Ever since I began homeschooling I have heard quite a bit about "character training". All the homeschooling books talk about it, there are even entire character curriculum's out there that you can purchase. I have never really worried about it though because I felt that our scripture study and family home evenings were covering that material. A few months ago I read a book called "Help for the Harried Homeschooler" and the section on character training really impacted me. I realized that I had a very specific set of goals for my children's academics, but I was leaving their character education somewhat to chance. I decided to make a list of Character traits found in the scriptures that I wanted my children to develop in their lives and then we would spend one week to one month focusing on that trait. Here is the list I came up with:
-Honest
-True (Integrity)
-Chaste
-Benevolent
-Virtuous
-Doing good to all men (Service)
-Faith
-Hope
-Charity
-Love
-Eye single to the glory of God
-Virtue
-Knowledge
-Temperance
-Patience
-Brotherly Kindness
-Godliness
-Humility
-Diligence
President Hinkley's Be's
-Grateful
-Smart
-Clean
-True
-Humble
-Prayerful
-Positive
-Still
-Involved
We decided to start with President Hinkley's Be's. The plan is that when we first introduce the virtue we will be focusing on we read what President Hinkley had to say about it from Way to Be!
in our morning devotional. Then each day for the next couple of weeks (depending on how long it takes for the principle to sink in) we will memorize a scripture or two about that virtue and read stories or poems about it each morning in our devotional.
in our morning devotional. Then each day for the next couple of weeks (depending on how long it takes for the principle to sink in) we will memorize a scripture or two about that virtue and read stories or poems about it each morning in our devotional. We have made it all the way to Be True so far and I think it has really been beneficial for our family. We have had some good discussions and been able to focus more specifically on areas we need to improve on. Over the next few days I will try to share some of the scripture and story resources I have found to go along with each of these character traits. It is quite easy to do though. I just search on lds.org for the virtue we are studying and use the resources that are most applicable to our family. This has been one of those things that I have wondered why I didn't think of it sooner. Oh well, better late than never, right?
5 comments:
Great resources!
I've also wondered about using D&C 46 about spiritual gifts. Elder Ashton teaches some of my favorite thoughts on this subject. He says:
Let me mention a few gifts that are not always evident or noteworthy but that are very important. Among these may be your gifts, gifts not so evident but nevertheless real and valuable.
Let us review some of these less-conspicuous gifts: the gift of asking; the gift of listening; the gift of hearing and using a still small voice; the gift of being able to weep; the gift of avoiding contention; the gift of being agreeable;; the gift of avoiding vain repetition; the gift of seeking that which is righteous; the gift of not passing judgement; the gift of looking to God for guidance; the gift of being a disciple; the gift of caring for others; the gift of being able to ponder; the gift of offering prayer; the gift of bearing mighty testimony; and the gift of receiving the Holy Ghost. (C.R., Oct. 1987, p. 23, or Ensign, Nov. 1987, p. 20)
Sorry - that was kind of long. :)
I didn't know if you would check back at my blog...and I wanted to answer your question, so I came here...:)
I was reading D&C 38:28-30.
That's a great idea!
I've thought a lot about this recently after reading To Kill a Mockingbird. I just started with D&C 4 and also a list of traits from Charlotte Mason. We set a goal and then a specific way to practice it. We're just getting started. Your list is great. Thanks for the reminder of the B's. I have a whole binder of family home evenings for those!
I agree- these are great resources! I need to do more character training! I naturally assume everyone just gets it-
I really need to be teaching it!
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