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Character Study Notebooking Pages
By Debra (NotebookingPages.com) | October 28, 2008
NEW PRODUCT INFO
Click here: Character Study Notebooking Pages
Kids’ sample photos: Photo Album
Developing character in our children should be one of our top priorities as parents. In our home, we have tried a variety of methods to help instill good habits in our children. Some have worked really well, some not so much. The key we have found is to be consistent and involved parents. Character is not something that will just happen by giving our children a certain set of tools and rules and sending them off to build on their own. They need daily guidance, feedback, a balance of grace and discipline, and of course, our love.
The “theme title” I chose for this notebook is “Sowing Seeds of Great Character . . . One Habit at a Time”. I look at character building a lot like I do growing a garden. How?
Growing a productive garden starts with well prepared soil. Think of this as the atmosphere we provide our children. They need a home that allows them room to grow their roots down deep as well as the nutrients needed to maintain this growth and ultimately produce seed-bearing fruit of their own. It’s within this rich environment that we begin by planting seeds. These seeds are named with the character traits we wish to instill in our children.
As Charlotte Mason homeschoolers, our family places a great emphasis on developing one habit at a time. Have you heard this saying— “Sow a thought and you reap an act; sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow a character and you reap a destiny.” It’s by one habit at a time that we will develop the character traits we wish to see in our children. That gave me the “One Habit at a Time” part of our theme here. (Please visit our Free Homeschool Resources Page and check out the card system we use to develop daily habits in our children.)
In this notebooking pages set, you will find a variety of themed pages that your children may use to record what they have learned about particular character traits. We especially use the first three formatted pages to notebook specifics about the character trait (or seed) being studied that week. We record a definition of the trait. Then each child determines which habits and attitudes need to be “uprooted” or “weeded out” in order to give room for this character “seed” to grow. Then they list specific new habits that should be cultivated. (There are headings for each of these on the pages.) The second page gives them room to record what God’s Word says about this character trait and the third page gives them space to journal their response(s) to all they have learned.
Each week, I copy the new character trait and an appropriate Bible verse on a 3×5 card and add it to our Scripture memorization box. We practice these daily. The Bible verse is also used for copywork during that week.
One terrific resource I have found to aid us with our notebook study is Character Journal . They have a very detailed and organized summary for many character traits as well as a chart that groups character traits by spiritual gifts. I print out a copy each week for each child’s notebook.
There are about 20 additional theme pages included that may be used in a variety of ways to add more depth to your character study.
Topics: General Product Info, Latest Updates, What's New? | 3 Comments »
October 28th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
Oh, Debra, I can’t believe you’re providing this! We’ve been doing meager little lapbooks on character qualities. This may be good timing; I’m definitely interested! What ages would you say this is good for? I’ve got 10, 8 and having the 6 & 3 y.o. share.
Blessings,
Danielle
November 6th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Hi Danielle,
We’ve been loving these simple pages. I’m using them with my 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, & 13 year olds. The younger kids (7yo & 8yo) just draw a picture usually or draw a picture with some copywork or a short narration. The older kids can work alone for the most part.
December 10th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Debra,
I downloaded your character cards some months back. These notebooking pages are a lovely companion to them!
Just wanted to let you know that your creations are a wonderful resource, and that I always enjoy popping by to see what new ideas you have come up with. Thank you for all that you do!
Here’s a little token of appreciation. I’ve learned so much from you, and I know there are many others who have too.
http://canhomeschool.com/freehold/2008/12/09/butterfly-award/
Cheers!
Ruby