CharacterStrong is a school-based program for grades PreK-12 that teaches children social-emotional skills and character traits like kindness, empathy, and respect. It provides ready-to-use, low-prep lessons and activities for teachers to foster a positive school culture, reduce behavioral issues, and build strong, meaningful relationships between students and staff. The program uses engaging, research-based content that promotes student well-being, belonging, and a sense of purpose, with the goal of creating students who are kind, strong, and well. 

What CharacterStrong does:

• Teaches SEL and Character Skills:

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  The program integrates social-emotional learning (SEL) with character education, teaching skills such as self-awareness, managing emotions, building healthy relationships, and making responsible decisions. 

• Fosters Positive Culture:

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  By focusing on shared traits like gratitude, empathy, and perseverance, CharacterStrong helps create a school climate where students feel safe, included, and connected to their peers and teachers. 

• Provides Ready-to-Use Resources:

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  Teachers receive lessons, discussion prompts, activities, and digital resources that are designed to be low-burden and require minimal preparation time. 

• Builds Relationships:

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  A key component is strengthening educator-student relationships, which are seen as foundational for a positive learning environment and student success. 

• Supports Whole-Child Development:

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  The curriculum is designed to develop the "whole child," not just academically, but also emotionally and socially, to help them become well-rounded individuals. 

How it works:

• Vertically Aligned Curriculum:

  The program is vertically aligned from kindergarten through 12th grade, ensuring that students receive age-appropriate lessons on character and SEL throughout their schooling without repetition. 

• Flexible Implementation:

  Lessons can be adapted to various time constraints and activities, including quick connection games, content-focused skill-building, and "character dares" that encourage practical application of skills. 

• Focus on Key Traits:

  The elementary version, PurposeFull People, focuses on 10 core traits like courage, respect, kindness, and honesty. 

• Tiered Approach:

  CharacterStrong offers solutions not just for universal instruction (Tier 1) but also provides Tier 2 and Tier 3 support for students who need more intensive help with their social, emotional, and behavioral needs.