Lesson Plan: Academic Assignment
EDSP 370
Character Principles for Lesson Plans
Character education based on God's Word can be taught in every lesson in every subject area. Christian educators have long recognized the importance of teaching character traits in the home, church, and school. Character education in public schools is a recent trend in reaction to the lack of moral character in our nation's young people.
The following list of character traits and the descriptions were developed by a public school system. This list defines moral decency as viewed by our society regardless of religious beliefs. Correlated scripture verses have been added for each trait listed, although the scripture verses would not be included in public school instruction. (Portions of verses could be used for younger children – see italics.) Literature-based approaches provide a wonderful opportunity to teach character with the abundant wealth of examples in children's literature.
Character education is not the same as "values education." There is a danger in values education taught from a secular perspective because the absolute truth of God's Word is not acknowledged. Values clarification activities are used to teach situational ethics. As Christians, we are opposed to such methods. We are the salt and the light of the world (Matthew 5:13-16). We can have a positive influence on the lives of our students by modeling and discussing the character traits listed below.
Consideration of Others
Compassion. That characteristic of meaningfully sharing and responding to the feelings and needs of others which leads to providing personal assistance and comfort to them.
"Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another." (I John 4:11)
"Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me." (Matthew 5:40)
Conflict resolution. The ability to handle internal or external anxieties in such a manner that they do not become a problem for the individual or other person.
"A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." (Proverbs 15:1)
"Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." (Matthew 5:44)
"For God is not the author of confusion." (I Corinthians 14:33a)
"Let all things be done decently and in order." (I Corinthians 14:40)
Cooperativeness. The recognition of our mutual interdependence upon our fellow human beings which causes us to treat them politely, to respect their utterances and wishes, and to work jointly with them for our common good. Innovation, spontaneous creativity, critical judgment and dissent are all complementary and essential outgrowths of the attribute.
"Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." (Psalm 133:1)
"For we are laborers together with God." (I Corinthians 3:9)
"Do all things without murmurings and disputings." (Philippians 2:14)
Courtesy. Politeness of manners combined with kindness.
"And as you would that men should do to you, do you also to them likewise." (Luke 6:31)
"It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35)
Forgiveness. The art of giving up resentment and anger toward someone who has wronged us and restoring the broken relation.
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:32)
Gratitude. The sentiment of appreciation for a kindness received and of admiration and love for the benefactor.
"O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good." (Psalm 107:1a)
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above." (James 1:17a)
Loyalty. Steadfastness or faithfulness to a person, custom, or idea.
"A friend loves at all times." (Proverbs 17:17a)
"A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother." (Prov. 18:24)
Reliability. The consistent dependability of judgment, character or performance that encourages confidence, belief or trust.
"Whatsoever your hand finds to do, do it with your might." (Ecclesiastes 9:10a)
"Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right." (Proverbs 20:11)
Tolerance. The capacity for and the practice of allowing and respecting the differing natures, beliefs, and standards of others. The avoidance of racial, religious or gender arrogance or animosity. The ability to permit dissenting beliefs, customs or standards.
"Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." (Leviticus 19:18)
"Let us not therefore judge one another any more." (Romans 14:13a)
Truth
Honesty. Trustworthiness and fairness in speaking and dealing with others. The absence of fraud, deceit, lying, and stealing.
"Speak every man the truth to his neighbor." (Zechariah 8:16a)
"Lie not one to another." (Colossians 3:9)
Integrity. The quality of living honestly, truthfully and sincerely so that others may always believe what one says and trust what one does; an unconditional commitment to truth and honesty.
"Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of all men." (II Corinthians 8:21)
"He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much" (Luke 16:10a)
Justice. The entitlement of every person to that fair treatment which is his or her impartial or unprejudiced due.
"God is no respecter of persons." (Acts 10:34b)
Consideration of Self
Discipline. The quality of practicing restraint over and control of one's emotions and behavior.
"I will behave myself wisely." (Psalm 101:2a)
"And that you study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you." (I Thessalonians 4:11)
"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus." (Colossians 3:17a)
Perseverance. The maintenance of an activity in spite of counter-influences, opposition, or discouragement. Persistence in an endeavor.
"And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." (Galatians 6:9)
Sacrifice. The giving up of a valued thing for the sake of another person or for that which is more important or more worthy.
"Better is little with righteousness than great revenues without right." (Proverbs 16:8)
"Give and it shall be given unto you." (Luke 6:38a)
Self control. Restraint exercised over one's own impulses, emotions or desires. The ability to control one's behavior and act in a reasonable manner.
"He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls." (Proverbs 25:28)
Self-esteem. Belief in one's self and one's potential for successful participation in our society. Must be moderated with tolerance for others.
"I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)
Responsibility
Citizenship/Patriotism. The support of or love of one's country, especially through an understanding of its ideals and advantages; not inconsistent with opposition to specific governmental policies or actions. Implies respect for, adherence to, and participation in the democratic process.
"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God." (Romans 13:1)
Courage. The willingness to face obstacles, including danger, with determination.
"Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be dismayed: for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1)
Duty/Stewardship. The management of talents and abilities in such a way that contributions are made to humankind and to the preservation of the planet.
"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men." (Colossians 3:23)
"For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required." (Luke 16:48b)
Equality of Opportunity. An occurrence that is free of prejudice and provided to every individual.
"He makes the sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust." (Matthew 5:45)
"The laborer is worthy of his hire." (Luke 10:7)
Respect for Authority. Acceptance of the need for and privacy of authority in given circumstances. An acknowledgement that privileges and rights in a democracy should be balanced by a sense of obligation to others. Socially conscious conduct, though neither passive nor obsequious.
"Honor thy father and thy mother." (Exodus 10:12a)
"Obey them that have the rule over you." (Hebrews 13:17a)
Respect for Natural Environment. An awareness and appreciation of the limited resources available for humankind which is reflected in one's own behavior.
"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." (Genesis 1:1)
"All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made." (John 1:3)
Work Ethic. The confidence that diligent work is honorable and will be rewarded with personal satisfaction, a sense of accomplishment and/or material prosperity.
"Be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." (I Corinthians 15:58)
"But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another." (Gal. 6:4)
"If any would not work, neither should he eat." (I Thessalonians 3:10)
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