Better Portion Character Education Program

By Courtney Cobbs

In Better Portion Character Education Curriculum, Courtney Cobbs, MA, provides character education lesson plans, schedule templates, parent newsletter templates, supplemental parent curricula, and even reward charts and posters. Drawing on Scripture and psychological insights, this curriculum can be used by Christian schools, Bible classes, homeschoolers, co-ops, churches, Sunday School classes, VBS programs, family devotionals, Christian homes, and more to uniquely equip elementary, junior high, and high school students to know, grow, and show the love of Christ. Want your children or students to be raised to walk in the knowledge and application of the truth? This curriculum is for you.

While most Christian-based curricula offer basic biblical knowledge, Better Portion Character Education Curriculum offers an in-depth study of Scripture and biblical content for whole life faith application through engaging topics and activities. Additionally, this curriculum offers separate lesson plans for elementary, junior high, and high school so that each student can learn based on their grade level and interests while keeping the same topics and themes throughout the grades. Born out of a need for a truly life-changing education that is rooted in Scripture, Better Portion Character Education Curriculum was developed to fill the void of faith application in Christian education. This curriculum guides teachers, students, and parents in living out their faith daily in new, energetic, and practical ways.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9798886856088

Book preview

cover.jpg

Better Portion Character Education Program

Courtney Cobbs

ISBN 979-8-88685-607-1 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88685-608-8 (digital)

Copyright © 2023 by Courtney Cobbs

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

All Scriptures, unless otherwise stated, were taken from the English Standard Version of the Holy Bible.

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Better Portion Character Education Program Summary

