Constitution Day - America: Extraordinary Possibilities * — On this day when the nation pauses to consider the significance of the U.S. Constitution, students have the opportunity to consider two important notions: 1) they live in one of the freest and most prosperous nations in the world, and 2) it is a nation full of extraordinary possibilities created by ordinary people.
Key Ideas: Democratic Process - Civic Duty
Character Trait: Responsibility

Constitution Day - Big Ideas * — The founding of America has been called a grand adventure in ideas. Ideas come with consequences, both good and bad.
Key Ideas: Citizenship - The Power of Ideas
Character Traits: Respect - Responsibility - Cooperation

Courage - Brave Hearts — There are two kinds of courage. One kind of courage is physical courage like when a person has the courage to climb a big mountain or travel in space. The other kind of courage is when someone is brave enough to do the right thing even when it's very hard to do.
Key Idea: Acting upon core ethical values often requires moral courage
Character Traits: Courage - Kindness - Honesty

Each One Matters * — Most students are blessed to have food to eat each day. World Food Day is a time to think about what it's like never to have enough food and to remember those who are hungry every day. Mother Teresa's words remind students that they may not be able to feed a hundred people, but they can help feed one.
Key Idea: Helping the hungry
Character Traits: Responsibility - Compassion
Note: This message and lesson plan also work well for World Food Day: October 16.

Everyone Has a Gift — Every person on Planet Earth has a special gift to give the world, a special talent or skill he or she can use to make our world a better place. Each person's gift is important and it's important to know what our gift is so we can use it to make the world a better place.
Key Ideas: Each of us is gifted for something - Discovering one's special qualities and gifts - Making a difference in the world
Character Traits: Self-Respect - Responsibility

Getting to Come to School * — Democracies are made strong by educated, responsible, and caring citizens. Some would say that a democracy cannot survive without citizens who are capable of making informed and wise choices. This is an opportunity for students to consider the benefits of a free and public education and how their education can impact our common future.
Key Ideas: Citizenship - The Importance of Educated Citizens in a Democratic Society
Character Trait: Responsibility

Global and National Youth Services Day: Helpful and Happy * — What would the world look like if people were concerned only with themselves? Volunteer work gets us out of ourselves and into the needs of others. Students consider the cost of self-absorption and of expecting the outside world to make them happy, and then explore the benefits of serving others.
Key Ideas: Volunteering - Service Projects - Unselfishness
Character Traits: Charity - Generosity - Responsibility - Caring

Good Sport — Fall sports events provide great opportunities to enjoy the spirit of competition while practicing the Golden Rule. Students consider that whether their team is winning or losing the game, they can be winners by simply being fair and courteous human beings. When they practice good sportsmanship, they always win.
Key Ideas: Good Sportsmanship - Sports Events
Character Traits: Respect - Courtesy - Civility

Honoring Elders * — Often we place too much importance on the young and beautiful, and forget the beauty that comes with age. The elderly have much to offer. As Plato wrote, "They have been over the road that all of us must travel and know where it is rough and where it is level and easy."
Key Ideas: Wisdom comes with age - Young people can benefit from listening to their elders
Character Traits: Respect - Caring
Note: This message and lesson plan also work well for International Older Persons Day: October 1.

I'll Volunteer! — Mahatma Gandhi once said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." Serving others can build self-respect, self-confidence, and self-awareness. Students will consider the notion that through serving others they can learn more about themselves, their personal power, and their unique gifts and talents.
Key Ideas: Volunteerism - Citizenship - Increased Self-Awareness
Character Traits: Respect - Caring - Love

Inconvenience Yourself Day: Going to the Trouble (4th Wed. in February) * — Being a person with strong character means being a person who goes to the trouble of doing what's right instead of doing what's easy, and that's not always convenient. In honor of Inconvenience Yourself Day, students are encouraged to take time to step outside of themselves and commit a random act of kindness by doing something special for someone else.
Key Ideas: Going to the Trouble of Being a Person with Character - Thinking of Others
Character Traits: Respect - Responsibility - Honesty - Kindness - Courtesy - Caring - Empathy