"Character is not developed by accident. It’s not something that happens spontaneously. It’s gotta be proactive. It’s gotta be intentional. It’s gotta be purposeful. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun!" says Michael Josephson, president and CEO of the Josephson Institute.
Art Teacher Suzette Morrow of Potterville High School knows how to make character education fun. Students in two of her classes recently completed a series of large murals depicting the Six Pillars of Character in creative ways.
Murals were painted directly on school walls and therefore required extensive planning and preparation. Before picking up a paint brush, students brainstormed ideas and agreed upon a visual concept.
Morrow’s 1st period students created a scene that incorporates their school mascot, the panther, with the Six Pillars. Students in her 7th period class used the CC! Sticks Mosaic Posters as inspiration for their murals. Before proceeding, the class demonstrated responsibility by obtaining permission to use the Mosaic concept from both the artist and the CC! National Office.
Morrow’s role in the mural project was as facilitator rather than director. This hands-off approach allowed her students to visually express their understanding of the Six Pillars of Character. They were participants in an educational experience, not just recipients of information.
Morrow has actively engaged in CHARACTER COUNTS! for several years, but was recently offered the opportunity to attend a Character Development Seminar. "Like most cases with new knowledge, it opens the mind to even more questions and that is where I am now," she said.
Morrow’s thirst for knowledge guarantees that character education in her classroom will be proactive, intentional, and purposeful. And she knows that unlocking her students’ creativity is the secret to making it fun. Congratulations to all on a job well done!
