Ed464 362 - Developing Character Through Literature

Based on the idea that the most important foundation of education is character development, this book guides teachers and parents in building strong character traits while reading and discussing popular books. Children’s books and young adult books draw students into discussions that can lead to action and to personal development. Thoughtful teachers and parents can, use that literature and the activities suggested in.this book as a means of bringing their children to the commitments that will gradually form character traits and citizenship attitudes that everyone is proud to acknowledge. The units in the book stand for the most commonly described topics in character education: responsibility, honesty, integrity, respect, living peaceably, caring, civility, and the golden rule. Each unit in the book begins with a brief essay about the selected trait, followed by teaching suggestions, classroom resources, parent activities and Web sites, annotated student booklists, student Web sites, teacher Web sites, and an ERIC .annotatedbibliography. By reading the initial essay in each unit and selecting one of the activities or discussion suggestions, a teacher could begin work on the trait featured in that unit. A comparison of common core of beliefs as identified by selected programs and organizations is appended.