Character Qualities

We have a lot of books for kids that teach values and morals, but recently I was looking for a concise list of character qualities that I could use in teaching my kids.  I finally was able to find a GREAT list online at this link, for free.   There are 49 in all, and they are excellent!  

Each quality includes it's opposite, a description of what the quality is, and where you can find an example in the Bible.  At first I was going to teach them 1 quality a week, so that they could learn them all in a year...but after realizing how quickly they learn them,  I have decided to teach them 2 character qualities each week.  They are already on number 9.

I want them to be strong in conviction and character as they grow. 

Here are five of the qualities mentioned there:
Determination vs. Faintheartedness
Purposing to accomplish God’s goals in God’s time regardless of the opposition (II Timothy 4:7–8)
Forgiveness vs. Rejection
Clearing the record of those who have wronged me and allowing God to love them through me (Ephesians 4:32)
Patience vs. Restlessness
Accepting a difficult situation from God without giving Him a deadline to remove it (Romans 5:3–4)
Sincerity vs. Hypocrisy
Eagerness to do what is right with transparent motives (I Peter 1:22)
Truthfulness vs. Deception
Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts (Ephesians 4:25)


To make it easier to teach these to them, I printed one sheet for each character quality, with relevant pictures that I found on the internet.  (I am attaching the files I printed out here so that if you are interested, you are more than welcome to use them yourself).  I've taped each sheet to the wall in rows and eventually the whole wall will be covered!    I'll post more as I continue making them:

Quality 1


Quality 3

Quality 4

Quality 5

Quality 6

Quality 7

Quality 8

Quality 9

I also have been adding their qualities to the screen saver on my computer, on marquee mode. This way, they can frequently see them and be reminded.   

I'm amazed at how quickly the kids have learned these!    They know the words and the definitions by heart- well, most of them.   I also have been trying to make sure that I show them how they can apply their character qualities in real life. For instance, when I ask if someone can help me do something, and someone responds with "I will", I tell them they have just shown me the quality of "Availability", and that I'm proud of them.   Or if they focus on their schoolwork and get it done in time, I tell them they have just shown "Diligence".

When I read them stories, I ask them what quality trait the different characters are using.  They usually can identify them pretty quickly...if not, I'll just let them know.   It helps to remind them again and again, and it is my hope that when they grow older, they will have a firm foundation that they can be strong and faithful to God, and be happy.

Posted by Bethany at 2/26/2009 11:09 AM
Categories: Homeschooling,God,Family
 

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