Effectively Promoting Positive Character Traits in Children.

This action research project implemented strategies for effectively promoting attitude and values to elicit good character in children. The targeted population consisted of first and third grade students in three schools in a middle class community in northern Illinois. The lack of respect and poor moral values contributed to the data that are revealed in parent and teacher questionnaires, surveys, and a teacher checklist. Through interpreting documented material, it was found that students were not demonstrating good character traits. This is because of the escalating moral deterioration of children and teachers' inability to teach values throughout the curriculum. Upon reviewing the causes of why students demonstrated inappropriate character traits, three major values (respect, responsibility, caring) were targeted, and a variety of activities were conducted in classroom settings. Post-intervention data indicated an increase in students treating others with respect and in being kind and considerate to others. The intervention of effectively promoting character traits in children appears to have had a positive effect on student behavior. (Contains 5 tables and 23 references.) (BT)