Has anybody used Character First?

[umsami]

We're looking for a secular (preferably) character curriculum.  I came across this:http://www.characterfirst.com/

Basically, each month you focus on a different character trait.  There are 36 of them--so you cycle through all of them in four years.  They have elementary, secondary, and professional level materials.

You can see all of the samples at http://www.characterfirst.com/aboutus/downloads/

The two things holding me back are:

1) Cost.  While I realize $49/year isn't a lot.  It still seems like a lot right now. :)

2) The list of character traits is very very similar to the one the Duggars use through Bill Gothard. This curriculum is completely secular, though.  Still, if there is an association between him and this company, I'd rather not give them my money.

[scheelimama]

I used that back in college when I was doing a social work internship, running a character training after school program at a low-income apartment complex.  I recall the kids having fun with it, but I was looking at it through such different lens than I would now, I honestly can't say whether it would be good in a homeschool setting or not.  I did it with a large group of kids (probably 40) and several other college students to help.  And of course, my own kids or homeschooling was not on the radar.  And it wasn't really an option if I liked the program or not, it was assigned to me to do this program with the kids, so I did, I didn't give it too much consideration if I liked it.  KWIM?  I do think the kids really learned from it though.

[Marsupialmom]

Character first is a secular Gothard product.  He like Ezzo repackaged his material for secular use to earn more money. 

Honestly, I could not see buying a curriculum. 

I could see MAYBE getting The Book of Virtues and Children's books of Heroes (find a book with girl heroes also one not popping in my head.) but we really just wove those lessons into daily life and story time.  

http://charactercounts.org/  

http://www.adl.org/education/curriculum_connections/

http://www.amazon.com/Stephen-Cosgrove/e/B000APO02O/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/E-Is-for-Ethics/Ian-James-Corlett/e/9781416596547/?itm=1&USRI=E+is+for+Ethic

[umsami]

Thank you both. 

I wondered Marsupialmom if it was Gothard repackaged.  

I actually came across the Living Values program and really like it.  I think this is the one we're going to use.   www.livingvalues.net   I like that the first lessons are on Peace and they really fit well with the NVC work we're doing.

I have something similar to the ADL stuff through the Southern Poverty Law Center's teaching tolerance. :)

[*Jessica*]

We're been using Ready Set Happy.  We really enjoy it, it's secular, and the cost is much less (donation requested) than the one you mentioned.

[umsami]

Thanks so much Jessica.  I hadn't seen that before.  I really like it. :)

[*Jessica*]

You're welcome.  We're doing it with a group of homeschoolers and it's extra fun in a group setting. 

[mamatoady]

Virtues Project

I have the book which includes a full curriculum for parents/teachers/youth organizers etc.  It's fantastic, secular and complete.  You don't need to do or get anything.  It's right there for you.

[midnightwriter]

This sounds lovely, thanks for sharing.