Check out one of our PurposeFull Pursuits for Kindess
Find a time to sit in a circle together and celebrate a Kind beginning of the school year! If you want, gather some favorite snacks and play some celebratory music for the occasion. Take turns sharing responses to the following prompts or make up your own! Remember to practice Kindness as you listen to each other.
Celebration Prompts:
- What is 1 way a family member has shown you Kindness this week?
- What is 1 way you want to grow in Kindness toward others this school year?
Click the links below to read the Kindness Family Newsletter:
Click the links below to watch the Character Strong Kindness Videos:
Click Here for Additional Resources
In October, we are focusing on Respect at Summit Learning Charter. This is a great time to ask your students questions about respect and what it means to them. Ask them what respect looks like in the community, at school, and in your home. You can even role-play scenarios that might happen in different areas of their lives such as a disagreement with a friend or visiting family or friends at their home.
- What does it feel like to be respected?
- What does it feel like to be disrespected?
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) can be taught in various ways and having discussions with your children is one of them that can help teach SEL.
Click the links below to read the Respect Family Newsletters:
Click the links below to watch the Character Strong Respect Videos:
Click Here for Additional Resources
We are looking forward to focusing on gratitude this month! One way to think about gratitude is “choosing to appreciate the people and things in our lives.” Practicing gratitude can increase our overall well-being and happiness.
Try a Gratitude Jar as a Family: Find a spot in your home to display a glass jar and place small slips of paper next to it. Use the jar to collect special people, places, events, and memories your family is thankful for. Set aside time each week to add new slips to the jar, helping younger children write or draw their thoughts as needed.
Having a gloomy day or going through a challenging time together? Pull out the slips and read them aloud as a uplifting reminder of your grateful moments.
Click the links below to read the Gratitude Family Newsletters:
Click the links below to watch the Character Strong Gratitude Videos:
Click Here for Additional Resources
This month we are talking about Responsibility. One way to define Responsibility is “taking action and understanding the impact of our choices.” Taking action can mean doing the right thing or completing the tasks you have been assigned. Understanding the impact of our choices means that our actions matter. Positive and responsible actions can help people and irresponsible actions can hurt others.
Have some fun connecting as a family this month while practicing Responsibility. As a family, you can think of ways in which you might make someone’s life a little easier by helping a neighbor or family friend with 1 of their Responsibilities. Could you bring the garbage to the chute or out to the curb? Could you carry things in from the grocery store? Could you invite someone over for a meal or a show?
Conversation Starters:
- Can you share or show what it means to be Responsible?
- How can we help each other practice being more Responsible?
Click the links below to read the Responsibility Family Newsletters:
Click the links below to watch the Character Strong Responsibility Videos:
Click Here for Additional Resources
This month’s focus is Empathy. One way to think about Empathy is “understanding and connecting with other people’s feelings.” Empathy is a practice that can help us grow strong relationships.
Have some fun connecting as a family this month while practicing Empathy. Here is a “PurposeFul Pursuits you can complete together! Empathy is understanding and connecting with other people’s feelings. Schedule a family movie night so that you can specifically watch for feelings and emotions. Let everyone know that you’d like them to point out how the characters in the show are feeling and that you will pause periodically to discuss Empathy. As emotions are identified, invite one another to Empathize by sharing about a time they felt that way or imagining how they might be feeling in that moment.
Conversation Starters:
- What does Empathy look like to you?
- Is it hard for you to share how you feel with others? Why or why not?
Click the links below to read the Empathy Family Newsletters:
Click the links below to watch the Character Strong Empathy Videos:
Click Here for Additional Resources
This month our focus is all about Perseverance. One way to think about Perseverance is “pushing yourself through challenges and obstacles.” We all experience challenges in our lives. We all have moments when we feel like we can’t do it or that we want to give up on a big task. It is important to develop tools that help us work through those challenges in order to grow in those moments instead of giving up. How might you practice Perseverance as a family this month? One idea can include putting together puzzles becuase it provides an excellent opportunity to demonstrate how the pieces don’t always fit. Introduce age-appropriate puzzles and gradually increase their complexity, using pictures that’ll engage your child. Especially at a young age, children tend to mimic habits they see in their parents and peers. When you’re having a hard time at work or at home (or putting together a puzzle), model that it’s perfectly acceptable to step back, take a moment, and recharge.
Conversation Starters:
- Can you share or show what it means to have Perseverance?
- When working towards goals, how does Perseverance help us to reach them?
Click the links below to read the Perseverance Family Newsletters:
Click the links below to watch the Character Strong Perseverance Videos:
Additional Resources:
Click Here for Additional Resources
This month’s focus is Honesty. One way to think about Honesty is “being truthful in what you say and do.” Practicing Honesty helps strengthen our relationships and even reduces stress. Honesty is 1 of 3 traits we will focus on throughout the year that helps students Be Well. Across grade levels, students will be developing skills like emotion regulation, positive self-talk, and stress-management.