Better Portion Character Teacher Instructions

Elementary Curriculum

Compassion Lessons 1–4

Compassion Lesson 2

Compassion Lesson 3

Compassion Lesson 4

Honor Lessons 1–4

Honor Lesson 2

Honor Lesson 3

Honor Lesson 4

Accountability Lessons 1–3

Accountability Lesson 2

Accountability Lesson 3

Respect Lessons 1–3

Respect Lesson 2

Respect Lesson 3

Ambition Lessons 1–4

Ambition Lesson 2

Ambition Lesson 3

Ambition Lesson 4

Control Lessons 1–4

Control Lesson 2

Control Lesson 3

Control Lesson 4

Truthfulness Lessons 1–4

Truthfulness Lesson 2

Truthfulness Lesson 3

Truthfulness Lesson 4

Excellence Lessons 1–4

Excellence Lesson 2

Excellence Lesson 3

Excellence Lesson 4

Responsibility Lessons 1–4

Responsibility Lesson 2

Responsibility Lesson 3

Responsibility Lesson 4

Junior High Curriculum

Compassion Lessons 1–4

Compassion Lesson 2

Compassion Lesson 3

Compassion Lesson 4

Honor Lessons 1–4

Honor Lesson 2

Honor Lesson 3

Honor Lesson 4

Accountability Lessons 1–3

Accountability Lesson 2

Accountability Lesson 3

Respect Lessons 1–3

Respect Lesson 2

Respect Lesson 3

Ambition Lessons 1–4

Ambition Lesson 2

Ambition Lesson 3

Ambition Lesson 4

Control Lessons 1–4

Control Lesson 2

Control Lesson 3

Control Lesson 4

Truthfulness Lessons 1–4

Truthfulness Lesson 2

Truthfulness Lesson 3

Truthfulness Lesson 4

Excellence Lessons 1–4

Excellence Lesson 2

Excellence Lesson 3

Excellence Lesson 4

Responsibility Lessons 1–4

Responsibility Lesson 2

Responsibility Lesson 3

Responsibility Lesson 4

High School Curriculum

Compassion Lessons 1–4

Compassion Lesson 2

Compassion Lesson 3

Compassion Lesson 4

Honor Lessons 1–4

Honor Lesson 2

Honor Lesson 3

Honor Lesson 4

Accountability Lessons 1–3

Accountability Lesson 2

Accountability Lesson 3

Respect Lessons 1–3

Respect Lesson 2

Respect Lesson 3

Ambition Lessons 1–4

Ambition Lesson 2

Ambition Lesson 3

Ambition Lesson 4

Control Lessons 1–4

Control Lesson 2

Control Lesson 3

Control Lesson 4

Truthfulness Lessons 1–4

Truthfulness Lesson 2

Truthfulness Lesson 3

Truthfulness Lesson 4

Excellence Lessons 1–4

Excellence Lesson 2

Excellence Lesson 3

Excellence Lesson 4

Responsibility Lessons 1–4

Responsibility Lesson 2

Responsibility Lesson 3

Responsibility Lesson 4

Elementary to High School Parent Curriculum

Compassion Discussion Questions Lesson 1

Compassion Lesson 2

Compassion Lesson 3

Compassion Lesson 4

Honor Discussion Questions Lesson 1

Honor Lesson 2

Honor Lesson 3

Honor Lesson 4

Accountability Discussion Questions Lesson 1

Accountability Lesson 2

Accountability Lesson 3

Respect Discussion Questions Lesson 1

Respect Lesson 2

Respect Lesson 3

Ambition Discussion Questions Lesson 1

Ambition Lesson 2

Ambition Lesson 3

Ambition Lesson 4

Control Discussion Questions Lesson 1

Control Lesson 2

Control Lesson 3

Control Lesson 4

Truthfulness Discussion Questions Lesson 1

Truthfulness Lesson 2

Truthfulness Lesson 3

Truthfulness Lesson 4

Excellence Discussion Questions Lesson 1

Excellence Lesson 2

Excellence Lesson 3

Excellence Lesson 4

Responsibility Discussion Questions Lesson 1

Responsibility Lesson 2

Responsibility Lesson 3

Responsibility Lesson 4

Parent Newsletter Templates

Reward List Templates

Elementary Character Posters

Secondary Character Posters

About the Author

Curriculum Reviews

Better Portion Character Education Program Summary

Character

The mental and moral qualities built into an individual's life through instinctive or deliberate decisions that determine one's behaviors, regardless of circumstances.

Character Education: What is it?

Character development takes place informally every day, and our character is often formed and developed unintentionally. Daily life is a great place to build character, but we must be careful about letting our character develop by chance. The Better Portion Character Education program is an attempt to be intentional about character development. Character is a choice. Unlike one's personality, which is more immutable, character is made up of choices—good or bad—over a long period. We want to emphasize who we are as Christians, instead of what we do; believing that having God help us change our hearts will eventually change how we act.

Being in a Christian environment allows us to focus on the godly character traits found in the Scriptures which gives purpose and meaning to this program. We do not put our hope in trying to do what is right or trying to change our hearts in our own strength but rather in the power of the Holy Spirit living within us to make us more like Christ. This is only possible for a believer, one who has put their trust in Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior for the forgiveness of sins. Thus, the gospel is at the center of this character program.

This program consists of nine character traits, and they will be introduced at the beginning of each month. Within the character trait for each month are subset character traits that will assist in providing additional focus and insight for the students. Each character trait is truly a fruit of the Holy Spirit that is produced from the hearts of believers as they seek to develop and grow in their faith. Thus, faith in the Lord Jesus is pivotal in character education; positive character traits are merely the product of faith.

Why are we doing this?

Judges 17:6 states, In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. The world around us desperately needs men and women who will do what is right in God's eyes, and that begins with developing a godly character.

How will it happen?

Each trait will be introduced to students during the first week of each month via chapel, Bible class, or another gathering by a teacher, counselor, pastor, parent, or leader. When introducing the new trait, it is important to use engaging tactics like activities, games, videos, personal stories, and visuals to connect with the students. In these introductions, give the definition and overview of the trait that will be addressed that month in a way that is deeply relevant to the students. Use your current knowledge of your audience to engage with each student at a personal level. This is an opportunity to make this curriculum your own by pouring your experience, knowledge, personality, and unique goals for your students into these intimate moments of connection. All elementary and secondary teachers will reinforce the trait in their classrooms. There are separate reading materials given to elementary, junior high, and high school teachers so that each student may receive the Word in a way that best suits their understanding level. The main character trait for the month will be discussed in the first week of each month, and during every subsequent week of that month, the supporting traits will be discussed in class. Parents will be provided the parent-discussion questions each month so that they can engage in the character traits with their children.

