Abstract

This accessible and much-needed resource sets out advice on how to develop character and encourage wellbeing in pupils aged 5-11.

Schools are increasingly aware of how beneficial positive character skills can be, but resources on how to develop them are scarce. This book gives teachers the means to promote gratitude, positive emotions, character strengths, and positive relationships through 100+ easy-to-implement activities such as student diaries, classroom displays and letter writing campaigns. It also includes tools and strategies that go beyond the classroom, helping to embed character education into the culture and ethos of the entire school. Each chapter will include a short introduction to the relevant theoretical background, and all activities are based on validated character education and positive psychology interventions.

Bite-sized and practical, and full of ideas that can be dipped in and out of in the classroom, this is an ideal book for busy teachers.

The authors have carefully created a brilliant guide. The book expertly provides theories and fun-yet-thought-provoking practical activities in easy, accessible chunks for schools that strive to help each child reach their full potential. The Toolkit guides teachers to look beyond the academic side of a child and helps to supply stability and wellbeing. It ensures that children feel safe, engaged, supported and challenged in all areas of their lives moving through school into adulthood.
Louisa Simons, Lower Key Stage two Phase Leader and Whole School Growth Mindset Leader, Brodetsky Primary School
The Character Toolkit for Teachers is an excellent resource for busy teachers seeking an introduction to Character Education and Positive Education in an accessible and well-researched book. It includes a wealth of ideas that can be built into educational programs to promote mental health and well-being in children, and, just as importantly, it details practical activities that can be lifted straight off the pages and delivered in schools and classrooms tomorrow. I recommend The Character Toolkit for Teachers to school personnel charged with enabling young minds to develop a positive perspective towards life, learning and relationships.
Jane Kirkham, Psychologist and Teacher, Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia
The Character Toolkit is an essential resource for teachers and school leaders who wish to introduce character education and positive education into their classrooms and school environments in a meaningful way. In this toolkit, Roberts and Wright have provided educators with a broad range of useful, practical and evidence-based activities to assist with the provision of a holistic education which prioritises student and community wellbeing.
Rhiannon McGee, Head of Positive Education at Geelong Grammar School
Frederika and Elizabeth bring to life the theory of character education as bitesize practical chunks in this teacher-friendly guide. They have done the hard work for us in distilling the reading into suggestions for how to apply it in a school (or a home) environment. Ethos, Morals, Ethics, Values and Virtues are buzz words in current education discussions but teachers do not always know how to put them into practice in a research-informed way. I especially like the chapter on gratitude and kindness, with the focus on developing 'emotional granularity' in our learners. If our students can be holistically taught to identify, articulate and harness their emotions then we will enable them to flourish with mental and physical wealth. I look forward to sharing this book with my staff, students and parents at Aureus.
Hannah Wilson, Executive Headteacher Aureus School & Aureus Primary School
A sensationally effective practical toolkit! Throughout the guide, Roberts and Wright seamlessly use theoretical perspectives and evidence based research to introduce a theme and set the context for tasks; these include whole school, class, group and individual activities to develop character and a positive approach to education. Activities are clear and quick to read - no time wasted! Additionally, further reading and TED talks are suggested. This really is the text of my teacher dreams; a multi-layered character education gem that needs to be on every school bookshelf!
Kate Sowter, Deputy Head Pathfinder Teaching School, CPD Lead Pathfinder Multi Academy Trust
Steeped in research, this toolkit should be essential reading for every school team and integral in the design of a character education curriculum. Wellbeing must be a priority for both children and staff in school and character education part of the foundation on which to help build a school's ethos and culture. Roberts and Wright have written a must-read for teachers everywhere.
Flora Barton, Headteacher, Crowmarsh Gifford C. E. Primary School
The Character Toolkit brilliantly combines current research in the field of character education with strategies for teacher implementation. Clear, straightforward classroom activities, which are easy to put into practice, are presented alongside background reading and links to further information which allow teachers to develop their knowledge and understanding. This is a practical and invaluable resource for teachers seeking to support students in navigating the school years and beyond.
Lauren Knussen, Senior Research Associate & PhD Candidate, School of Education, University of Technology Sydney
The Toolkit's many exercises provide school professionals and their pupils with the necessary guidance to teach and learn differently. The authors invite us to effect a mental shift, by considering well-being as an essential key to success. Through its thoroughly researched background information, precise instructions, practical references and-most importantly-sincere empathy, this book strikes me as a perfect instrument to make simple steps towards great goals.
Claire Russon, psychologist, senior research and development advisor, Ministry of Education, Children and Youth, Luxembourg
Every so often you read a book which will be powerful enough to define your pedagogy; I believe that Character Toolkit is such a book! Every teacher deserves to have a copy on their desk. It translates an extraordinary amount of outstanding research into simple learning activities that will transform classrooms into places of discovery, joy and fun, and allow students to flourish, grow and positively contribute to society. Imagine also the positive ripple effect across entire school communities!
Vanessa Gamack, Mission and Education Advisor, Anglican Schools Commission, Southern Queensland
Character Toolkit for Teachers is an immensely readable and practical book that will be a source of inspiration and guidance for any teacher who is passionate about education and helping children and young people to cultivate vital character virtues that enable them to flourish.
Dr Tom Harrison, Director of Education, Jubilee Center for Character and Virtues, University of Birmingham
Positively practical...perfectly poised to become a primary resource for teachers, practitioners and parents alike. The activities and resources are easily adaptable to various settings and ages, even my college-level students! The Character Toolkit for Teachers is definitely a must-have in the library of anyone concerned about the social-emotional wellbeing of our children and youth.
Beverley Myatt, M.Ed. Psychology Professor, Durham College, Ontario, Canada
Theories come and go, and as interesting as these may be, the only way the science of character can have a tangible impact in the classroom is through finding concrete and creative ways to translate it into practice. This toolkit does just that. All exercises are clear, explicit and easy to follow, adding up to a great dip-in and dip-out teacher support.
Dr Ilona Boniwell, Programme Leader, MSc in Applied Positive Psychology, Anglia Ruskin University & CEO of Positran