CHARACTER COUNTS! Kindness 101

Dreaming Big – Cleveland Auto Mechanic Fulfills Lifelong Dream to Become a Doctor

It is never too late in life to dream big and chase after your goals. With perseverance and courage, we can work towards our goals, no matter the size.

Dreaming Big
Grade Level: K-12
 
Character Skills
  • Trustworthiness
  • Responsibility
SEL Skills
  • Self-Awareness
  • Self-Management 
Academic Skills
  • Diligent Learner
  • Self-Direction and Engagement

Definitions

Trustworthiness
  • Be honest. Don’t deceive, cheat, or steal.
  • Have integrity. Do what you say you’ll do.
  • Keep your promises.
  • Be loyal. Stand by your values.
Responsibility
  • Do what you are supposed to do. Try your best.
  • Persevere. Keep on trying.
  • Be self-disciplined.
  • Think before you act. Consider the consequences.
  • Be accountable for your words, actions, and attitudes.
Self-Awareness

Identify and understand emotions, values, attitudes, motivations, mindsets, and personal attributes.

Self-Management

Regulate emotions, attitudes, and actions and resist negative emotions and impulses.

Diligent Learner

Have a growth mindset and is willing to learn from mistakes.

Self-Direction and Engagement

Fully engaged in the educational process and connected to the school community.

Learn more about our character, SEL, and academic outcomes.
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The Ray Center at Drake University
CBS News

Students will learn about the necessary character skills it takes to reach a goal from a former auto mechanic who becomes a doctor.

Download Google Slides
activiate prior knowledge

Activate Prior Knowledge

  • What does it mean to have a big dream?
    • A big dream is something important that we hope will happen.
  • What are some dreams you have for your life?
Kindness 101

Kindness 101 Video

discussion

Discussion Prompts

  • What skills did Carl need to fulfill his dream of becoming a doctor? Think about both job-related skills and character skills.
  • What will it take for you to reach one of your goals or dreams?
  • Do you think your dreams and goals will always go according to plan? Will your dreams stay the same as you get older? Why or why not?
  • Steve says in the video, “Your success hinges on your drive.” What does that mean to you?
  • What is your takeaway from the video?
materials

Activity Materials

  • Paper
  • Writing utensils
  • Highlighters/markers
activity

Activity: Personal Dreams

  • Ask each student to fold a blank piece of paper into thirds.
  • At the top of each of the three sections, they will write one of their personal dreams.
  • Ask students to answer these questions for each of their dreams.
    • Why is this dream important to you?
    • What motivates you to achieve this dream?
    • What skills do you need to succeed?
    • What challenges might be in your way?
  • After students have had time to reflect on their dreams, have them look over all three and find common responses and ideas. Highlight those ideas in another color.
  • Ask for volunteers to share their dreams and any potential challenges they may face.
  • Follow-up questions:
    • What are common responses and ideas from your worksheet?
    • Do you share dreams or challenges with any other students?
    • How can you work together to help each other achieve your dreams and goals?
journal prompts

Journal Prompts

K-5

  • Who inspires you to go after your dreams and goals? How do they inspire you?
  • What motivates you to succeed?

6-12

  • Have you ever had the “’I can’t do it’ blues,” as Steve calls them? How did you overcome them?
  • How can you stay motivated to make your dreams a reality, even when it is challenging?
family connection

Family Connection

Educators: Copy the Family Connection and email it to parents, or click here to download a PDF version to email or print.

Watch
Watch the video as a family: https://youtu.be/pP3J4wo7Ns8

Discuss
Use these questions to start meaningful conversations about dreaming big.

  • Share one of your dreams. Why is this dream important to you? How do you plan to achieve it?
  • How can we support one another in making our dreams become a reality?
  • Have your dreams and hopes for your life changed as you have grown up? Why or why not?

More Kindness 101 Activities

CHARACTER COUNTS! Lessons and Activities

 

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