We teach children the values, positive behaviors, and strong character traits to last a lifetime. We at First Circle are proud of our unique character education program, MyCharacter, an important component of curriculum. Character is what determines how we respond to the situations and circumstances of life, and it’s demonstrated by how a person thinks, acts, and feels. Character is manifested by the habits and values a person demonstrates in their interactions with others, and how they treat themselves. According to early childhood experts, children begin to develop character traits in infancy based on their own personal experiences, relationships and temperament. Character education is essential for young children to learn because studies show that character skills are as important as academic skills in determining success in life. When children are taught the habits of planning and goal-setting, self-regulation, decision-making, organizing their personal time, and managing responsibilities effectively, they are building lifelong learning habits that will help them succeed in school and in life.
MyCharacter helps children build the social-emotional skills that create a strong foundation for school readiness and lifelong success. Through everyday interactions and guided learning experiences, children develop skills such as self-regulation, problem-solving, communication, empathy, cooperation, resilience, and responsible decision-making. We believe these skills are just as important as academics in helping children feel confident, capable, and prepared to succeed in kindergarten, school, and beyond.
MyCharacter introduces an area of character every three months, with a specific trait each month, outlined on the chart. Activities and materials are incorporated into daily education and routines throughout the program. The books, games, poems and songs that are introduced each month highlight the trait and teach pro-social behaviors as well as engage children in making choices and decisions to reinforce the learning objectives. With each character trait, children participate in multiple learning activities to think about ways to solve problems, to reinforce learning, and to see how their behavior, actions, and words affect others.
MyCharacter teaches children how each trait plays an important part in being a person of character. The benefits of teaching character at a young age are clear:
As kids grow, they’re figuring out who they are and learning important life skills along the way. By building a strong sense of self, they’re developing the tools to handle challenges, take responsibility, and stay motivated.
When children learn relationship skills, they’re building the foundation for strong, healthy relationships—with friends, teachers, and even younger kids. These early lessons help them connect with others in meaningful and positive ways.
A child’s character shapes who they become—not just at home or school, but as future coworkers, neighbors, and leaders. Teaching citizenship traits helps them grow into thoughtful, inclusive adults who make a positive impact in their communities and the world.
Developing leadership is a critical 21st-century skill. When we teach children leadership skills, we are setting them up to be the role models, leaders, and innovators of the future.