

It is common to hear people say, "Kids today don't have any manners." Why is it that kids and even some adults don't know about our practice of etiquette? In one sense, good manners are just cultural customs, which have become institutionalized into rules that help us get along with each other.

Polite is Right is a second program offered by University of Illinois Extension. It is designed to teach children social skills and to encourage the use of considerate behavior in social settings. The program

• focuses youth's attention on social rules and customs,

• helps youth understand why rules and customs are important, and

• helps youth develop specific skills and behaviors consistent with these rules and customs.

The six lessons included in this program are: Rules Help Us, Respecting Others, Put Your Best Foot Forward, Mealtime Manners, Good Sportsmanship, and Electronic Manners (Telephone and Internet).

The curriculum includes lesson plans, games and activities, resource lists, and family pages. To enroll your group in Polite Is Right and to get a set of the materials (cost - $3), contact your local Extension office.

Sheri Seibold, Extension Educator, Youth Development, Manteno Extension Center

Ways for Volunteers to Incorporate Character Traits into Cloverbud Groups

• Have members develop rules of acceptable behavior during group meetings.
• Present character building activities during Cloverbud meetings.
• Have character quotes of the week or month.
• Share books and stories that illustrate character.
• Use posters, songs, skits and videos that reinforce principles of character development.
• Conduct community service projects.
• Award prizes to members as they exhibit good character choices.
• Praise good behavior.
• Take advantage of "teachable moment" times when character traits can be taught.
• Set a positive example by your words and actions!
  

Source: Good Ideas to Help Young People Develop Good Character. Josephson Institute of Ethics, Marina Del Ray, California, 1996-7. Pages 5, 13, 14. Adapted from Cloverbud Connection, Ohio State University Extension, Fall 1998. Article by Vicki L. Reed, Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development, Muskingum County.