Why Character Education Matters in Elementary Schools (And How to Make It Stick)
Let’s be real. Kids today face a lot.
Screens. Pressure. Bullying. Drama. Confusion about what’s right and wrong.
That’s why character education in elementary schools is more important now than ever before.
It’s not just about rules. Or being nice. It’s about building good character in kids—teaching them to make smart choices, treat others well, and grow into kind, confident people.
As someone who’s worked with thousands of students over the years, I’ve seen this firsthand.
Let me walk you through why this matters—and how schools and parents can work together to make it stick.
What Is Character Education?
Character education means teaching kids the values and habits that help them become good people.
Think honesty. Kindness. Respect. Responsibility.
These lessons aren’t part of math or science. But they shape how kids behave, how they think, and how they treat others.
Moral education for children isn’t about long lectures. It’s about giving them tools to handle real-life choices.
Choices like:
Do I cheat on this test?
Do I stand up for that kid who’s getting bullied?
Do I help my friend, even if it’s inconvenient?
These are the moments where character shows up.
Why Elementary School Is the Sweet Spot
You want to know when character habits are formed? Early.
By age 9 or 10, many kids already have a sense of right and wrong. But they’re still figuring out what kind of person they want to be.
This is the window.
Elementary school is when:
Kids copy what they see
They crave fairness
They start noticing injustice
They care what trusted adults think
Character education programs that start early have a bigger impact. Because you’re shaping the foundation.
What Good Character Looks Like in Kids
A child with strong character isn’t perfect. But you’ll see things like:
They apologize when they mess up
They try to include others
They own their mistakes
They speak up when something’s not right
They treat people with dignity
That’s the goal: not just rule-followers, but kids who do the right thing—even when no one is watching.
That’s what building good character in kids is really about.
How Schools Can Build Character (Without Adding More Work)
I’ve performed hundreds of school assembly programs in New York and 37 other states. And I get it. Teachers are stretched thin. Administrators have deadlines.
But good character education programs don’t have to feel like “one more thing.”
Here’s what works:
1. Daily Language
Use the words every day:
Respect
Integrity
Fairness
Responsibility
Not just during lessons—use them during recess, clean-up, and hallway time.
Kids need repetition. They need to see the word in action.
2. Model It Loudly
Teachers, staff, and even bus drivers must model good character out loud.
Like:
“I’m sorry I interrupted you—go ahead.”
“I’m proud of you for telling the truth. That takes courage.”
Every adult is a mirror.
3. Recognize It Publicly
Catch kids doing the right thing.
Announce it in front of the class. Or hand out small character awards.
Recognition matters. It reinforces the habit.
4. Tie It to Real Life
Use current events. Playground problems. Lunch line drama.
When something goes wrong, talk about the values involved.
Ask questions like:
“What would respect look like here?”
“What’s the kind thing to do?”
This is how moral education for children becomes real—not abstract.
What Parents Can Do at Home
Parents are the front line of character development.
If you’re a parent reading this, know this: you don’t need to be perfect. But your kids are watching.
Here’s how to support character education at home:
1. Talk About It
Ask at dinner:
“Did anyone do something brave today?”
“What does honesty look like in a tough situation?”
Short conversations go a long way.
2. Set Clear Family Values
Write down five words that matter to your family. Post them on the fridge. Refer to them often.
It gives your child a clear compass.
3. Share Your Own Mistakes
Kids learn best when they see you wrestle with choices.
Say things like:
“I wanted to lie about being late, but I told the truth.”
“I snapped at someone today. I need to make that right.”
That’s how you teach character.
4. Praise the Effort
Don’t just say “good job.”
Say:
“I’m proud of how kind you were.”
“You were really patient with your sister.”
Point out the value you saw.
That’s how you reinforce it.
How to Teach Respect (When It Feels Like No One Else Is)
Ah, respect.
One of the most asked-about traits. And one of the most misunderstood.
How do you teach respect when kids see adults yelling on TV, fighting online, and getting rewarded for being cruel?
You teach it by:
Giving respect first, even when you’re frustrated
Setting boundaries and sticking to them
Asking for opinions, even from young kids
Talking about tone of voice, eye contact, and patience
Respect isn’t just about obedience. It’s about dignity.
When kids feel respected, they mirror it.
👉 Discover programs that teach kindness and respect: Character Education Programs That Excite Students.
Why Character Education Matters in New York Schools (and Beyond)
New York and its surrounding states are diverse. Different cultures. Different backgrounds. Different challenges.
But one thing unites us:
We all want our kids to grow up to be decent human beings.
That’s why strong character education programs matter.
They’re not fluff. They’re not “extras.”
They’re essential.
Because at the end of the day, grades fade. Awards get dusty.
But character? That lasts.
Final Thoughts
You want to raise kind, strong, respectful kids?
Start early. Start small. Stay consistent.
Whether you’re a teacher in Albany or a parent in Buffalo, you’re not alone.
We’re all in this together.
Let’s build the kind of future where our kids don’t just know right from wrong—they choose right on purpose.
That’s the power of character education.
My “Yes I Can” Character Education school assembly is the perfect ‘kickoff’ to a school-wide campaign for a positive environment. Filled with magic, kid-friendly humor, and loads of interaction, your teachers and students will love it. Find out more today.