Character training? There are honestly so many great programs available, but what has stuck (literally, up on the wall) the longest for our family is not a curriculum or unit study; it’s simply a set of words we rehearse over and over again. It’s We Choose Virtues.
Our family has been using We Choose Virtues for almost three years now. It’s the simplest of anything I’ve ever tried to implement for character training. The program focuses on 12 virtues using vibrant character cards with stories and catchphrases.
Of the products we originally ordered (parenting cards, flashcards, and teacher handbook), we’ve used the parenting cards pictured above the most. Each parenting card has a colorful image with a catchphrase (e.g., “I am Self-Controlled. I make myself do the right thing.”) along with the negation of its opposite (“I am NOT…wild, rowdy, or disorderly…”) and a scripture reference. The flip side includes a story about the Kid of Virtueville pictured on the front (e.g., Stop Sign Madeline) along with teachable moments and activities to reinforce the character trait. The flashcards (shown below) include a list of ideas and games like “virtue charades” to reinforce the memorization of the virtue catchphrases.
It takes our family just a few minutes every day (or every other day) to use this program. We keep our current virtue-in-focus up on the wall so we can easily reference the card as needed. However, our children know all the catchphrases, so when we end up with a character issue in our home, I just remind them with a catchphrase, “I am self-controlled…” They usually finish the phrase automatically. (But, honestly, this provides accountability across our entire family. Sometimes I need them to remind me of the virtue that eludes me during my moments of frustration!)
Words are empowering and motivating. I love that this program so easily reminds us of how, with Christ, we can overcome evil with good, we can be content, we can be kind and gentle and forgiving toward one another. Instead of harping on the things we’re doing wrong, we’re reminding each other of what is right. We Choose Virtues helps us to teach character in our home in a relaxed manner.
Not only that, but this year as the director of our homeschool community, I’ve been using these cards in our morning devotions during opening assembly.
The We Choose Virtues Parenting Card Set includes 12 virtue cards in either KJV or NIrV. Be sure to take a look at this comparison chart for more details on what is included in each kit. We Choose Virtues also has a line of products for older pre-teens/teens.
For those making a purchase at We Choose Virtues, be sure to use promo code SHIPFREE for free shipping.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a commission from any purchases you make through my referral links. We only affiliate with companies who offer products we use and believe will benefit our readers. By using our affiliate links, you not only allow us to invest in this site and provide Half-a-Hundred-Acre-Wood-funded giveaways to our readers, but you also support ministries around the world. Please read our disclosure policy for further details. Thank you so much for your support!