CHARACTER COUNTS! Kindness 101

Role Model - How a Girl Born Without Most of Her Arm was Inspired by a Denver Soccer Player Just Like Her

A role model is someone whose actions, character, and choices inspire others to learn, grow, and become their best selves.

Grade Level: K-12
 
Character Skills
  • Responsibility
  • Good Citizenship
SEL Skills
  • Self-Awareness
  • Social Awareness
Academic Skills
  • Diligent Learner

Definitions

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.
Good Citizenship
  • Do your share to make your home, school, and community better.
  • Cooperate.
  • Stay informed. Vote.
  • Be a good neighbor.
  • Make choices that protect the safety and rights of others.
  • Protect the environment.
Self-Awareness

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

Social Awareness

Assess and be sensitive to the feelings and needs of others.

Diligent Learner

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

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

Students will identify the qualities of positive role models and reflect on how those qualities influence their own behavior. Students will recognize character strengths in others and consider traits they would like to develop in themselves.

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activiate prior knowledge

Activate Prior Knowledge

  • Who is someone you look up to?
  • What qualities make a person a good role model?
  • Can a role model be someone you know personally? Why or why not?
Kindness 101

Kindness 101 Video

discussion

Discussion Prompts

  • How did the soccer player inspire the girl in the video?
  • What qualities did the soccer player show that made her a good role model?
  • Can someone be a role model even if they are not famous? Why?
  • Who is someone you look up to, and what is one thing you admire about them?
materials

Activity Materials

  • Index cards
  • Writing utensils
activity

Activity: Role Model Trading Cards

  1. Ask students to think of someone they admire. This could be a family member, teacher, coach, friend, community member, or historical figure.
  2. Give each student an index card to create a Role Model Trading Card. Students should include:
    • Person’s first name only (or initials)
    • Their “superpower” (character trait)
    • One action that shows that trait
    • One lesson they have taught the student
    • An image that reminds them of their role model
  1. Once trading cards are complete, place students in small groups.
  2. Students take turns sharing their cards while group members identify the character strengths represented.
  3. Facilitate a discussion about common traits that appeared across the role models.

Extension:

  • Students give their card to their role model as a surprise recognition gift.

Follow-up questions:

  • What qualities appeared most often on the trading cards?
  • Why do you think those qualities are important?
  • How can role models influence our choices and behavior?
  • Can someone be a role model without realizing it? Explain.
journal prompts

Journal Prompts

K-5

  • Draw or describe one of your role models and explain why you admire them.
  • What is one character trait you would like to learn from your role model?
  • How can you be a role model for someone else?

6-12

  • Describe a role model who has had a positive impact on your life.
  • What character trait from a role model would you most like to strengthen in yourself?
  • How can you intentionally become a positive role model for others?
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

Discuss

Use these questions to start meaningful conversations about role models.

  • Who are the role models in our family and community?
  • What traits do we admire most in others?
  • How can family members set positive examples for one another?

Activity

  • Create a Family Role Model Wall. Each family member writes the name of someone they admire and lists three character traits that make that person a positive role model.
  • Share stories that demonstrate those traits and discuss ways family members can practice them in everyday life.

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