If your children come home and tell you that they got a caterpillar spot at school, don't be worried- that's a good thing! As part of our character education program, we've put a big caterpillar up on the wall of the main hallway, just past the library. I've heard that some classes affectionately call him "Mr. Spot." Each of the caterpillar's 26 segments has a different character trait on it, from "attitude" all the way to "tolerance." (These are the 25 traits that are mandated by the state of Alabama to be taught in public schools, plus one extra that we've adopted as a monthly word at TPS.) When children are "spotted" around the building showing good character, an adult may write their names and actions on round spots that are then stapled to the corresponding traits on the caterpillar. Next time you're in the building, be sure to walk by and take a peek at all the ways our students are putting good character into action!
In case you're curious, Alabama's 25 traits are courage, patriotism, citizenship, honesty, fairness, respect for others, kindness, cooperation, self-respect, self-control, courtesy, compassion, tolerance, diligence, generosity, punctuality, cleanliness, cheerfulness, school pride, respect for the environment, patience, creativity, sportsmanship, loyalty, and perseverance. At TPS, we've added "responsibility" to the list, and use "attitude" as another word for cheerfulness.
By the way, the monthly character words we are celebrating in October are self-control (or self-discipline) and listening!
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