Classroom Curriculum Overview

(1 & 2) Definition/Quote Exercise

This is a nice way to introduce the trait and get students thinking and reflecting. To make sure students are on the same page, students are given the opportunity to define the featured trait. Then students are given quotes that pertain to the trait from people throughout history and asked to personalize and provide context.

Quote Exercise Example - Week 15

(3) Ethical Dilemma

Students are confronted with real-life scenarios that force them to use critical thinking skills, recognize potential options, understand the consequences of their choices and to ultimately make better decisions. Students initially write their answers down on paper, but the hallmark of an effective classroom is getting students up and moving around, forming debates and looking at the issues from diverse perspectives.

Ethical Dilemma Example - Week 15

(4) Topic Lecture

It is essential to provide students with relevant and research-based information related to the topic of the week. This information helps students move forward by knowing the facts. In addition to the lecture notes, visuals and handouts are provided in the curriculum.

Topic Lecture Example - Week 15

(5) Character Movies

To immerse students in the character trait of the week, 18 movies are provided that exemplify each of the 18 traits covered in the curriculum. All of the movies are rated PG or PG-13 and come with the curriculum. Specific scenes are identified that allow students to focus on the character trait without requiring them to view the entire movie. Thought provoking questions for each movie are provided to facilitate meaningful class discussions. As you might expect, students routinely rate the videos as their favorite part.

Character Movie Example - Week 15

(6 & 7) Two Role Model Chapters from the Role Models textbook per Trait

This is the textbook that the students read. Using the Traditional version, teachers order classroom sets of the text. For those using the online version, the chapters are embedded. This book was originally written in 2004. Certain role models were kicked out of the book and others were added over the years. In 2023, we doubled the amount of role models in the book, providing 2 role models per trait. This allowed us to provide more diversity for the reader (historical and contemporary; men and women; ethnicity and race; perspective and political persuasion). We believe this book provides the reader with excellent role models to look up to and emulate. Discussion questions accompany each chapter.

Textbook Chapter - Week 15

(8) Local Community Leaders

Individuals from the local community are invited into the classroom to serve as a role models. It was one of the favorite parts of the class. I hope every teacher does this. There is a handout for these guest speakers to follow, but essentially they are to provide their life lessons to the next generation, “If I die tomorrow, what are the life lessons I will leave behind for the next generation.” Everyone can do this if given time to prepare and rehearse.

(9) Basic Skills

In order to effectively teach character, kids must be challenged intellectually, emotionally and behaviorally. Basic skills emphasize the behavioral aspect of the class. These basic skills provide a skill set that they can utilize on a daily basis, which will ultimately create small & huge differences in their lives.

Basic Skill: Interview Example - Week 15

(10) Leadership Principles

We believe that leadership without character is a failure of leadership. We also believe that it is also possible to have tremendous character and still be a less-than-average leader. Therefore, 17 leadership principles are presented and studied in this curriculum. These principles are delivered in the form of virtual lectures on our website by Dr. Hoedel and other leaders. Discussion questions are provided to initiate classroom discussions.

(11) Leadership Exercises

Many believe that leadership is not something that can be taught, rather it needs to be experienced. For each unit we provide a leadership exercise to give students the opportunity to work together as a team and develop leadership skills. These hands-on activities get kids out of their chairs, learning by doing.

Leadership Exercise Example - Week 15

(12) On-Line Blog featuring Current Events

On the website, there is a link to the blog. On this blog, Dr. Hoedel provides weekly posts to spur discussions about current events related to character and leadership. Each post generally contains a video, a summary, the author’s perspective and a section called, "Your Turn" where students provide their perspectives.

Visit the Character Development and Leadership Curriculum for High School and Middle School Blog

(13) World Wide Web Assignment

According to research, teenagers spend 6-8 hours a day with a screen (tv, computer, tablet or phone). This time is not always used positively. The WWW assignment allows students to find a video clip that represents the featured trait and add it into the program. Students also provide a summary statement about why the clip was selected. Creative students can film their own clip as an alternative.

(14) Expository Writing Assignment

Each of the 18 units culminates in an expository writing assignment and formal oral presentation. All final projects examine core beliefs and positive character-related issues. This is expository writing, requiring students to put what’s in their hearts and their heads on paper. These formal written and oral language outputs meet the Common Core ELA and ELD demands and support the academic language skills tested on high school exit, college readiness, military and work placement exams.

Weekly Assignment - Week 15