Here at Wisdom Wonder Project, we believe the development of character is essential to becoming well educated—not only gaining the knowledge of good character, but really internalizing its value and cultivating the desire to grow in good character. Without character, education is incomplete and potentially dangerous.
We also believe that developing character is a process. We don’t “arrive” at excellent character, but we develop it within us over time through many means, including mistakes and doing hard things. We are all on this journey together, and by infusing into their education, invite our children to join us.
For these reasons, we have chosen a character trait to focus on each month. These traits, carefully chosen, have all been valued over the course of time—as applicable thousands of years ago as they are today. Although cultural circumstances change, character traits stand the test of time, and our twelve traits are among those.
We will list the month’s character trait with its definition, a Catch Phrase for ease of use, along with a quote that captures that trait’s meaning. Each month, we will post about the featured character trait along with curated book lists that teach the trait through literature. Since June is when students most often graduate to their next level, we thought summer would be a great place to start.
June | Responsibility
re•spon’si•bil’i•ty | Basing decisions on practical wisdom and good sense, being dependable in carrying out commitments and duties, and being accountable for one’s words, behavior and actions.
CATCH PHRASE: Think before you act; finish what you begin; take responsibility for yourself.
July | Citizenship
cit’i•zen•ship’ | Recognizing one’s place in the greater communities (family, school, local and country) through active service and respectful devotion to the community’s members, values and standards.
CATCH PHRASE: Everyone counts.
August | Resourcefulness
re•source’ful•ness | To act effectively and imaginatively, to use information and available resources wisely and efficiently.
CATCH PHRASE: You can figure this out!
September | Diligence
dil’i•gence | Committing to doing tasks with excellence and persevering with determination and patience to complete tasks in spite of difficulties and discouragement.
CATCH PHRASE: Do your best, don’t give up!
October | Kindness
kind’ness | Recognizing that relationships are core to who we are becoming, and therefore being tender, courteous, helpful, forgiving and compassionate towards others and self. Looking for the goodness in all. Being unselfish and generous.
CATCH PHRASE: Be nice.
November | Gratitude
grat•i•tude | Being thankful and showing appreciation for those in our lives and for what we have and receive.
CATCH PHRASE: Say thank you as much as possible.
December | Humility
hu•mil’i•ty | Knowing, accepting and being who we are while demonstrating modesty about our accomplishments and gifts, admitting mistakes and valuing others for who they are and for their input.
CATCH PHRASE: Admit mistakes and cheer others on.
January | Stewardship
stew’ard•ship’ | The careful and responsible management of things entrusted to one’s care, including one’s mind, body, time, money, environment, and property, with proper regard to the rights of others.
CATCH PHRASE: Take care of your stuff, take care of their stuff!
February | Courage
cour•age | Attempting difficult things that are worthwhile and facing difficulties and challenges with determination to do the right thing even when others don’t.
CATCH PHRASE: Dare to be different!
March | Integrity
in•teg•ri•ty | Having the inner strength to be truthful and trustworthy, acting justly and honorably, and being consistent in words and actions.
CATCH PHRASE: Tell the truth; keep your word.
April | Respect
re•spect | Showing high regard, value, and appreciation for authority, others, self, and property.
CATCH PHRASE: You don’t have to like or agree with everyone, but you do need to treat them with respect.
May | Resilience
re•sil’ience | The ability to recover strength, determination, spirit, flexibility and good humor in the face of change, mistakes, and trials.
CATCH PHRASE: The only real failure is to not try again.
Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. –Confucius