At the end of each month, teachers will nominate one student who best exhibited the character trait of the month. That student (one from each grade) will select a prize or reward of their choosing from an extensive rewards list (see Reward List Templates) and will be encouraged to continue producing the fruits of the Spirit with all humility and gentleness. Students who are not nominated that month will be encouraged that the purpose of striving to exhibit the character trait of the month is not to be able to select an earthly prize but to receive a heavenly one by bringing glory to God. When we are obedient to God and His commands, we experience peace, joy, and contentment. This is the greatest prize believers can receive on earth. Finally, one class will be nominated each month as the Character Class of the Month to represent the class that has modeled the month's character trait and will be rewarded with a prize of the teacher's choice.

Better Portion Character Teacher Instructions

(Compassion. Honor. Accountability. Respect. Ambition. Control. Truthfulness. Excellence. Responsibility.)

Elementary teachers begin their morning on the first school day of each week presenting the appropriate character lesson for that week to their class.

Secondary teachers, who have the first period of the day, begin their morning on the first school day of each week presenting the appropriate character lesson for the week to their class.

All teachers may, and are encouraged to, expand upon the materials given to provide greater reinforcement, personal testimony, encouragement, etc., but this is not required.

Better Portion Character Schedule

August

Introduction of Better Portion CHARACTER Education Program and traits for the year.

Late August. Introduce the purpose, the application, and the expectations of the Better Portion Character Education program to elementary altogether.

Late August. Introduce the purpose, the application, and the expectations of the Better Portion Character Education program to secondary altogether.

September

Compassion: Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others.

First week of September. Introduce new trait to elementary altogether.

First week of September. Introduce new trait to secondary altogether.

First week of September. Teachers will present on Compassion (1) at the beginning of the day on the first day of this week, provide encouragement and praise for practicing the trait in class throughout the week, and make note of the student who exhibits the most compassion at the end of the week.

Second week of September. Teachers will present on Compassion (2) at the beginning of the day on the first day of this week, provide encouragement and praise for practicing the trait in class throughout the week, and make note of the student who exhibits the most compassion at the end of the week.

Third week of September. Teachers will present on Compassion (3) at the beginning of the day on the first day of this week, provide encouragement and praise for practicing the trait in class throughout the week, and make note of the student who exhibits the most compassion at the end of the week.

Last week of September. Teachers will present on Compassion (4) at the beginning of the day on the first day of this week, provide encouragement and praise for practicing the trait in class throughout the week, and make note of the student who exhibits the most compassion at the end of the week.

Last week of September.The teacher submits the final nomination via the submission form of who exhibited the most compassion this month.

October

Honor: Respecting others because of their worth as human beings and worth to God.

First week of October. Introduce new trait to elementary altogether.

First week of October. Introduce new trait to secondary altogether.

First week of October.Teachers will present on Honor (1) at the beginning of the day on the first day of this week, provide encouragement and praise for practicing the trait in class throughout the week, and make note of the student who exhibits the most honor at the end of the week.

Second week of October.Teachers will present on Honor (2) at the beginning of the day on the first day of this week, provide encouragement and praise for practicing the trait in class throughout the week, and make note of the student who exhibits the most honor at the end of the week.

Third week of October. Teachers will present on Honor (3) at the beginning of the day on the first day of this week, provide encouragement and praise for practicing the trait in class throughout the week, and make note of the student who exhibits the most honor at the end of the week.

Last week of October.Teachers will present on Honor (4) at the beginning of the day on the first day of this week, provide encouragement and praise for practicing the trait in class throughout the week, and make note of the student who exhibits the most honor at the end of the week.

Last week of October. The teacher submits the final nomination via the submission form of who exhibited the most honor this month.

November

Accountability: Being able to be held responsible for your actions and behaviors to God, others, and yourself.

First week of November. Introduce new trait to elementary altogether.

First week of November. Introduce new trait to secondary all together

First week of November. Teachers will present on Accountability (1) at the beginning of the day on the first day of this week, provide encouragement and praise for practicing the trait in class throughout the week, and make note of the student who exhibits the most accountability at the end of the week.

Second week of November.Teachers will present on Accountability (2) at the beginning of the day on the first day of this week, provide encouragement and praise for practicing the trait in class throughout the week, and make note of the student who exhibits the most accountability at the end of the week.

Last week of November.Teachers will present on Accountability (3) at the beginning of the day on the first day of this week, provide encouragement and praise for practicing the trait in class throughout the week, and make note of the student who exhibits the most accountability at the end of the week.

