Character Study
CURRICULUM: For Instruction in Righteousness by
Adventure
Definition of Adventure
Biblical Examples of Adventure:
Bible Verses:
Modern Examples of Adventure:
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Adventure: The Story of Sacagawea by
Animal Examples of Adventure:
Alertness
vs. Unawareness
Definition of Alertness
Being aware of that which is taking place around me so I can have the right response to it.
Biblical Examples of Alertness:
Bible Verses: Mark 14: 38
Modern Examples of Alertness:
Animal Examples of Alertness:
CURRICULUM: Character Sketches Volume 2 by Institute in Basic Life Principles
Attentiveness
vs. Unconcern
Showing the worth of a person by giving undivided attention to his words and emotions.
Hebrews 2:1
Availability
vs. Self-Centeredness
Making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I am serving.
Philippians 2:20-21
CURRICULUM: Character Sketches Volume 2 by Institute in Basic Life Principles
Being Yourself
A Bad Case of the Stripes by David Shannon
Dandelion by Don Freeman
Exclamation Mark by Tom Lichtenheld & Amy Krouse Rosenthal
The Greedy Triangle by Marilyn Burns and Sydney Hoff
Ira Sleeps Over by Bernard Waber
The Mixed Up Chameleon by Eric Carle
Not Your Typical Dragon by Dan Bar-el
Olivia by Ian Falconer
The Paper Bag Princess by Robert N. Munsch
Purplicious by Elizabeth Kann and Victoria Kann
Ruby the Copycat by Peggy Rathmann
Spoon by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun by Maria Dismondy
Stellaluna by Janelle Cannon
Benevolence
Boldness / Tenacity
vs. Fearfulness
Confidence that what I have to say or do is true and right and just in the sight of God.
Acts 4:29
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Boldness: The Story of Captain Cook by
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Tenacity: The Story of Maurice Richard by
Cautiousness
vs Rashness
Knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions.
Proverbs 19:2
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Challenge / Facing a Challenge
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Facing A Challenge: The Story of Terry Fox by
Charity
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Charity: The Story of Paul-Emile Leger by
Cheerfulness
READ ALOUD:
Compassion / Caring
vs. Indifference
Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others.
I John 3:17
READ ALOUD: The Book of Virtues by William J Bennett
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Compassion: The Story of Florence Nightingale by
Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse by Leo Lionni
A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams
Chicken Sunday by Patricia Polacco
Corduroy by Don Freeman
Fireflies by Julie Brinckloe
Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud
Knots on a Counting Rope by Bill Martin Jr.
Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney
Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters by John Steptoe
Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco
A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead
The Tenth Good Thing About Barney by Judith Viorst
Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts
Three Questions by Jon J. Muth
Tough Boris by Mem Fox
Under the Lemon Moon by Edith Hope Fine
The Wednesday Surprise by Eve Bunting
Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox
Contentment
vs. Covetousness
Realizing that God has provided everything I need for my present happiness.
I Timothy 6:8
CURRICULUM: Character Sketches Volume 3 by Institute in Basic Life Principles
Courage
CURRICULUM: Character Sketches Volume 1 by Institute in Basic Life Principles
READ ALOUD: The Book of Virtues by William J Bennett
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Courage: The Story of Jackie Robinson by
Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride: Based on a True Story by Pam Munoz Ryan
Brave Harriet by Marissa Moss
The Butterfly by Patricia Polacco
Courage by Bernard Waber
The Dandelion Seed by Joseph A. Anthony
Hey Al by Arthur Yorinks
Humpty Dumpty Climbs Again by Dave Horowitz
Mirette on the Highwire by Emily Arnold McCully
Sheila Rae, the Brave by Kevin Henkes
The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles
Stuart’s Cape by Sara Pennypacker
Summer Wheels by Eve Bunting
Thunder Cake by Patricia Polacco
When Marian Sang by Pam Munoz Ryan
Conviction
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Conviction: The Story of Cesar Chavez by
Creativity
vs. Underachievement
Approaching a need, a task, an idea from a new perspective.
Romans 12:2
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Creativity: The Story of Thomas Edison by
Curiosity / Learning
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Curiosity: The Story of Christopher Columbus by
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Learning: The Story of Marie Curie by
Decisiveness
vs. Double-mindedness
The ability to finalize difficult decisions based on the will and ways of God.
James 1:5
CURRICULUM: Character Sketches Volume 1 by Institute in Basic Life Principles
Dedication / Commitment
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Dedication: The Story of Albert Schweitzer by
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Commitment: The Story of Jacques Cousteau by
Deference
vs. Rudeness
Limiting my freedom in order not to offend the tastes of those whom God has called me to serve.
Romans 14:21
Dependability
vs. Inconsistency
Fulfilling what I consented to do even if it means unexpected sacrifice.
Psalm 15:4
Determination / Overcoming Adversity
vs. Faintheartedness
Purposing to accomplish God’s goals in God’s time, regardless of the opposition.