Conversation Starters:
- Can you share or show what it means to practice Honesty?
- What is 1 way you can be more Honest with others?
Click the links below to read the Honesty Family Newsletters:
Click the links below to watch the Character Strong Honesty Videos:
Click Here for Additional Resources
This month’s focus is Cooperation. One way to think about Cooperation is “working together to reach shared goals.” As a family, talk about how this definition applies to how you work together at home. What are some goals you share? Cooperation is 1 of 3 traits we will focus on throughout the year that helps students Be Kind. Across grade levels, students will be developing skills like perspective-taking, conflict resolution, and leadership.
Conversation Starters:
- What does Cooperation mean in your own words?
- What is 1 way we can practice Cooperation as a family?
Click the links below to read the Cooperation Family Newsletters:
Click the links below to watch the Character Strong Cooperation Videos:
Click Here for Additional Resources
We are excited to focus on Courage this month! One way to think about Courage is “choosing what is helpful, right, and kind even when it is hard or scary.” Courage can look a little different for everyone. Get ready to explore as a family what Courage means to you! Courage is 1 of 3 traits we will focus on throughout the year that helps students Be Strong. Across grade levels, students will be developing skills like focusing, organizing, and goal-setting.
Conversation Starters:
- Can you share or show what it means to have Courage?
- When you practice Courage, how does it make you feel? Why?
Click the links below to read the Courage Family Newsletters:
Click the links below to watch the Character Strong Courage Videos:
Click Here for Additional Resources
Get ready for some fun as we focus on Creativity this month! One way to think about Creativity is “using your imagination to create something new or solve a problem.” Opportunities to be Creative are all around us! How can you find ways to be Creative as a family this month? Creativity is 1 of 3 traits we have been focusing on throughout the year that helps students Be Well. Across grade levels, students have been developing skills like emotion regulation, positive self-talk, and stress-management.
Conversation Starters:
- Can you share or show what Creativity is?
- How can being Creative help you solve problems?
Click the links below to read the Creativity Family Newsletters:
Click the links below to watch the Character Strong Creativity Videos:
Click Here for Additional Resources
At Summit Learning Charter, we use our Emotion Elements charts to represent different emotions. For us…
Grades K-2 Chart:Emotion Elements
- Bree represents emotions like silly, nervous, playful, or distracted.
- Brooks represents emotions like sad, lonely, tired, or embarrassed.
- Ember represents emotions like angry, frustrated, excited, or scared.
- Terra represents emotions like calm, focused, proud, or happy.
Grades 3-5 Chart:Emotion Elements
- Wind represents feeling words like inspired, anxious, playful, and nervous.
- Water represents feeling words like concerned, thoughtful, tired, and bored.
- Fire represents feeling words like annoyed, overwhelmed, excited, and scared.
- Earth represents feeling words like motivated, focused, confident, and proud.
As a family, create your own poster showing different emotions. For Example: you could use emojis to represent different emotions and label them or even take pictures of your student displaying each emotion and print them to create a poster like the example below. Hang your poster in a central location. Each day, designate a time that your student will do an emotion check-in and tap the feeling they felt the most that day. This reminds your student of the emotion vocabulary they are learning at school and gives you insight into how they are feeling. Understanding other people’s feelings can help us grow in Empathy!
The Emotion Elements video series is CharacterStrong’s comprehensive curriculum module designed to turn the abstract concept of feelings into concrete, accessible science and practical skills for young learners.
By treating emotions like "elements" that can be observed, identified, and managed, this collection gives children a shared vocabulary to understand their internal world and regulate their reactions.
Click the links below to watch the videos about the Emotion Elements:
Click Here for Additional Resources
The CharacterStrong SEL Video Series is a vibrant, research-backed library of short, engaging video lessons designed to build core Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) skills and executive function in a relatable, student-centered way.
Rather than delivering dry lectures, these videos use authentic storytelling, practical scenarios, real-world examples, and actionable reflection prompts to help students apply life skills both in and out of the classroom.
Here is a breakdown of how the videos explore each key theme (click on the blue underlined key work to watch the video):
1. Executive Function & Personal Growth
- Goal Setting & Organization: Videos break down how to set achievable, step-by-step goals (like SMART goals) and develop systems to manage time, materials, and priorities—turning overwhelming tasks into structured, manageable actions.
- Engagement: These clips focus on active participation, intrinsic motivation, and finding personal relevance in daily learning and community activities.
2. Emotional Regulation & Resilience
- Stress Management: Students learn actionable coping strategies—such as deep breathing techniques, mindfulness, physical movement, and reframing thoughts—to manage test anxiety, social pressures, and daily stressors.
