September 18, 2015 is Character Day, a day of thousands of events around the globe where people will simultaneously premiere short, powerful and entertaining films, dive into resources from scientists, educators, and media experts, and join an online global Google Hangout exploring how to live meaningful, successful, and purposeful lives in today’s 24/7 world. Partner organizations contributing resources and sponsoring events include the US State Department, NBC’s Parent Toolkit, PBS Learning Media, Common Sense Media, and many others.
Character Day launched in 2014 with the global premiere of the short film The Science of Character by Tiffany Shlain, Emmy-nominated filmmaker. This film highlights the power unleashed when people know, understand, and use their personal character strengths. This year two new films will be introduced – The Adaptable Mind and The Making of a Mensch, along with new discussion materials, an in-depth research hub, and an exciting online, live global conversation around “character from different perspectives” — science, education, philosophy, and more. We invite you to view the 8- minute film The Science of Character, appropriate for 10-year-olds through adults, and to recognize the day with special activities which emphasize the importance of character building in today’s 24/7 world.
In Cincinnati, 5th and 6th grade teachers in Cincinnati Public Schools now have available the Thriving Learning Communities Classroom Kit, including a curriculum guide with activities designed to strengthen students’ character strengths and social-emotional competencies, and which is being used as a component of CPS’s My Tommorow*ed Advisory program in all schools. Mayerson Academy developed The Thriving Learning Communities program as a fully integrated approach, designed to embed common strengths-based language in the classroom and school, revealing the unique potential of every learner, and catalyzing strengths in all aspects of life.
For those who have the Thriving Classroom Curriculum Guide, here are a variety of strategies to help you celebrate Character Day:
- Create a Kindness Day in your school (pg. 23)
- Conduct a school-wide Pick a Strength poll (pg. 36)
- Highlight Bravery: When it’s Easy, When it’s Not (pg. 36)
- View the Science of Character and ask, “Who do you admire and why?”
- Challenge everyone to spot one strength in a fellow staff member or student and share it with them.
For information about bringing a thriving, character strengths-based learning environment to your school or community visit Thriving Learning Communities.
For more information on National Character Day visit www.letitripple.org.