II Timothy 4:7-8
CURRICULUM: Character Sketches Volume 1 by Institute in Basic Life Principles
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Overcoming Adversity: The Story of Wilma Rudolph by
Dignity
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Dignity: The Story of Arthur Ashe by
Diligence
vs.Slothfulness
Visualizing each task as a special assignment from the Lord and using all my energies to accomplish it.
Colossians 3:23
Discernment
vs. Judgement
The God-given ability to understand why things happen.
I Samuel 16:7
Discretion
vs. Simplemindedness
The ability to avoid words, actions, and attitudes which could result in undesirable consequences.
Proverbs 22:3
Endurance / Believing in Yourself
vs. Giving Up
The inward strength to withstand stress to accomplish God’s best.
Galatians 6:9
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READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Believing in Yourself: The Story of Helen Keller by
Enthusiasm
vs. Apathy
Expressing with my soul the joy of my spirit.
I Thessalonians 5:16, 19
Faith
vs. Presumption
Visualizing what God intends to do in a given situation and acting in harmony with it.
Hebrews 11:1
READ ALOUD: The Book of Virtues by William J Bennett
Flexibility
vs. Resistance
Not setting my affections on ieas or plans which could be changed by God or others.
Colossians 3:2
CURRICULUM: Character Sketches Volume 2 by Institute in Basic Life Principles
Forgiveness
vs. Rejection
Clearing the record of those who have wronged me and allowing God to love them through me.
Ephesians 4:32
Foresight
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Foresight: The Story of Thomas Jefferson by
Friendship
READ ALOUD: The Book of Virtues by William J Bennett
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Friendship: The Story of Jane Addams by
Generosity / Giving / Sharing
vs. Stinginess
Realizing that all I have belongs to God and using it for His purpose.
II Corinthians 9:6
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Giving: The Story of Beethoven by
CURRICULUM: Character Sketches Volume 2 by Institute in Basic Life Principles
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Sharing: The Story of Mayo Brothers by
Gentleness
vs. Harshness
Showing personal care and concern in meeting the need of others.
I Thessalonians 2:7
Gratefulness
vs. Unthankfulness
Making known to God and others in what ways they have benefited my life.
I Corinthians 4:7
CURRICULUM: Character Sketches Volume 3 by Institute in Basic Life Principles
Hardwork / Work / Helping
READ ALOUD: The Book of Virtues by William J Bennett
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Helping: The Story of Harriet Tubman by
Honor
Hospitality
vs. Loneliness
Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, and spiritual refreshment with those whom God brings into my life.
Hebrews 13:2
CURRICULUM: Character Sketches Volume 2 by Institute in Basic Life Principles
Humility
vs. Pride
Recognizing that it is actually God and others who are responsible for the achievements in my life.
James 4:6
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Humility: The Story of Mother Theresa by
Humor / Laughter
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Humor: The Story of Will Rogers by
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Laughter: The Story of Lucille Ball by
Imagination / Fantasy
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Imagination: The Story of Charles Dickens by
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Imagination: The Story of Jim Henson by
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Fantasy: The Story of Hans Christian Anderson by
Initiative
vs. Unresponsiveness
Recognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked to do it.
Romans 12:20
CURRICULUM: Character Sketches Volume 1 by Institute in Basic Life Principles
Joyfulness / Positive Attitude / Optimism
vs. Self-Pity
The spontaneous enthusiasm of my spirit when my soul is in fellowship with the Lord.
Psalm 16:11
CURRICULUM: Character Sketches Volume 2 by Institute in Basic Life Principles
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Positive Attitude: The Story of Michael Landon by
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Optimism: The Story of Amelia Earhart by
Justice / Fairness
vs. Corruption
Personal responsibility to God’s unchanging laws.
Micha 6:8
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Fairness: The Story of Nellie Bly by
A Bargain for Frances by Russell Hoban
Farmer Duck by Martin Waddell
One Grain of Rice by Demi
The Little Red Hen by
The Little Red Hen (Makes a Pizza) by Philemon Sturges
Stone Soup by Ann McGovern
Kindness / Caring
CURRICULUM: Character Sketches Volume 3 by Institute in Basic Life Principles
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Kindness: The Story of Elizabeth Fry by
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Caring: The Story of Eleanor Roosevelt by
Leadership
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Leadership: The Story of Winston Churchill by
Love / Benevolence
vs. Selfishness
Giving to others’ basic needs without having as my motive personal reward.
I Corinthians 13:3
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Love: The Story of Johnny Appleseed by
Loyalty
vs. Unfaithfulness
Using difficult times to demonstrate my commitment to God and to those whom he has called me to serve.
CURRICULUM: Character Sketches Volume 1 by Institute in Basic Life Principles
CURRICULUM: For Instruction in Righteousness by
FREE CURRICULUM: Character First: Loyalty
READ ALOUD: The Book of Virtues by William J Bennett
Meekness
vs. Anger
Yielding my personal rights and experience to God.
Psalm 62:5
Modesty
READ ALOUD:
Obedience
vs. Willfullness
Freedom to be creative under the protection of divinely appointed authority
II Corinthians 10:5
Orderliness
vs. Disorganization
Preparing myself and my surroundings so I will achieve the greatest efficiency.
