Table of Contents
     Character Development
     Part 1: What To Teach
     List of Character Qualities
          Qualities
          Related Characteristics
          Definitions
          Scripture References
     Character Training and Spiritual Growth
     Part 2: How To Teach Character
          (Next Issue #88)
     Recommended Resources
          Homeschooler's Journal by FergNus Services
          "School Days Devotional Praise"
          "Christian Ethics for Youth."
          KONOS Complete Unit Study Curriculum
          QuickVerse Bible Study Software
     Sunnyside Up: Humorous Anecdote

Greetings,

     In this issue we discuss character development, a process of
training outward actions and encouraging spiritual growth resulting
in the fruits of the spirit.
     The goal is to become more like the Lord Jesus Christ and to
be used to draw others to Him, not to earn praise for ourselves.
     The method of teaching and training our children, as given in
Deuteronomy 6:5-7, has become The Home Schooler's Creed:

     You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
          with all your soul, and with all your strength.
     And these words which I command you today
          shall be in your heart.
     You shall teach them diligently to your children,
          and shall talk of them when you sit in your house,
          when you walk by the way,
          when you lie down,
          and when you rise up.

     May the Lord bless you and your family for His glory.

Cordially,
Pat, Sue, Heather, Holly, and Brian Welch
The Teaching Home is a 24-year-old, home-school family business.
____________________________________________________

  1.  Homeschooler's Journal
  2.  The Homeschooler's
       High School Journal
  by FergNus Services

     These award-winning systems of record keeping contain:
 *  Daily Subject Logs for 200 Days
 *  Field Trip Logs
 *  Check-Off List for Yearly Requirements
 *  Multiple Calendars
 *  Objective/Resource Pages
 *  Individual Library Lists
 *  Many more features.
     These durable journals feature plastic "Jelly-Proof" covers and
Wire-O binding which allows them to lay flat -- a wise investment
for your children's records!  http://www.fergnusservices.com
     "The Little Book of Christian Character and Manners"
http://www.fergnusservices.com/product.php?p=FQP002&prods=Go
____________________________________________________

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Teaching Home Magazine Back Issues
     Find information, inspiration, and support from 51
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http://theteachinghomen.goemerchant7.com
     The Summer 2000 issue contains a 12-page "Special Section"
on Character Training & Social Development.
____________________________________________________

Two Character-Teaching Resources
from the Publisher of Speedy Spanish  http://www.speedy-spanish.com.
Teach Character.  "School Days Devotional Praise" 150 days of
character-building stories, tape of songs, posters. (grades 1-8).
http://www.storesonline.com/site/331083/product/551106
Teach Ethics.  "Christian Ethics for Youth."  Topical devotional
and study book on Proverbs with illustrations and applications;
workbook. http://www.storesonline.com/site/331083/product/551104
____________________________________________________

Building Character
Part 1:  What To Teach

by Joy Marie Dunlap
     Character, along with Bible training, is the most important
aspect of a good education. When character training and education
are separated, you train up a moral reprobate.
     The home is the ideal place for teaching character to our
children. Character training should be a part of every day's
lessons.
     When I first began home schooling 10 years ago, I was
chagrined every time a school lesson had to be interrupted for
character training. After much prayer, I realized that these
character training times were the most important aspect of our
children's education. They were not interruptions; they were
opportunities!
     This realization changed my whole outlook and enabled me to
relax and appreciate the opportunities that I have to correct our
children's behavior and train their character.
     Opportunities to teach character abound throughout the day.
Here are some important character qualities and a few practical
tips to help you teach them.
____________________________________________________

Character Qualities
Compiled by the Editors

     The following character qualities are listed with related
characteristics.  You might want to:
 *  Use it as a checklist for training your child.
 *  Find Scriptures about each quality and its opposite.
 *  List the rewards or consequences Scripture mentions for each
     quality and its opposite.
 *  Memorize a verse or passage for each quality.
 *  Learn a hymn for each quality.
____________________________________________________

1.  Love

Love
     Wanting and doing the best for another, expecting nothing in
return. Also: compassion, affection, concern, caring, empathy,
encouraging.  See I Cor. 13; I John 3:17-18; Romans 12:9-10; John
15:12-13; Phil. 2:1-4; Heb. 10:24-25; I Thess. 5:11, 14.

