We Choose Virtues Review
Can I introduce you to something (and someone!) who really touched my heart this spring?
I met Heather McMillian briefly at the Titus 2:1 Conference in April and was introduced to her wonderful character training program for children, We Choose Virtues. I actually won the Faith-Based Homeschool Kit as Conference prize drawing!
And as I chatted with her at the Conference and later about how we don’t home school, but we’re still intentional parents and this seems like a great resource for any parent, she really touch my own heart when she told me that the program is a wonderful fit for homeschooling and Christian families, but her own heart was for public school children (and their teachers!) when she created the program. As a faithful Christian, adding the scripture references in her faith-based products was a logical extension of her original design.
But the original design was for public school classrooms!
There’s actually 12 virtues, but we’re using the OBEDIENCE card right now so it’s not in the picture.
Since Titus 2:1, I am so excited to be an affiliate of We Choose Virtues and support their work to help parents and teachers–any parents and teacher–develop lasting character in children.
Homeschool families and Christian private school families aren’t the only ones that care about virtue and character training and this is a wonderful, truth-based, simple to use, product that can reach across ideological boundaries to help teach children universal good behaviors–in just minutes a day. Truly, these products are great for any family, any teacher, any children. (Heather’s company is even reaching out to children overseas!)
Parenting card front.
Parenting card back.
How does it work? There’s detailed directions for using each of their products on their website, and each product or kit comes with directions and ideas for parents and teachers. But here’s how we’re doing it, since we’re a little short on space for posters…
We’re using the little, Personal Virtue Charts for each child and giving stickers any time we see them using the Virtue we’re working on that week. We stuck the Virtue parenting card right up top–in front of everyone as a reminder (and so it’s easy to grab to go over when we have a few minutes!).
Our charts hang on a magnetic decoration in our kitchen, right in the hub of family life, with a spot for our Virtue of the Week.
Once their personal charts are filled (obviously we haven’t gotten very far on this one!) there will be simple rewards, like ice cream or something. The Virtue card changes every week, so they aren’t filling their chart with just one behavior.
And the card is right there for us to grab and go over for a few minutes each day.
Our kit also included the Virtue Flashcards.
These are index card-sized and beautiful, full color, heavy-duty cardstock.
They include parent/teacher suggestions for games and fun activities to help the kids enjoy and memorize their Virtues.They are great for older kids to go over with younger kids–our kids love to play “school” with stuff like this!!
And I love that Heather’s system doesn’t just teach what the Virtue IS, but helps kids understand them by what they are NOT. For example, GENTLE is not just “I speak quietly and touch softly.” It’s also “I am NOT rough, harsh, or loud. And I don’t destroy things or hurt people.”
I think this is a huge help comprehension. For us, it helps even our youngest to understand that what we’re really getting at here is a change in behavior–not just memorizing words. Virtues aren’t just words or feelings, they are behaviors and actions–and sometimes not acting certain ways.
The flashcards come with great instructions and suggestions for making Virtues fun!
I think my children need to learn obidience. They are so fun to watch being pacient, gentle and forgiving to one another but they have a hard time “listening 1st time”.
Liked “Choose Virtues” on Facebook.
Following @wechoosevirtues on Twitter.
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All of these virtues are important, but right now I think Obedience is tops. My son is a good boy, but sometimes he just doesn’t do what I tell him to do, when I tell him to do it.
I think my kids could use a reminder is all areas. I also think it would be a good reminder for me too! This looks like an awesome kit that our whole family could benefit from! [email protected]
We are working on self control.
Like We Choose Virtues on Facebook.
Respect…for themselves, for their parents, for others, for the planet…. I really hope I win. Thank you!
I liked We Choose Virtues on Facebook.
I followed We Choose Virtues on Twitter.
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“Liked” We Choose Virtues on Facebook!
I follow We Choose Virtues on Twitter.
I follow you on Twitter!
For our home I would say the #1 virtue we need to work on it Content. Without being content with who we are, who we are in Christ, and what have, every other virtue then becomes a challenge as well.
One of our kiddos needs help with Perseverance and one needs help with Self Control. Of course obedience is always something we are striving for too.
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My girls really need to work on patience 🙂 Oh my….
I already follow We Choose Virtues on facebook
I already follow you on twitter 🙂
I follow We Choose Virtues on twitter
My daughter could use work on obedience – all the way, right away, with a happy heart!
Followed We Choose Virtues on FB
Followed We Choose Virtues on Twitter
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I think our kids need to work on content as the #1 with self controlled a close second for D and obedient as a close second for the other 3. I will just ditto Lisa’s reasons for content being the top choice. I would so love to win this!!
I already follow you on twitter. 🙂
I followed We Choose Virtues on Twitter.
I ‘liked’ We Choose Virtues on FB.
Obviously, they are all such important virtues in our lives and our children’s lives, but I think forgiving is one of the most important to learn early on in life. Everyone will make mistakes and God forgives us each and every time so we should be able to forgive others their own misgivings.
I think we could use reminders of them all, but probably would choose content or self-control.
I follow We Chose Virtues on Twitter.
I think my kids need to really master obedience! We work on this one a lot!
I follow We Choose Virtues on Twitter!
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I like We Choose Virtues on Facebook!
Kids should learn all of then and adults should keep practicing the. I think obedience it the first to learn because of obedience to parents and to God.
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I follow virtues on twitter!
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We need Diligence and Patience – all of us.
Right now we really need to work on. Obedience!
Facebook like 🙂
I like We Choose Virtues on FB
I follow We Choose Virtues on Twitter
I follow you on Twitter.
I don’t have twitter but love this program! As a Kindergarten teacher it would be an AWESOME addition to my classroom.
Amy
Obedience!
is respect a character trait? I think being respectfull is important.
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