Character education is not a separate class or subject. Because moral and ethical issues underlie all areas of life, effective character education infuses relevant values discussions and activities into the ongoing academic curriculum.
While the WiseSkills character education program does include simple Start-of-the-Day, advisory, and counselor lessons, the program also helps educators identify character and ethical issues within the literature they read, the history they are studying, and the science content students are learning. The elementary, middle, and high school curicula highlights important world figures that students may already be studying, and provides ideas for connecting principles of character to relevant academic content. The WiseSkillsStaff Training gives teachers specific strategies of how to integrate character
issues into their existing lessons and activities. In addition, the Family Wisdom materials contain suggested home activities for families to discuss with their children relevant life lessons in literature, health, science, and social studies. All of the WiseSkills resources help Character Counts! schools integrate the Six Pillars of Character into all subject areas.
Below is an overview of the WiseSkills teaching strategies that help teachers integrate principles of character into all subject areas:
English/Language Arts: Analyzing the
decisions of characters in literature and their consequences; looking
at the social impact of writing on cultures, communities, and societies.
Social Studies: Observing
the choices of individuals and groups in history; recognizing how
social justice, tolerance, and equality are addressed in societies.
Science:
Recognizing the positive and negative ethical implications of
scientific research and technology; finding ways to apply scientific
knowledge in ways that benefit society.
Mathematics: Discovering real-life applications of mathematics concepts, principles, and skills in ways that promote positive values.
Arts: Exploring the impact of the arts in inspiring people and promoting positive values.
Health: Focusing on the different choices people make and the results of those choices on their social, emotional, and physical health.
Foreign Language: Learning relevant vocabulary and practicing simple writing exercises in the foreign language to explore character issues.
Business & Careers: Highlighting the critical moral and ethical issues that are raised in the workplace.
Physical Education: Emphasizing the importance of good sportsmanship; building character through challenging physical activities.
