CHARACTER BUILDING SCOPE AND SEQUENCE, LEVEL 1

Ver.1; May 2010
Authored by Tomoko Matsuoka, Katiuscia Giusti, and Christi S. Lynch.
Copyright © 2010 by The Family International

Table of contents:
	Values and Virtues
	Social Skills
	Personal Responsibility

* * *

VALUES AND VIRTUES

Courage 
[The child should:]
a.	Learn of God's power to protect and comfort when feeling fearful; recognize that God is stronger than one’s fears; read and memorize Scripture upon which these principles are based.
b.	Learn of Biblical characters who displayed great courage in the face of fear or seemingly insurmountable odds.
c.	Learn coping strategies to deal with fears one encounters in daily life, and how to communicate about fears with those who can help. 
d.	Learn of actions one can take that will alleviate fear. 
e.	Learn to try new things that one doesn’t yet feel capable of doing. 
f.	(See also “Courage,” Level 2, CB.)

Contentment 
[The child should:]
a.	Learn of the Biblical basis for contentment (God knows our needs, and has promised to supply what we need); study and memorize pertinent Bible verses on the topic.
b.	Learn that expressing thankfulness and gratefulness to Jesus and others helps in feeling content with what one has. (See “Praise and Thanksgiving,” Level 1a–b, CLF)
c.	Learn to recognize the difference between “needs” and “wants,” and how to overcome feelings of discontent by counting one’s blessings and focusing on the needs of others. (See also “Gratitude,” Level 2a, CB.)
d.	(See also “Contentment,” Level 2, CB.)

Wisdom 
[The child should:]
a.	Learn that the root of all wisdom comes from God, the fear of Him, and God’s Word; read and memorize Scripture upon which these principles are based.
b.	Understand that wisdom is a gift of the Spirit, and godly wisdom is a manifestation of God’s Spirit within us. 
c.	Learn that there is a difference between man’s understanding versus God’s wisdom. 
d.	(See also “Wisdom,” Level 2, CB.)

Generosity 
[The child should:]
a.	Gain an understanding of generosity as based on Scripture: why it is that one gives to others, and the benefits to one’s spirit and heart that are gained through giving; study and memorize Bible verses that encourage giving.
b.	Learn of the blessings and benefits that God gives to those who give to Him and to others.
c.	Understand that giving is not merely a duty, but should be something that one does from the heart. When one gives to others from the heart, he or she is also giving to God. 
d.	Read of examples from the Bible and history of men and women who gave and received God’s blessings because of it.
e.	Learn to identify ways in which one can show generosity to others.
f.	(See also “Generosity,” Level 2, CB.)

Gentleness 
[The child should:]
a.	Learn that gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit, and is manifested when one abides in Jesus.
b.	Understand the importance of “gentleness” in one’s behavior; people’s feelings can be hurt, and things can be broken when gentleness is not practiced; study and memorize Bible verses that emphasize gentleness.
c.	Understand that practicing gentleness means being considerate and aware that one’s actions can either soothe and heal or hurt and break.
d.	Learn how one can personally manifest gentleness, and learn to manifest this behavior.

Gratitude 
[The child should:]
a.	Learn the importance of showing gratitude by thanking people, including writing thank-you notes, and how to do so sincerely as to help the person giving the gift to feel appreciated. 
b.	Learn that one should be grateful and graceful in one’s acceptance of gifts or favors, even when it is not exactly what one would have wished for.
c.	(See also “Gratitude,” Level 2, CB.)

Truthfulness 
[The child should:]
a.	Learn the importance of truthfulness, and what it means to practice it. 
b.	Learn that making mistakes is a part of growth and development, and that being honest when one makes mistakes encourages learning and growth. 
c.	Learn the difference between using one’s imagination and telling lies. 
d.	(See also “Integrity,” Level 2, CB.)

Moderation 
[The child should:]
a.	Learn that moderation is a form of temperance, which is a fruit of the Spirit, and is manifested when one is abiding in Jesus.
b.	Understand the basics of what comprises a balanced life, and how to have balance in one’s life.
c.	Understand the negative effects of when there is an imbalance, extreme, or excess in one’s life. 
d.	(See also “Contentment,” Levels 1 & 2, CB.)

