Character training is so very important. It is something that I know every parent is concerned about, especially with the culture in which we live. There are a lot of good character training materials available for younger children, but when I was given the chance to review materials for high schoolers, I was thrilled, because they need something to address virtues to their age group and in a way that makes sense and is relevant to them.
I received the Youth Virtue Journal, a 100-page paperback book intended for teens, along with PDF files entitled: Mentor's Handbook, a Youth Character Assessment, a list of Scripture verses that correspond to the virtues in the book and a Mentor Meeting Report Form. These are all part of the package that is available for only $17.
Because I was using the materials in a home-based environment and not a teen group, I didn't use the Mentor Meeting Report Form.
How did we use this? Kiddos 1, 2 and I would sit down with the journal. We would read the section, discuss the virtue that was being covered. We would read the associated Scripture verses from the supplemental material (mentioned above) and then talk about how we could work to be a good example of that virtue in our lives. We would also do the assessments to see where we were before and after reading the section. It is wonderful to see that the results of the assessment change after they learn more about each virtue.
Each chapter had the following in it: "Take a Moment to Dream," "Take a look at me now," "Take a look around," "Take some good advice," "Take a moment to reflect," "Take some time to respond" and "Take a stand for what is right." In each of those sections, there are things to think about and questions to answer. By the end of each, the student is making the decision to add the virtue to who and what they are and eliminate the habits that are keeping them from changing for the better.
What are the virtues covered in the book? They are as follows: I am Attentive, I am Content, I am Forgiving, I am Gentle, I am Helpful, I am Honest, I am Obedient, I am Perseverant and I am Respectful. All good and honorable character traits that I know we all try to instill in our children.
There is a second section in the book entitled "My Dream Journal." After each virtue is covered, discussed, etc., the student turns to the corresponding section in the Dream Journal. There they describe a dream that they have, what obstacles they will need to overcome and what virtues they will need to make that dream become a reality. It is definitely a soul-searching way to make it real for the student to see how these virtues can help them succeed and just aren't something to read in a book because Mom said they should. It shows them how they can put what they learned into practice.
Here are a few of the "Take a Look at Me Now Questions" that really stood out while we were reading the book:
"Do I respond with a good attitude when asked to do something?"
"Am I cheerful when asked to help or do I mope, sulk or complain?"
"Do I find satisfaction in working harder than I thought I could?"
"Do I work hard to show others that they are worthy of my respect by using good manners?"
The complete Youth Virtue Journal package is $17 but We Choose Virtues is offering a summer sale.
* May-June: Use Promo Code BIG50 for 50% off a set of 12 11x17 Kids of Virtue Ville Posters. These are suitable for a church classroom, bedroom or homeschool room.
*June-August: use Promo Code BTS20 for 20% off anything in the We Choose Virtues Store. This includes any product for kids or youth, including the program I reviewed above.
You can find We Choose Virtues online at the following:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wechoosevirtues
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/WeChooseVirtues/
Blog: http://www.wechoosevirtuesblog.com/
They also make wonderful products for younger children, as well. To see the reviews on those products, as well as additional reviews for the teen program I descrbed above, click on the graphic below:
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1 comment:
Thank you for sharing your review, Lisa! I have been curious about the journal (we did the cards) and I appreciate what you shared.
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