Pete karate chops the blue monsterThe definition of Character Education involves teaching children about basic human values including honesty, kindness, generosity, courage, freedom, equality and what I consider extremely important and valuable as well, respect!

The goal is to raise children to become morally responsible, and self-disciplined.

Problem solving, decision making, and conflict resolution are an important parts of your child’s development and moral character. Through role playing and discussions, children can see that their decisions affect other people and things.

That was one of the reasons I wrote Pete’s Monster. To subtly teach children the moral lesson at an early age about respect. That they should not judge something or someone on how they look. As you can see from the image, Pete, instantly misjudged the blue monster as being scary and dangerous when he bumped into him, and immediately struck the blue monster with a karate chop, when in fact the blue monster was a friendly monster, and meant Pete, absolutely no harm. All he wanted was a comfy place to sleep.

Education is an inclusive concept regarding all aspects of how families, schools, and related social institutions support the positive character development of a child.

Character Education is the deliberate effort to help people understand, care about and act upon core ethical values.

We need to practice moral education by means of explanation — not simply stuffing children’s heads with rules and regulations, but engaging them in great moral conversations. Through a discussion after reading a book, looking at illustrations, or art, or watching TV or a video, for example.

Children explore education as life and life as learning positive approaches for setting and achieving goals.

Character Education presents life with context, inviting them to listen, share, explore, and reflect. Children learn the power of choice. They learn to appreciate the qualities of being human and to share their appreciation at home, in school, and in the community.

Copy of Pete and the MonsterFinding stories like Pete’s Monster, in children’s literature, for example, that reflect lessons in morals and virtues; we can read and discuss these moral lessons without taking time from core subjects. Accepting individual differences, showing courage, developing citizenship, and taking responsibility for oneself, are all positive actions, so the hurdle of finding time for character education becomes less intimidating. Talking about good character traits should fit naturally into any conversation.

Can Character Education really make a difference?

Character Education cannot cure all the world’s evils, but it can improve and influence children in a positive way, giving them the skills that they will need to be successful respectful adults.

Academic studies change rapidly; what we discuss in class today becomes passé tomorrow. But the values, moral influences and noteworthy characteristics we model and discuss will outlast academic facts and figures. We can leave our children a legacy that will remain constant throughout their life.

Watching my own five year old granddaughter listen to the Pete’s Monster video, over and over again as she hits the replay button, makes me smile. Through her subconscious brain she is hearing that striking out and hurting someone, or something is wrong. She understands that hurting someone not only hurts them, but makes you feel sad as well. She also sees and hears through the narrated video that little boys and blue monsters can become friends. That Pete has found a new friend in a blue monster. Something totally different to how he looks.

Pete’s Monster was written for children to enjoy at bedtime, as well as at any time of the day. I wanted children to enjoy the rhyming words and the colorful illustrations. Most of all I wanted them to understand the moral; don’t judge someone by their appearance.

Please enjoy Pete’s Monster, and if you have any questions, or feedback, please contact us.

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