- Positive Self-Talk: Videos demonstrate how our internal dialogue shapes our confidence and mindset, teaching students how to identify harsh "inner critics" and replace them with compassionate, growth-oriented self-talk.
- Flexible Thinking: Exercises help kids develop cognitive flexibility—learning how to adapt when plans change, solve problems from multiple angles, and bounce back when things don't go as expected.
3. Interpersonal Skills & Community
- Perspective Taking: Through diverse character scenarios, these videos cultivate empathy by encouraging students to step into someone else’s shoes, listen actively, and understand different lived experiences and viewpoints.
- Leadership: Leadership is reframed not as a title or position of authority, but as daily influence—showing up with integrity, serving others, modeling empathy, and making positive choices that inspire peers.
The K–2 CharacterStrong Video Collection uses age-appropriate, story-driven characters and clear behavioral modeling to introduce foundational Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and executive function concepts to young learners.
Instead of abstract lectures, these videos translate big ideas—like emotional regulation and focus—into concrete, physical actions that young children can easily understand, practice, and mirror.
1. Character Story Series: "Be Strong, Be Kind, Be Well"
These story-based videos introduce core character traits through relatable puppet/animated characters and memorable character personas:
- Be Strong: Introducing Ida: Focuses on courage, resilience, and personal strength. Ida models how to try new things even when they feel intimidating, speak up for oneself, and keep trying after making a mistake.
- Be Kind: Say Hello Sol: Focuses on connection, empathy, and welcoming others. Sol demonstrates simple, actionable ways to show kindness—like greeting classmates, using friendly body language, and making others feel included.
- Be Well: Terrific Tre: Focuses on wellness, self-care, and healthy habits. Tre models how taking care of our bodies and minds (sleep, movement, deep breaths, and expressing feelings) helps us show up as our best selves each day.
2. Foundational Classroom & Life Skills (K–2)
These videos break down essential executive function and classroom readiness skills into simple, multi-sensory steps:
- Listening K–2 & Focusing K–2: Teaches whole-body listening (eyes watching, ears listening, voice quiet, body still). The videos help young children identify distractions and practice visual "focus tools"—like using "laser eyes" or "binoculars"—to keep their attention on the speaker.
- Following Directions K–2: Breaks down the habit of listening, repeating directions in your head (working memory), and starting tasks right away without waiting or getting sidetracked.
3. Peer Relations & Emotional Growth (K–2)
- Friendship K–2 & Be a Good Friend K–2: Explores the mechanics of early peer relationships: sharing, taking turns, listening to a friend's ideas, apologizing when feelings get hurt, and inviting someone who is alone to play.
- Emotion Regulation K–2: Introduces basic emotional literacy by helping kids name big feelings (anger, sadness, excitement) and practice simple self-calming strategies, such as belly breathing, counting to 5, or taking a pause before reacting.
The CharacterStrong & Ringbeller Interview Series pairs real-world change-makers, artists, scientists, and thought leaders with core Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) themes.
By taking SEL out of abstract theory and showing how world-class thinkers and creatives apply empathy, flexible thinking, and resilience in their actual careers, these videos demonstrate to students that emotional intelligence is a superpower used by leaders every day.
Here is a breakdown of the interview subjects (with video links when you click on their names), featured activities, and the key SEL values they illustrate:
1. Resilience, Advocacy & Creative Problem-Solving
- Gaelynn Lea (Flexible Thinking): Violinist, disability rights advocate, and NPR Tiny Desk Contest winner. She shares how she adapts her musical technique to accommodate her disability, offering a vivid real-world example of flexible thinking, overcoming physical constraints, and reframing challenges as creative opportunities.
- Gitanjali Rao: Time Magazine's Kid of the Year and young inventor. She discusses how empathy drives scientific innovation—from developing tech to detect lead in drinking water to preventing cyberbullying—showing students how goal setting, research, and passion solve real community problems.
- Nikkolas Smith: "Artivist," concept artist, and children's book illustrator. He highlights how creative expression can be used for social advocacy, positive self-talk, and processing complex human emotions through visual art.
- Nathan Pyle: Creator of the famous Strange Planet webcomic. He explores humor, perspective-taking, and observing human behaviors and emotions from an affectionate, outsider point of view.
2. Empathy, Community & Storytelling
- Padraig Ó Tuama: Renowned poet, theologian, and peacebuilder from Northern Ireland. He shares insights on perspective-taking, active listening, conflict resolution, and the power of language to bridge deep divides.
- Judge Sheila Calloway: Juvenile Court Judge known for restorative justice. She discusses empathy, second chances, emotional regulation, and how restorative practices heal community relationships rather than rely strictly on punishment.
- Brad Montague: Creator of Kid President and author. He brings warmth and humor to themes of everyday kindness, listening to young voices, leadership as service, and finding joy in small actions.
