Helping Your Child Become a Responsible Citizen U.S. Department of Education To order copies of this publication in English Margaret Spellings or Spanish write to: Secretary ED Pubs First published in June 1993 under a different Education Publications Center title. Revised in 2003, 2004 and 2005. U.S. Department of Education P.O. Box 1398 This booklet is in the public domain. Jessup, MD 20794-1398; Authorization to reproduce it in whole or Helping in part for educational purposes is granted. or fax your request to: (301) 470-1244; While permission to reprint this publication is not necessary, the citation should be: or e-mail your request to: [email protected]. Your Child U.S. Department of Education or call in your request toll-free: 1-877-433-7827 Office of Communications and (1-877-4-ED-PUBS). If 877 is not yet available in Outreach your area, call 1-800-872-5327 (1-800-USA-LEARN). Helping Your Child Become a Responsible Citizen Become a Responsible Citizen Those who use a telecommunications device for the Washington, D.C., 2005. deaf (TDD) or a teletypewriter (TTY), should call 1-800-437-0833. With activities for elementary, middle and high school-aged children or order online at: www.ed.gov/pubs/edpubs.html. This publication is also available on the Department’s website at: www.ed.gov/parents/academic/help/hyc.html. On request, this publication is available in alternate formats, such as Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette. For more information, please contact the Department’s Alternate Format Center at (202) 260-9895 or (202) 205-0818. Children’s books and magazines are mentioned in U.S. Department of Education this booklet as examples and are only a few of many appropriate children’s books and periodicals. Office of Communications and Outreach Other materials mentioned are provided as Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools resources and examples for the reader’s convenience. Listing of materials and resources in this book should not be construed or interpreted as an endorsement by the Department of any private organization or business listed herein. Foreword Contents “Intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character, Introduction...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................v that is the goal of true education.” What Does “Strong Character” Mean? ................................................................................................................................................................1 Compassion.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................1 — Martin Luther King Jr. Honesty and Fairness...........................................................................................................................................................................................................3 Self-discipline................................................................................................................................................................................................................................5 Good Judgement.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................7 Respect for Others...................................................................................................................................................................................................................9 As parents, we all want our children to grow up to be responsible citizens and Self-respect...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................11 Courage............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................13 good people. We want them to learn to feel, think and act with respect for Responsibility.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................15 themselves and for other people. We want them to pursue their own well-being, Citizenship and Patriotism..........................................................................................................................................................................................16 while also being considerate of the needs and feelings of others. We want them How Can We Help Children Learn about Character? ................................................................................................................18 Set a Good Example ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................18 to recognize and honor the democratic principles upon which our country was Set High Standards and Clear Expectations............................................................................................................................................20 Coach..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................21 founded. We want them, in short, to develop strong character. Use Literature............................................................................................................................................................................................................................22 Activities .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................25 The cornerstone of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 is academic achievement Getting to Know Others—from Near and Far .....................................................................................................................................26 Gifts from the Heart...........................................................................................................................................................................................................27 and professional success built upon a foundation of moral strength and civic virtue. Telling the Truth.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................28 As Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings has said, “A quality education Think about It...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................30 Keep Trying..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................31 provides citizens with the tools to participate fully in their society.” And the pay- Making Decisions..................................................................................................................................................................................................................32 Magic Words, Caring Deeds......................................................................................................................................................................................33 offs for encouraging our children’s character development are enormous. Research There’s a Monster in My Room!..........................................................................................................................................................................34 has shown that children who grow up with strong, positive values are happier OOPS!.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................36 Stand Up for Yourself.......................................................................................................................................................................................................36 and do better in school. They are also better able to balance their personal wants Helping Out.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................38 and