Generosity
     Gladly and unselfishly giving self, time, talents, money,
and possessions. Also: sharing.  See II Cor. 9:7; I Tim. 6:18; II
Cor. 8:1-5; Matt. 10:8; Heb. 13:16; I Tim. 6:18

Humility
     Realizing your own weaknesses and esteeming another above
yourself. Also: deference, modesty, cooperation, meekness,
teachability, serving others, yielding.  See James 4:6; Rom.
12:10; Phil. 2:3; I Peter 5:5; Prov. 16:19; Titus 3:2.

Kindness
     Showing sympathy, thoughtfulness through gentle words,
helpful actions. Also: gentleness, courtesy, sensitivity,
thoughtfulness, tenderheartedness, understanding, helpfulness,
hospitality, friendliness.  See Ps. 41:1-2; Eph. 4:32; I Pet.
3:8; Isa. 41:6.

Mercy
     Giving and forgiving more than is expected to one who has
wronged you or to one in need. Also: forgiveness, tolerance,
magnanimity.  See II Sam. 9:1-7; Micah 6:8; Luke 10:30-37; Col.
3:13.

Peaceableness
     Taking appropriate action to maintain harmony between
persons. Also: peacemaking, tact, flexibility, adaptability,
persuasiveness.  See Ps. 34:14; Gen. 13:8-9; Romans 14:19; Matt.
5:9; Ecc. 8:5.
____________________________________________________

   KONOS
   K-12 Complete Curriculum:
   Unit Studies
   Based on Character Qualities
        The goals of KONOS are to:
    *  Train our children in Godly character --
        by focusing on character traits.
    *  Create a love of learning and critical
     thinking -- by hands-on and discovery learning.
 *  Be a family -- by multi-level learning which builds
     life-long relationships.
 *  Achieve academic excellence -- by immersing children
     in units that integrate all subjects.
 *  Equip parents to become master teachers -- by sharing
     22 years of experience in a variety of helps.
Learn more at http://www.konos.com
____________________________________________________

2.  Integrity

Honesty
     Being truthful, sincere, and fair in words and actions.
Also: justice, fairness, truthfulness, integrity, sincerity,
genuineness.  See Zech. 8:16-17; II Cor. 8:21; I Peter 2:12;
I Tim. 5:21b; Joshua 24:14; Eph. 4:25.

Faithfulness
     Fulfilling responsibilities and being loyal to relationships
in a trustworthy manner. Also: loyalty, responsibility,
dedication, commitment, stewardship, dependability,
consistency, reliability.  See Heb. 3:14; 11:7; II Tim. 2:2;
Matt. 25:20-23; Dan. 6:3-4; Luke 16:10; Ps. 15:2; I Cor. 4:2.

Courage
     Facing dangerous, difficult, or painful situations boldly,
firmly rejecting fear. Also: determination, boldness, bravery,
decisiveness, resoluteness, confidence.  See Heb. 11:32-40; Acts
20:22-24; 4:13; Josh. 1:7a; Phil. 1:6.
____________________________________________________

3.  Obedience

Godliness
     Completely devoting the will to God so that the life is
holy, set apart for Him. Also: holiness, virtue, goodness.  See
Dan. 1:8; Rom. 12:1; James 1:27; Heb. 12:14; II Pet. 1:5.

Obedience
     Willingly, promptly, and cheerfully doing whatever an
authority asks as well as complying with his unspoken desire.
Also: submission, subjection.  See Heb. 13:17; Luke 2:51-52; I
Cor. 16:15-16; Matt. 4:18-22.

Reverence
     Respectfully honoring and submitting to God, parents, and
proper authority. Also: respect (for people and property),
honor.  See Eph. 6:1-5; Deut. 5:16; Ex. 20:12; Prov. 3:9; I Tim.
5:17-18; I Tim. 2:1-2; Heb. 12:9.
____________________________________________________

4.  Wisdom

Wisdom
     Using knowledge and understanding with discernment to apply
right principles to daily living. Also: discretion, discernment,
cautiousness, alertness, attentiveness.  See Prov. 2:1-5; Heb.
2:1-3; Matt. 7:24; Prov. 24:3-4; II Tim. 4:5a; Prov. 4:7, 20-21;
Heb. 5:14.
____________________________________________________

5.  Responsibility

Diligence
     Working hard, steadily, carefully. Also: industry,
thoroughness, excellence, energy.  See Phil. 3:12-14; I Cor
9:24-25; Col. 3:23; II Thess. 3:6-12; Prov. 22:29; II Tim. 4:7.

