Character
guiding values & principles
Building strong character through timeless values.
Each week we focus on one value as a family, completing all required tasks and then each child collects a curio to celebrate their learning and progress.
Value Packs
(provided with membership)
Each value pack consists of:
a brief explanation of the value, why it matters and how it shows up in real life
a short story that illustrates the value along with complimentary songs, images, quotes or movies
a child friendly definition of the value
a series of reflection prompts
creative hands on ideas that promote the integration of the value
Recommended Tasks
Learn
Read the provided short story and share any other complimentary media that illustrates the value in focus. Those who can write may write out the definition, then discuss as a family with the help of the reflection prompts.
Create
Have children create or demonstrate something that deepens understanding and illustrates that they understand the value. (write a story, make a skit, paint a picture etc.)
Share
Teach someone about the value and share what they have created—perhaps with grandma, Dad, or a friend!
Example Value Pack:
Mindfulness
Brief Explanation
What it is:
Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment with kindness and curiosity. It means noticing what’s happening around you and inside you—your thoughts, feelings, and body—without rushing or judging.
Why it matters:
Mindfulness helps children slow down, feel calmer, and make thoughtful choices. It builds awareness so they can respond instead of react. It also strengthens gratitude by teaching them to notice the small joys of everyday life.
How it shows up in real life:
Taking a deep breath before answering when you feel upset.
Savoring the taste of your food instead of eating quickly.
Listening fully when someone else is talking.
Noticing the color of the sky, the sound of birds, or the feeling of your feet on the ground.
The Story of the Pebble
Sofia loved to race from one thing to the next—running to school, hurrying through lunch, rushing to play. But she often felt like she was missing something, though she couldn’t say what.
One day, her teacher gave each child in the class a small, smooth pebble. “Hold it in your hand,” she said, “and notice it carefully. What do you see? What do you feel?”
At first, Sofia wanted to get it over with. But then she really looked. Her pebble was gray with tiny speckles, cool and solid in her palm. The longer she noticed it, the calmer she felt—like the pebble was holding her still.
The next day, Sofia tried it again at lunch. She held her sandwich and looked at the colors, smelled the bread, and took a slow bite. It tasted better than it ever had before.
From then on, Sofia carried her pebble in her pocket. Whenever she felt rushed or scattered, she squeezed it and remembered: life feels different when you slow down and pay attention.
Complimentary Media
Song: “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin.
Movie Clip: Kung Fu Panda (Po learning to focus and find inner peace).
Quote: “The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” – Thich Nhat Hanh.
Image Prompt: A child blowing on a dandelion, watching each seed float away.
Child-Friendly Definition
Mindfulness means paying close attention to right now—your thoughts, your feelings, and what’s around you—with kindness.
Reflection Prompts
For Kids:
What’s one small thing you noticed today that made you smile?
How do you feel when you stop and take a deep breath?
What do you notice in your body when you’re calm?
For Families:
When do we feel the most rushed as a family? How could mindfulness help?
What’s one mindful habit we’d like to try together (at meals, before bed, on walks)?
How can we remind each other gently to “be here now”?
Creative & Hands-On Integration Ideas
Creative Sparks
✏️ Draw: Make a picture of something in nature you saw today when you slowed down.
📖 Write: Create a short “Mindful Poem” that starts with “Right now I see… hear… feel…”
🎭 Act: Put on a mini skit where one person is rushing and the other teaches them to slow down and notice.
Family Practices
Pebble Pause: Keep a small stone or object in your pocket. Whenever you feel stressed, hold it and take three deep breaths.
Mindful Meal: Choose one snack and eat it slowly—notice the colors, smells, textures, and tastes.
Sound Hunt: Go outside and sit quietly. Each person takes turns naming a sound they hear until no one can find a new one.
Evening Gratitude: At bedtime, each family member shares one mindful moment from the day they are thankful for.