Last week of November. The teacher submits the final nomination via the submission form of who exhibited the most accountability this month.

December

Respect: To put great value or worth in something or someone.

First week of December. Introduce new trait to elementary altogether.

First week of December. Introduce new trait to secondary altogether.

First week of December.Teachers will present on Respect (1) at the beginning of the day on the first day of this week, provide encouragement and praise for practicing the trait in class throughout the week, and make note of the student who exhibits the most respect at the end of the week.

Second week of December.Teachers will present on Respect (2) at the beginning of the day on the first day of this week, provide encouragement and praise for practicing the trait in class throughout the week, and make note of the student who exhibits the most respect at the end of the week.

Last week of December.Teachers will present on Respect (3) at the beginning of the day on the first day of this week, provide encouragement and praise for practicing the trait in class throughout the week, and make note of the student who exhibits the most respect at the end of the week.

Last week of December. The teacher submits the final nomination via the submission form of who exhibited the most respect this month.

January

Ambition. Ambition is a strong desire to do or to achieve something, and it normally takes a lot of willpower and hard work.

First week of January. Introduce new trait to elementary altogether.

First week of January. Introduce new trait to secondary altogether.

First week of January.Teachers will present on Ambition (1) at the beginning of the day on the first day of this week, provide encouragement and praise for practicing the trait in class throughout the week, and make note of the student who exhibits the most ambition at the end of the week.

Second week of January.Teachers will present on Ambition (2) at the beginning of the day on the first day of this week, provide encouragement and praise for practicing the trait in class throughout the week, and make note of the student who exhibits the most ambition at the end of the week.

Third week of January.Teachers will present on Ambition (3) at the beginning of the day on the first day of this week, provide encouragement and praise for practicing the trait in class throughout the week, and make note of the student who exhibits the most ambition at the end of the week.

Last week of January. Teachers will present on Ambition (4) at the beginning of the day on the first day of this week, provide encouragement and praise for practicing the trait in class throughout the week, and make note of the student who exhibits the most ambition at the end of the week.

Last week of January. The teacher submits the final nomination via the submission form of who exhibited the most ambition this month.

February

Control: Control is the power to influence or direct one's behavior or the course of action.

First week of February. Introduce new trait to elementary altogether.

First week of February. Introduce new trait to secondary altogether.

First week of February.Teachers will present on Control (1) at the beginning of the day on the first day of this week, provide encouragement and praise for practicing the trait in class throughout the week, and make note of the student who exhibits the most control at the end of the week.

Second week of February.Teachers will present on Control (2) at the beginning of the day on the first day of this week, provide encouragement and praise for practicing the trait in class throughout the week, and make note of the student who exhibits the most control at the end of the week.

Third week of February.Teachers will present on Control (3) at the beginning of the day on the first day of this week, provide encouragement and praise for practicing the trait in class throughout the week, and make note of the student who exhibits the most control at the end of the week.

Last week of February.Teachers will present on Control (4) at the beginning of the day on the first day of this week, provide encouragement and praise for practicing the trait in class throughout the week, and make note of the student who exhibits the most control at the end of the week

Last week of February. The teacher submits the final nomination via the submission form of who exhibited the most control this month.

March

Truthfulness: Truthfulness means to live in line with reality or the facts.

First week of March. Introduce new trait to elementary altogether.

First week of March. Introduce new trait to secondary altogether.

First week of March.Teachers will present on Truthfulness (1) at the beginning of the day on the first day of this week, provide encouragement and praise for practicing the trait in class throughout the week, and make note of the student who exhibits the most truthfulness at the end of the week.

Second week of March.Teachers will present on Truthfulness (2) at the beginning of the day on the first day of this week, provide encouragement and praise for practicing the trait in class throughout the week, and make note of the student who exhibits the most truthfulness at the end of the week.

Third week of March.Teachers will present on Truthfulness (3) at the beginning of the day on the first day of this week, provide encouragement and praise for practicing the trait in class throughout the week, and make note of the student who exhibits the most truthfulness at the end of the week.

Last week of March.Teachers will present on Truthfulness (4) at the beginning of the day on the first day of this week, provide encouragement and praise for practicing the trait in class throughout the week, and make note of the student who exhibits the most truthfulness at the