Initiative
     Noticing what needs to be done, starting and finishing it
without being told. Also: creativity, resourcefulness,
leadership, originality.  See I Kings 5:2-6; II Chron. 24:4-6,
13; I Sam. 14:6-16; Prov. 1:5; 6:6-8.

Orderliness
     Organizing time and possessions systematically, making the
most efficient use of resources. Also: neatness, tidiness,
punctuality, accuracy, carefulness.  See Luke 14:28-30; Prov.
24:30-34; I Cor. 14:33, 40; John 6:12; Haggai 1:5-6; Prov. 20:18;
Eph. 5:15; I Cor. 14:40; Ecc. 3:1.

Self-Control
     Resisting selfish desires, feelings, and thoughts and
refraining from hasty words and actions. Also: discipline,
purity, temperance, thriftiness.  See James 1:19; Daniel 1:8; Ps.
141:3; I Cor. 9:25; Luke 16:11.
____________________________________________________

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____________________________________________________

6.  Joy

Contentment
     Choosing to be satisfied and at peace with what God has
provided without complaining. Also: cheerfulness, hope, peace.
See I Tim. 6:5, 6, 8; Phil. 4:11; Heb. 13:5.

Gratitude
     Recognizing, appreciating, and acknowledging favors or
benefits. Also: appreciation, gratefulness, thankfulness.  See
Eph. 5:19-20; Col. 2:6-7; I Tim. 4:4-5; I Thess. 5:18.

Joyfulness
     Delighting in the service and presence of God regardless of
circumstances. Also: zeal, enthusiasm, heartiness, eagerness.
See Ps. 100:2; Rom. 12:11; Prov. 15:13; Ps. 35:9.

Patience
     Steadily enduring affliction, persevering in a difficult
task, or waiting calmly for a desired end. Also: endurance,
perseverance, persistence, firmness.  See Heb. 12:4-11; II Tim.
2:3-7; James 1:12; 5:8; I Cor. 16:13.
____________________________________________________

Character Training and Spiritual Growth
by Cindy Short, editor

     As Christian parents we have a two-fold aim for our
children's character: that they would habitually act in a
godly way, and that they would think, feel, and choose
godliness from the heart.
     There are many things we can and should do to shape our
children's behavior; but ultimately it will be their choice to
receive the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal savior that will
create new spiritual life within them, thus producing true
godliness as the fruit of the Spirit in their lives (Gal. 5:22-23).
     Our role is to model, teach, train, and encourage the
character qualities presented in the Scripture as the moral
attributes of God Himself.  The Old Testament Law set the
standard of holiness for God's people; so can we set the standard
from Scripture for our children.  Jesus' redemptive work and
the gift of the Spirit gave believers the power to experience His
holiness in their lives.
     Since we recognize our dependence on God's power for genuine
and sincere righteousness, we will not be content with our
children's outward compliance, necessary as that is.  Instead we
will diligently, lovingly, and prayerfully labor to inspire our
children's whole-hearted dedication to Christ, realizing that
only their own free choices will effect real and lasting change
in their lives, making them more and more like Him.
____________________________________________________

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____________________________________________________

Sunnyside Up
     I took up playing the guitar as we started our home-school
journey so that we could start our day with praise and worship in
addition to our devotions.
     I was truly blessed with finding a compilation of easy,
guitar-friendly hymns and choruses, as I don't know how to read
music, nor was I an accomplished musician in any capacity.
     After several months of starting our day in this way we sat
in church one Sunday morning,  and the sanctuary swelled with the
song "A Mighty Fortress is our God."  Our 5 year old, extremely
wide eyed, exclaimed in a loud voice, "Mom! They're playing the
song you wrote!"
     Submitted by Lisa Nolan
____________________________________________________

God Loves You.
     Because we were separated from God by sin, Jesus Christ
died in our place, then rose to life again.  If we trust Jesus Christ
as our Savior and Lord, He will give us eternal life.
     "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that
not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of
works, that no one should boast" (Ephesians 2:8, 9).
     http://www.TeachingHome.com/about/Salvation.cfm
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