October
Character
Counts Week — It’s important
for all of us, adults and young people alike, to take
time to reflect on the principles that will guide our
lives and to make a conscious choice as to what kind of
person we are going to be. Life can be difficult to navigate.
Choosing our principles first can help make the journey
easier and more rewarding.
Key Ideas: Character - Choices - Reflection
Character Traits: Respect - Responsibility - Honesty
Columbus Day — Exploration is one of
the oldest of all human activities. Since the beginning
of time mankind has explored for land, water, food, and
treasure. Today people explore outer space and the deep
sea. The wisest and most successful human beings continually
explore their character through inner reflection. Students
will consider the notion that reflection builds character
and fosters successful living.
Key Ideas: Self-examination - Reflection - Exploring
our own character
Character Traits: Respect - Responsibility
Columbus
Day — Ever wondered about something
mysterious and unknown? While the way we travel has changed
a great deal since the days of Columbus, people still
want to discover new places. It's our innate curiosity,
coupled with perseverance and commitment that makes us
explorers. These traits are at the core of learning.
Key Ideas: The importance of exploring ideas -
Keeping the wonder in learning
Character Traits: Perseverance - Commitment - Love
of learning
Fire
Prevention Week: Watch What You Heat — "Safety
is not a gadget but a state of mind." Being mindful
of one's safety and the safety of others is a mark of
a responsible person.
Key Ideas: Fire Safety - Citizenship
Character Trait: Responsibility
International
Older Persons Day (October 1): 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
Red Ribbon
Week - Elementary-Level Students
The Courage to Say No — Just saying "no"
isn't always easy, even when we know it's what we should
say. It can take courage to say "no" to drugs,
and the best place to get a little courage is from a "wise
encourager." Students explore the concept of courage
and how encouragement literally means "to give courage
to."
Key Ideas: Having the courage to say no to illegal
drug - Finding encouragement to say no
Character Traits: Respect - Responsibility - Courage
Keeping
It Real — For people who are recovering from
drug and alcohol abuse, the expression "keeping it
real" means getting real about their substance abuse
and the impact it is having on themselves and others.
Students consider the importance of being honest with
themselves about the implications and dangers of illegal
drug use.
Key Ideas: Drug and alcohol use - Getting honest
about the seriousness of substance abuse
Character Traits: Respect - Responsibility - Honesty
Mind if I Don't Smoke? * — Mind if
I don't smoke? Students consider that not
smoking is the truly respectful thing to do for themselves
and those around them.
Key Ideas: Smoking - Health
Character Traits: Respect - Responsibility - Caring
Note: This broadcast message and lesson plan also
work well for the annual Great American Smokeout.
Additional Broadcast Messages
How It Started
Not Too Smart
What’s Really Cool
World Food Day (October 16): 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
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