Connect with Kids

Connect with Kids is a character education curriculum for elementary (grades 3-5) and secondary (grades 6-12) students that teaches core character values to promote prosocial attitudes and positive behavior. The program uses peer-to-peer videos based on real stories of children and youth, along with lesson plans that include story summaries, discussion questions, student games, and activities for both core and supplemental character traits. Each lesson begins with an introduction of the character trait, followed by viewing Connect with Kids videos (three video segments per trait for middle/high school, one per trait for elementary), then teacher-led discussions using questions from the teacher resource guide. One to two weeks after the video and discussion lesson, a follow-up activity is taught where students practice and demonstrate behaviors through cooperative learning exercises. The classroom curriculum is reinforced by a website component and schoolwide and community outreach components. The program can be incorporated into existing curriculum or used standalone, with duration varying from one semester to an entire academic year depending on how many character traits are covered. Teachers receive one day of in-person or long-distance professional development that incorporates lectures, discussions, peer-to-peer interaction, and simulated activities.