AMP | Kids is proud to announce an ongoing partnership with The Mini Page, now in its 50th year of providing engaging and fun learning opportunities to young readers across the country. This feature was originally syndicated in newspapers the week of September 6 – September 12, 2019. It is distributed digitally here with permission from Andrews McMeel Syndication. Enjoy and share with the young learners in your life!
We sometimes look to athletes and music, film and TV stars as heroes and heroines. We want to be like them. But while we admire these people for what they do, it’s their life off the stage or field that really counts. There is more to greatness than hitting home runs, having a hit album or starring in a blockbuster film or TV show. You could be someone else’s role model. You don’t have to be a big star to be great yourself! You can be great in your very own way. The more you practice good character traits, the better a person you become.
Doing good
Lebron James
People with good character traits are usually happier and lead fuller lives than people with bad traits. Being great starts within. It begins with how you feel and behave toward yourself and others. You have to practice, practice, practice. Every little good thing counts toward building strong character. We have given you some building blocks for good character, along with ways to practice them. We bet you have great ideas yourself.
#Respect
- for myself: I am active every day.
- for others: I clean up my messes.
- for property: I don’t take things that aren’t mine.
- for rules: I follow rules at school and at home.
- for authority: I listen to my teacher and my parents.
#Responsibility
- I’m dependable.
- I accept blame when I’m at fault.
#Cooperation
- I work with others to achieve goals.
#Caring
- I give my time, effort and thoughts to others.
#Fairness
- I listen to both sides and think about how my decisions will affect others.
#Honesty
- I always tell the truth.
#Courage
- I follow my own beliefs, even when they’re not popular with others.
How can you be #Great?
Nobody is perfect, but consider these simple words from Abraham Lincoln: “When I do good, I feel good. When I do bad, I feel bad.”
Practicing great behavior helps it become a habit. Help yourself by keeping a great-for-me diary. Keep a list of the great things you do for yourself and others.
You can start your diary here, then expand it as the school year goes on.
Today, I:
- …treated others as I would like to be treated.
- …volunteered to help without being asked.
- …was on time for school and other activities.
- …helped a parent or sibling with a chore.
- …called or sent a note to an elderly relative.
Resources
On the Web:
At the library:
-
Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed by Emily Pearson
- The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig
Teachers: For standards-based activities to accompany this feature, visit Andrews McMeel Syndication. And follow The Mini Page on Facebook!