I Corinthians 14:40
CURRICULUM: Character Sketches Volume 1 by Institute in Basic Life Principles
Patience
vs. Restlessness
Accepting a difficult situation from God without giving him a deadline to remove it.
Romans 5:3-4
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Patience: The Story of Wright Brothers by
Perseverance
READ ALOUD: The Book of Virtues by William J Bennett
Apples to Oregon by Deborah Hopkinson
Brave Irene by William Steig
The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss
Henry’s Freedom Box by Ellen Levine
The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper
Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges
Unstoppable Me!: 10 Ways to Soar Through Life by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
The Very Busy Spider by Eric Carle
Wilma Unlimited by Kathleen Krull
Persuasiveness
vs. Contentiousness
Guiding vital truths around another’s mental roadblocks.
II Timothy 2:24
Punctuality
vs. Tardiness
Showing high esteem for other people and their time.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
CURRICULUM: Character Sketches Volume 3 by Institute in Basic Life Principles
Resourcefulness
vs. Wastefulness
Wise use of that which others would normally overlook.
Luke 16:10
CURRICULUM: Character Sketches Volume 3 by Institute in Basic Life Principles
Respect
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Respect: The Story of Abraham Lincoln by
David Goes to School by David Shannon
The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle
Hey, Little Ant by Phillip M. Hoose
Lily’s Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes
Miss Nelson is Missing by Harry Allard
Piggybook by Anthony Browne
The Recess Queen by Alexis O’Neill
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
Are You Quite Polite? by Alan Katz
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Responsibility
vs. Unreliability
Knowing and doing what both God and others are expecting from me.
Romans 14:12
CURRICULUM: Character Sketches Volume 1 by Institute in Basic Life Principles
READ ALOUD: The Book of Virtues by William J Bennett
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Responsibility: The Story of Ralph Bunche by
Alexander, Who Used to be Rich Last Sunday by Judith Viorst
I Just Forgot by Mercer Mayer
The Paperboy by Dav Pilkey
Pigsty by Mark Teague
Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola
Honor / Reverence
vs. Disrespect
Awareness of how God is working through the people and events in my life to produce the character of Christ in me.
Respecting others because of their worth as human beings.
Proverbs 23:17-18
Security
vs. Anxiety
Structuring my life around that which is eternal and cannot be destroyed or taken away.
John 6:27
Self-Discipline / Discipline
Biblically speaking, self-discipline is the act of doing.
READ ALOUD: The Book of Virtues by William J Bennett
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Discipline: The Story of Alexander Graham Bell by
Self-Control
vs. Self-Indulgence
Instant obedience to the initial promptings of God’s Spirit.
Galatians 5:24-25
Biblically speaking, self-control is the act of NOT doing.
READ ALOUD: The Book of Virtues by William J Bennett
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Discipline: The Story of Alexander Graham Bell by
Saving
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Saving: The Story of Benjamin Franklin by
Sensitivity
vs. Callousness
Exercising my senses so I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me.
Romans 12:15
Sincerity
vs. Hypocrisy
Eagerness to do what is right with transparent motives.
I Peter 1:22
Thoroughness
vs. Incompleteness
Knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of my work or words if neglected.
Proverbs 18:15
Thoughtfulness
READ ALOUD:
Thriftiness
vs. Extravagance
Not letting myself or others spend that which is not necessary.
Luke 16:11
CURRICULUM: Character Sketches Volume 3 by Institute in Basic Life Principles
Tolerance
vs. Prejudice
Acceptance of others as unique expressions of specific character qualities in varying degree of maturity.
Philippians 2:2
Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman
The Cow that Went Oink by Bernard Most
The Crayon Box That Talked by Shane Derolf
If the World Were a Village by David J. Smith
Little Blue, Little Yellow by Leo Lionni
The Okay Book by Todd Parr
Oliver Button is a Sissy by Tomie dePaola
Smoky Night by Eve Bunting
Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell
Swimmy by Leo Lionni
Teammates by Peter Golenbock
Whoever You Are by Mem Fox
Woolbur by Leslie Helakoski
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
Don’t Sit on My Lunch by Abby Klein
Hooway for Wodney Wat by Helen Lester
The Juice Box Bully by Maria Dismondy
King of the Playground by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco
Words are Not for Hurting by Elizabeth Verdick
Truthfulness / Trustworthiness / Honesty
vs. Deception
Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts.
Ephesians 4:25
READ ALOUD: The Book of Virtues by William J Bennett
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Honesty: The Story of Confucius by
READ ALOUD: ValueTales: The Value of Truth and Trust: The Story of Cochise by
The Boy Who Cried Wolf by B.G.Hennessy
A Day’s Work by Eve Bunting
The Empty Pot by Demi
Martha Blah Blah by Susan Meddaugh
Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto
Virtue
vs. Impurity
The moral excellence and purity of spirit that radiate from my life as I obey God’s Word.
II Peter 1:3
Understanding
Willingness
READ ALOUD:
Wisdom
vs. Natural Inclinations
Seeing and responding to life’s situations from God’s frame of reference.
Proverbs 9:10
Live the Perissos Life!
Blessings,
