CHARACTER
GOOD CHARACTER IS NOT FORMED IN A WEEK OR A MONTH . IT IS CREATED LITTLE BY LITTLE , DAY BY DAY . PROTRACTED AND PATIENT EFFORT IS NEEDED TO DEVELOP GOOD CHARACTER . -HERACLITUS
Here at OSOTA , in each classroom we place a concentrated effort on infusing character education into our daily lessons . We want to develop character that is evident through the way scholars are acting , thinking and feeling .
Character Report Cards are one of the tools we use to help holistically educate our scholars . We provide feedback quarterly to scholars via this report card regarding areas they are growing in .
Our approach is rooted in research from Dr . Martin Seligman and Dr . Angela Duckworth ( of University of Pennsylvania ), Dr . Chris Peterson ( of University of Michigan ), and Character Lab that identifies 24 character strengths as keys to leading engaged , meaningful , and purposeful lives . At OSOTA we focus on 8 key characteristics and provide numerous opportunities for character to be developed . In Middle and High School this is reinforced through our Annual Character Houses which launch December 2nd .
Below you will find definitions of each character trait , and listed on the next page are the key indicators we seek to cultivate (* Character Lab ). The 8 character strengths are divided into three categories : strengths of mind , strengths of will and strengths of heart .
Strengths of heart : These are the “ helping ” strengths . They help you relate in positive ways to other people .
Strengths of mind : These are the “ thinking ” strengths . They enable a fertile and independent life of the mind .
Strengths of will : These strengths are what you might call the “ doing ” strengths . They help you achieve your goals .
Curiosity ( Strengths of Mind ) is a strong desire to learn or know something , a search for information for its own sake .
Gratitude ( Strengths of Heart ) is the appreciation for the benefits we receive from others , and the desire to reciprocate .
Grit ( Strengths of Will ) is perseverance and passion for long-term goals .
Optimism ( Strengths of Will ) is being hopeful about future outcomes combined with the agency to shape that future .
Self-control-school work ( Strength of Mind ) is controlling one ’ s own responses so they align with short and long term goals pertaining to school . Self-control-interpersonal ( Strengths of Heart ) is controlling one ’ s own responses so they align with short and long term goals pertaining to relationships .
Social intelligence ( Strength of Heart ) is having the ability to see purpose and value in relationships .
Zest ( Strengths of Mind ) is also referred to as vitality . It ’ s an approach to life that is filled with excitement and energy .
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