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Abraham Lincoln
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"Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing."
Celebrate
Character
Recognising and rewarding Character
Consider this...
Recent research has shown that extrinsic rewards are good! Stars, badges and certificates are an entry point for engagement which kick starts the positive feedback loop of internal rewards.
Many teachers instinctively use rewards to aid engagement and learning. These are often based on good work or academic success. Character “rewards” instead celebrate something the child has done that shows character.
…there was a character recognition and development framework which helped you to notice and celebrate character behaviours and grow them over time so that you could share how children were developing, from whatever their starting points.
Imagine if...
Current picture...
At FoundationsFirst we have developed a suite of rewards to look for growth in Character including:
1
Character passports for children to collect their rewards and reflect on their progress.
2
Class character development charts and character stamps, stickers, badges and certificates - all to celebrate growth.
“You cannot have everything in the present. The road to mastery requires patience. You will have to keep your focus on five years down the road, when you will reap the rewards of your efforts. The process of getting there, however, is full of challenges and rewards.”
Robert Greene