Obedience 
[The child should:]
a.	Learn that obedience to parents, teachers, and caregivers helps one learn how to obey God; become familiar with Scripture upon which these principles are based; study and memorize verses that emphasize obedience.
b.	Learn of the need for obedient behaviors in one’s life in order to aid in one’s growth, safety, and progress. 
c.	Learn the importance of listening to and obeying those who care for oneself (parents and teachers), and the results of disobedience and the problems and danger that can ensue. 
d.	Learn the importance of obeying those in authority, such as government authorities and law enforcement officers.
e.	Learn that obedience can’t be decided on the basis of one’s desires or feelings, but rather that it is a habit one must cultivate in order to live a safe and happy life. 
f.	Learn of how God views disobedience, the reasons why one is tempted to disobey, and how to safeguard oneself from disobedience.
g.	(See also “Obedience to God,” Level 2, CLF.) 

Patience 
[The child should:]
a.	Learn that patience is important, not only to one’s personal well-being, but also in one’s interactions with one’s peers and parents. 
b.	Learn that patience is a fruit of the Spirit, and is manifested when one is abiding in Jesus.
c.	Learn from the Biblical accounts and Scripture that God’s timetable often differs from human deadlines and desires, and that a vital part of living a Christian life is to follow God’s timetable as opposed to one’s own. 

Peacefulness 
[The child should:]
a.	Study Scriptures about the peace God wishes to give us and the application it has in one’s life.
b.	Learn that peacefulness is a fruit of the Spirit, and manifested when one is abiding in Jesus
c.	Understand that perfect peace is also a result of trusting and obeying God.
d.	Be able to describe manifestations of peacefulness in Jesus; learn not to fret when faced with obstacles in life, but to find peace in Jesus to ease worries and apprehension.
e.	Recognize when one is not being peaceful, and know what steps to take in order to practice peacefulness. 

SOCIAL SKILLS

Courtesy 
[The child should:]
a.	Be able to describe what “courtesy” means, and that good etiquette is an offshoot of practicing courtesy. 
b.	Be able to identify ways in which courtesy is a part of Christian example, and the components of courteous behavior.
c.	Understand how one’s behavior affects others, and modify one’s behavior accordingly. 
d.	Recognize when one is practicing courtesy, and when one is not. 
e.	Be able to list basic social expectations of the country one lives in, such as greetings, table manners, phrases that show courtesy, and awareness of others’ feelings. 
f.	(See also “Health and Personal Care,” Levels 1 & 2, CB.)

Friendship 
[The child should:]
a.	Be able to define basic criteria of good friendships.
b.	Be able to identify what actions build friendships.
c.	Be able to identify what actions tear down friendships.
d.	Be able to identify the difference between following one’s peers as opposed to obeying one’s parents and Jesus.
e.	Be able to describe how to interact in harmony with others.

Communication and Interaction 
[The child should:]
a.	Learn of the importance and benefits of good communication, wise speech, and godly interactions; study and memorize scriptures upon which these principles are based.
b.	Be able to list the basics that comprise good communication: clear speech, eye contact, body language, etc.
c.	Learn the negative effects of gossip, criticism, and senseless interactions. 
d.	Learn how to compliment and appreciate others.
e.	(See also “Communication and Interaction,” Level 2, CB.)

Compassion 
[The child should:]
a.	Understand that compassion is putting kind thoughts and intentions into action. 
b.	Learn to see things from others’ point of view and empathize with the difficulties, obstacles, or situations that others face. 
c.	Recognize the power of compassion to help and soothe. 
d.	Be able to identify various ways that compassion can be manifested in one’s life.

Forgiveness 
[The child should:]
a.	Understand that Jesus has forgiven all sins and mistakes, and therefore it is our duty to forgive others; read and memorize Bible verses that highlight this principle.
b.	Be able to identify steps to take that will help one to practice forgiveness. 
c.	Be able to identify when one has done something wrong, and describe how to seek forgiveness for wrongdoing.
d.	(See also “Forgiveness,” Level 2, CB.)

