What are CHARACTER TRAITS?
Angela Duckworth, Professor at the University of Pennsylvania, created the Character Lab, which is an organization that furthers the science and practice of character development in children. The Character Lab focuses on helping children learn skills and grow essential 21st century character skills that lead to long-term success.
Through her research, Angela Duckworth determined there are nine essential character strengths that support character development in children. Angela Duckworth also found that offering feedback and time for self-reflection on these character strengths were necessary for their development.
Character Lab identifies a number of character strengths integral to students social and scholarly development. They classified these strengths into three main clusters:
Through her research, Angela Duckworth determined there are nine essential character strengths that support character development in children. Angela Duckworth also found that offering feedback and time for self-reflection on these character strengths were necessary for their development.
Character Lab identifies a number of character strengths integral to students social and scholarly development. They classified these strengths into three main clusters:
- Strengths of Heart includes: gratitude, purpose, self-control, social intelligence
- Strengths of Mind includes: curiosity, self-control, and zest
- Strengths of Will includes: grit, mindset, optimism.
How will character traits be incorporated in room 204?
In Room 204, we will learn about one of the nine traits each month called the "Trait of the Month." During our class meetings, students will explore each trait, discuss examples and non-examples, and create representations (skit, drawing, rap/music, sculpture, etc.). In addition, we will focus on students exhibiting each month's (or past month's) trait through class "High Fives," class economy bonuses, and Pod Points. To build the home-school connection and foster the growth of these attributes, I strongly encourage parents and caregivers to discuss how children can exhibit the following traits both at school and home.
Trait of the Month
Click on the poster image below to visit the Character Lab site on each trait! The sites include descriptions, videos, research articles, and additional resources for each Trait of the Month.