8 Essential Character Traits OCS Social Studies I Mrs. Bonifay

CARING Caring is the quality of showing concern for another person or thing, often putting one's own needs aside.

CARING What are things you care about? a. your family b. your friends c. your school d. the Earth e. pets/animals

CITIZENSHIP A citizen is person who is an official member of a country. Citizenship is also having a commitment to one’s school, community, and country by following the rules and by offering support.

CITIZENSHIP Examples of good citizenship include: a. voting b. volunteering c. serving in the military d. serving in a governmental office

COURAGE Courage is to face danger or differences without fear or hesitation. Bravery in dangerous or uncomfortable situations. “Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened.” - Billy Graham

COURAGE Examples of people who display courage: a. soldiers b. police c. firefighters d. anyone who stands up for what they believe even if it isn’t popular!

FAIRNESS Fairness is to have the ability to make judgments free from discrimination or dishonesty. The Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have done unto you.

FAIRNESS Examples of fairness: a. taking turns b. following the same rules as everyone else c. having equal rules and opportunities for everyone regardless of gender, race, religion or beliefs

HONESTY Honesty is telling the truth no matter what the consequences. Being truthful with yourself and others

HONESTY Some “rules” for honesty: a. be truthful to others and yourself b. do what’s right no matter who’s around c. be someone others can trust

RESPECT Respect is to regard someone highly or to think a lot of someone. You have to earn someone else’s respect.

RESPECT Name 5 people you respect. Who is the most important person whom you should respect? Yourself! Other things you should respect: a. property b. your country c. the environment

RESPONSIBILITY Responsibility means being dependable, doing the things you are expected to do, and doing your duty.

RESPONSIBILITY Some ways to show responsibility: a. doing your chores at home without being reminded constantly b. doing your schoolwork on time c. taking care of your money and spending it wisely.

SELF-DISCIPLINE Self-discipline is the ability to control one's own behavior and the ability to do what is required without outside direction or force

SELF-DISCIPLINE Other words for “self-discipline” 1. self-control 2. willpower 3. constraint 4. dignity “MIND OVER MATTER”

Now it’s your turn……… Name one time you have……. 1. been caring. 2. been a good citizen. 3. shown courage. 4. been fair with others. 5. been honest, even when you thought it would be easier to tell a lie. 6. shown respect for someone or something. 7. been responsible. 8. shown self-discipline.

CHARACTER People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built. Eleanor Roosevelt, My Day Eleanor Roosevelt Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing. Abraham Lincoln, Lincoln's Own Stories Abraham Lincoln "Our character is what we do when we think no one is looking.” Hugh B. Brown