Respect 
[The child should:]
a.	Be able to define “respect”—consideration and thoughtfulness of others, admiration of somebody, showing esteem to someone else, being careful of another’s feelings and belongings, etc. 
b.	Be able to describe how one shows respect to others in many ways, but specifically through good manners and communications and interactions with others. 
c.	Be able to list ways that convey respect to others.
d.	Learn of the Scriptural injunction to honor one’s parents; in essence, to show respect and deference to one’s parents as they raise and train their children. 
e.	Learn to respect those in authority.
f.	(See also “Respect,” Level 2, CB.)
g.	(See also “Courtesy,” Level 1 & 2, CB.)

Conviction 
[The child should:]
a.	Learn how to stay true to what one knows to be right; learn how to get oneself out of a situation that could compromise one’s convictions.

Conviction 
[The child should:]
b.	Learn the importance of standing up for what one knows is right, and doing so with humility, tact, wisdom, and consideration.
c.	Be able to identify the difference between conviction and stubbornness—conviction is based on a firmly held belief, while stubbornness generally reflects personal positions or viewpoints that one refuses to alter. 
d.	Study about Biblical and historical characters who stood up for their convictions.
e.	(See also “Loyalty,” Level 2, CB.)
f.	(See also “Justice,” Level 2, CB.)

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

Stewardship 
[The child should:]
a.	Learn the importance of diligently caring for one’s own and others’ belongings.
b.	Learn to respect public property.
c.	Learn the value of common everyday items in our lives, such as electricity, water, food, etc.
d.	Learn to properly value money, to be considerate of its value in life while keeping it in its place.

Perseverance 
[The child should:]
a.	Be able to describe the importance and benefits of perseverance in completing tasks, and what happens when perseverance is not practiced. 
b.	Learn that the basis of perseverance stems from motivation in what one is doing. 
c.	Identify ways to practice perseverance: learn to finish what one begins, to ask for help when needed, and to persist despite difficulty.
d.	(See also “Perseverance,” Level 2, CB.)

Health and Personal Care 
[The child should:]
a.	Learn that one’s body is a creation of and the temple of God, and that taking care of one’s body is a part of the duty God has given to man; become familiar with scriptures upon which this principle is based. 
b.	Learn hygiene related information appropriate to one’s age, and general ways in which to care for one’s appearance.
c.	Learn components of healthy living for one’s age: the advantages of being diligent with exercise, the importance of sufficient rest, and basic guidelines for a healthy diet.
d.	(See also “Health and Personal Care,” Level 2, CB.)

Responsibility 
[The child should:]
a.	Be able to describe the importance of being responsible and diligent with tasks: the trust of others is gained when one shows oneself to be responsible and true to one’s word. 
b.	Learn to take responsibility for one’s actions.
c.	Learn to not hide behind or fabricate excuses for not doing or completing a task that has been given.
d.	(See also “Responsibility,” Level 2, CB.)

Self-discipline 
[The child should:]
a.	Learn that self-discipline means that one is responsible for one’s actions, reactions, and behavior.
b.	Learn to do what is right, even when others are not there to judge one’s actions; become familiar with Scripture upon which this principle is built.

Learning and Study Skills 
[The child should:]
a.	Learn of the joy that comes from discovering and learning new things.
b.	Learn of the importance of investing into one’s education, and identify with Biblical, historical, and present-day characters who were/are successful, due to investing in their education. 
c.	Learn various study skills appropriate to one’s age. (See “Excellence,” Level 2, CB; “Perseverance,” Levels 1 & 2, CB; “Self-discipline,” Levels 1 & 2, CB.)
d.	Learn to try new things that one doesn’t yet feel capable of doing. (See “Courage,” Level 1e, CB.)
e.	(See also “Learning and Study Skills,” Level 2, CB.)

Problem Solving 
[The child should:]
a.	Understand that one can change one’s reactions or actions in order to change the outcome of a situation, and thus solve problems.
b.	Learn to assess ways to overcome everyday difficulties and problems that one is faced with.
c.	(See also “Critical-thinking Skills,” Level 2, CB.)

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