CFTi Foundation

SOME CHARACTER BUILDING THOUGHTS FOR CHILDREN
The following quotes may be used in a variety of ways by both teachers and counsellors. One idea is for a thought to be posted, read, and discussed at the beginning of each week. It could then be read daily with the students. At the end of the week ask them what they learned or how the thought applied to their lives or activities during the week. Have the children give written or oral examples, or have them draw a picture to illustrate their ideas.
1. How I look is not as important as how I act.

2. I treat others the way I want them to treat me.

3. I am a good sport; I follow the rules, take turns and play fair.

4. It is okay to laugh at funny things, but not to laugh at others.

5. I do not gossip; if I cannot say anything helpful, I do not say anything at all.

6. When I am sad, I help myself feel better by thinking of things that are good in my life.

7. In order to have friends, I must act in a kind way.

8. I believe that I am someone who can do important things.

9. What I say and how I say it tells others the kind of person I am.

10. I appreciate my family, my teachers, and my school.

11. I treat everyone with respect.

12. When I listen, I show others that I care about them.

Activities That Will Help You Feel Good About Yourself
Any of the following activities will help you feel better about yourself and reinforce your self-esteem over the long term. Read through them. Do those that seem most comfortable to you. You may do some other activities at a time. You may find it helpful to repeat some of these activities again and again.
Make affirming lists. Making lists, rereading them often, and rewriting them from time to time will help you to feel
better about yourself. If you have a note pad, you can write a list.
Make a list of —
 at least five of your strengths, for example, persistence, courage, friendliness, creativity
 at least five things you admire about yourself, for example the way you have raised your children, your good relationship with your brother, or your spirituality.
 the five greatest achievements in your life so far, like recovering from a serious illness, graduating from high school, or learning to use a computer
 at least 20 accomplishments-they can be as simple as learning to tie your shoes, to getting an advanced college degree
 10 ways you can "treat" or reward yourself that don't include food and that don't cost anything, such as walking in woods, window-shopping, watching children playing on a play ground, gazing at a baby's face or at a beautiful flower, or chatting with a friend
 10 things you can do to make yourself laugh
 10 things you could do to help someone else
 10 things that you do that make you feel good about yourself
Reinforcing a positive self image.