As a writer, I’m often in search of the perfect metaphor. I love it when I can find just the right comparison to make a point. The beauty of a direct comparison is that it paints a picture that, when done well, goes beyond mere words in putting an image in the mind of the reader.
Such is the case with the metaphor chosen by Character Counts, the character education program that has been adopted this year in our district. The program uses the metaphor of pillars to describe the six structural elements of good character.
I love this comparison. It visually evokes images of elegant yet massive stone columns, capable of holding immense weight. And what is more weighty than issues of character and what is more solid that good character?
At the start of the month, our sixth grade decided to hang six life-sized paper pillars in the main hallway of the school. Then, each classroom was provided with blocks of paper, in the six different colors used by the program.
Students and staff were then encouraged to “catch each other doing good,” and to write examples of positive character on the blocks of paper in the correct color. In this way, we have been transforming the six white pillars into the colors of good character, one block at a time.
I think being able to see the pillars filling up with positive anecdotes has helped many of the students better understand the six concepts. All they need to do is walk down the hall and look at some of the “concrete blocks” that make up each “pillar” holding up good character in our school. Here is some of what has been written:
TRUSTWORTHYNESS (Blue) – Shaylin worked hard and stayed on task during seat time. * Brody found Aaron’s homework folder and brought it to him. * Sherri can be counted on to volunteer. * Jayce was honest when I gave him too many marbles.
RESPECT (Yellow) Caylyn for listening to the teacher and not bothering others. * Olivia always telsl Mrs. Keith to have a good day when she leaves school. * Thayn picked up all the trash when no one else would. * Fifth grade students, when still in the hall during the pledge of allegiance, instantly stopped what they were doing, and joined the pledge with great respect. * Carrie threw away my trash without me telling her to.
REPSONSIBILITY (Green) Luke finished his work without being asked. * Peyton helped a headstart kid down from the wooden fort on the playground. * Isaiah helped to pick stuff up off the floor. * Maggie kept her workspace organized today. * Aidan caught Cade sitting quietly and waiting for help.
FAIRNESS (Orange) Carter was kind to Lauren. * The 3rd and 4th Grade soccer players played fairly during recess. * Ryonna and Kally were playing equally and not fighting over the ball. * Joseph and Cole carried the lego’s together. * I saw my teacher listening to me while I explained what happened.
CARING (Red) Nick helped Claire open her pencil box without being asked. * Alec told Deja “Good Job!” * Nicole helped her teacher by stacking papers. * Derek asked if my back was feeling better. * Justice shared his scissors when a classmate couldn’t find theirs. * Gabie stayed after school to help me wash tables. Mason shows caring everyday by stopping to give a hug.
CITIZENSHIP (Purple) Alyzae helped pick up the bathroom before he left. * Kade told his classmates to stay quiet in the hallways. * My class were good listeners today. * Holden and Dustin helped fold up the cafeteria tables after lunch. * Olivia cheered her classmates on when they had to work at the board.
See what I mean? These little moments of character are as solid as the walls where they hang, and they truly are the building blocks that hold up our school.
For a writer like myself, I appreciate our HCES Character Counts Pillar Project as not only a great way to recognize and encourage good character, but also as the perfect metaphor!
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