Kids think they need to be super to conquer the challenges holding them back from being heroic in everyday life. In Teach the Essentials of Good Character with The Essentialz®, kids will learn how to master simple but essential character skills like the 12 superheroes who are The Essentialz. In this book, each of the characters represents an important trait to teach students how to be comfortable in their own skin. This program is not only fun and engaging, but dialogue-provoking as well. Kids learn that even superheroes have flaws, which makes it easy for students to identify with the characters. In Teach the Essentials of Good Character with The Essentialz®, each character has an intriguing backstory, compelling personality traits or quirks, and a private challenge they must conquer that should be very familiar to the participants. Character Education curriculum focuses on the following set of core values: • Respect/Manners • Honesty/Trustworthiness • Fairness/Justice • Responsibility/Accountability • Caring/Tolerance of Others • Good Citizenship A fundamental principle behind Character Education is social emotional learning. Social psychologists discovered that many behaviors are learned either through conditioning or through modeling. This entertaining book is a great resource for counselors, teachers, and psychologists to present the importance of good character in everyone. An accompanying slide show is available as a free download. Reviews and Endorsements: “This book is an essential addition to the toolkit of all counselors, psychologists, and others working with youth. Paul Cicchini’s idea of having superheroes that embody virtues and SEL skills is an act of practical genius.” —Maurice J. Elias, Ph.D., Director, Rutgers Social-Emotional and Character Development Lab, www.secdlab.org “Paul Cicchini draws on the popularity of superheroes to create stories of positive character traits which can engage students of all ages. This is an effective way to help students see the importance of adapting beneficial character traits in their own lives.” —William H. Trusheim, Ed.D., President, New Jersey Alliance for Social, Emotional, and Character Development Resource Center “This activity program is both a character compass and a moral-psychology guide for the adult leader and youthful participants. What is striking about this book is its potential for adaption by those interested in the assessment and importance of character education.” —John C. Lestino, MA LPC, School Psychologist, Edgewater Park School District, Edgewater Park, New Jersey Table of Contents: Chapter 1 Overview: The Need for Character Education Chapter 2 The Basics of Character Education and Social–Emotional Learning Chapter 3 Holding Out for a Hero: Why Our Kids Connect with Superheroes Chapter 4 The Essentialz Chapter 5 Rockie and Loyalty Chapter 6 Arsenal and Living by a Code of Honor Chapter 7 Maker and Being a Good Team Member Chapter 8 Hydro and Honesty Chapter 9 Triton and Forgiveness Chapter 10 Fisk, Overcoming Disabilities and Discrimination Chapter 11 Turbine and Overcoming Fear Chapter 12 Dark Matter and Responsibility Chapter 13 The Eagle and Good Citizenship Chapter 14 Fuega and Controlling Anger Chapter 15 Tempus and Caring (and Respect) Chapter 16 Sparks and Leadership Chapter 17 Female Comic Book Heroes and Stereotypes Chapter 18 The Essentialz and Teamwork Chapter 19 Real-Life Superheroes from History Chapter 20 Everyday Heroes Chapter 21 Making the Final Connection—Kids Can Be Super Chapter 22 Expanding the Program Appendix A: Super Women Girl Power Bingo Clues for Girl Power Bingo References About the Author: Paul Cicchini, Ed.S., NCSP, is a school psychologist in the Camden School District, Camden, New Jersey. He was mentored by Rutgers professor Dr. Maurice Elias, and is now one of the few school psychologists in the country who is certified in School Leadership/Character Education. Cicchini is the author of the novels Young Cyrano, Godsmacked, and The Essentialz. He emphasizes elements of character education in his stories. His love of superheroes is what inspired him to create these characters and write The Essentialz and to create the curriculum Teach the Essentials of Good Character with the Essentialz®. |