Character-Building Values and Social and Emotional Learning

Courage

One of the Eyres’ “Values of Being,” courage can impact one’s life in many ways. It is a tremendous contributor to another value, positivity, and can give kids the freedom to express their creativity.

Honesty
Another “Value of Being,” honesty is a crucial element of communication, and important 21st-century skill. It is part of the makeup of anyone with integrity and is the beginning of the ability to make and keep commitments.

Empathy & Kindness

Being able to see a situation or perceive a problem through someone’s else’s eyes is a value the world desperately needs. The ability to feel and show true tolerance is how humankind will tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow. Kindness will win out in today’s interconnected world, giving lasting happiness to all involved.

Self-Worth

In today’s world, it is far too easy to get discouraged and to feel like we don’t have much worth. But each of us is unique, and each of us has unlimited capacity to do good in the world. Understanding our self-worth will propel us to greater and greater things. 

Positivity & Gratitude

Whether a child is blessed to be in an environment with more resources and opportunities, or in a more challenging one requiring more to be successful, these two values are self-reinforcing, and will help one see things clearly and implement a productive approach to life. 

Responsibility

Many experts believe that children raised in the past few decades have been denied the opportunity to develop responsibility. Children are capable of much more than we often realize, and can grow and shine from being given responsibility and being held accountable. 

Patience & Perseverance

In the age of instant gratification and constant stimulation, only those who practice patience will be able to exert full control of their lives. Understanding and managing our emotions is every bit as important as learning to read or add and subtract numbers, and will help us persevere in achieving our goals. 

Curiosity

Life rewards the curious. Learning is growing, and as we ask questions and discover answers, our curiosity enriches not only our overall lives, but it delights us each and every day. Developing curiosity will put children on a path toward greater joy. 

Respect

When we respect someone, we have appropriate regard for their feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions. This is an awareness, an attitude, and it shows that we care. Like many of these values, Respect will help us understand and connect with others, with benefits us all.