- Chloe Valdary: Writer and developer of the Theory of Enchantment framework. She focuses on social-emotional literacy, self-compassion, overcoming prejudice, and treating oneself and others with unconditional love and dignity.
3. Mindset, Innovation & Expression
- Seth Godin: Best-selling author and entrepreneur. He speaks on overcoming the fear of failure, developing a growth mindset, embracing creative risk-taking, and building positive habits.
- Mike Tompkins: Acappella musician and beatboxer. He demonstrates how discipline, organization, and creative passion come together, showing kids how to turn individual sounds into complex, collaborative art.
- Okorie Johnson (OkCello): Cellist and storyteller. He explores how music can be used for emotional regulation, self-expression, and healing personal and historical stories.
- Manuel Herrera & Vivian Peng: Designers and visual storytellers. They share how visual thinking, data visualization, and creative design help organize complex ideas, express raw emotions, and build empathy across diverse audiences.
4. Physical & Experiential SEL Challenges
- Sun Salute: A guided mindfulness and physical wellness break that grounds students through yoga movements, helping them practice emotional regulation and stress management through mind-body connection.
- Chair Challenge: A fun, playful experiential activity that tests student collaboration, problem-solving under pressure, flexible thinking, and team communication in real time.
The Tree of Choices collection by CharacterStrong is a structured, visual conflict-resolution framework designed to help students move from emotional reactions to proactive problem-solving. By breaking conflicts down into manageable branches—understanding the root cause, assessing the size of the problem, and selecting constructive strategies—this series equips kids with actionable skills to navigate interpersonal challenges calmly and restore relationships.
Here is a breakdown of how the individual lessons in this module guide students through conflict resolution:
1. Foundations & Understanding Conflict
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Tree of Choices: Introduction Video & Understanding Conflict Resolution: Establishes the core metaphor: just like a tree branches in different directions, everyday conflicts present multiple paths we can choose to take. Introduces conflict as a natural part of human relationships that can be resolved peacefully with the right skills.
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Tree of Choices: What's the Conflict?: Teaches students how to step back and accurately identify the root issue in a situation before acting—shifting focus from placing blame to naming the actual problem.
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Tree of Choices: Big or Small Problem: Helps children evaluate the scale of an issue. Small problems (glitches) can be resolved independently using student choice tools, while big problems require adult intervention, safety steps, or immediate support.
2. Emotional Awareness & Regulation
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Tree of Choices: Movement & Tree of Choices: Gum Collection: Experiential and visual metaphors that break down physical regulation:
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Movement: Demonstrates how moving our bodies safely or stepping away helps release physical tension during a disagreement.
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Gum Collection: A memorable visual metaphor showing how holding onto minor grievances is like stepping on old gum—it sticks around and gets messy—encouraging students to let go of minor irritations.
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Tree of Choices: Emotions: Connects emotional self-awareness to decision-making, helping students recognize how feelings like anger, frustration, or embarrassment influence choices, and why regulating first leads to better decisions.
3. Action, Choices & Resolution
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Tree of Choices: Make a Choice & Practicing Conflict Resolution: Guides students through evaluating peaceful options—such as taking turns, using an "I-Statement," walking away, or compromising—and choosing a positive branch that restores harmony.
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Tree of Choices: Application: Features real-world scenarios (playground disagreements, group work tension, shared space issues) where students actively apply the Tree of Choices model to navigate tricky social situations in real time.
Key Educational Impact
The Tree of Choices shifts kids from reacting impulsively during disagreements to responding thoughtfully. It provides a common language for classrooms and families to coach children through peer conflict, turning daily challenges into opportunities for empathy, communication, and restorative problem-solving.
Click Here for Additional Resources
Brain Breaks for Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) combine physical movement, mindfulness, and sensory regulation to help students recharge their focus, manage energy levels, and regulate their emotions throughout the day.
Whether transitioning between academic tasks or working through moments of frustration, these short, purposeful videos give students simple tools to reset their minds and bodies.
Core Brain Break Categories & SEL Benefits
1. High-Energy Movement & Cardio (Up-Regulation)
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SEL & Self-Regulation Goal: Helps students release excess nervous energy, wake up sluggish minds, and practice self-expression through joyful movement. These high-tempo breaks build body awareness, coordination, and physical resilience.
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Featured Videos:
2. Mindfulness, Breathing & Sensory Grounding (Down-Regulation)
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SEL & Self-Regulation Goal: Teaches concrete coping strategies for stress, overstimulation, and anxiety. Guided breathing and nature-focused sensory breaks lower heart rates, promote mindfulness, and help kids return to a calm, ready-to-learn state.
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Featured Videos:
3. Balance, Focus & Executive Function (Refocusing)
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SEL & Self-Regulation Goal: Challenges spatial awareness, cognitive flexibility, and concentration. Activities requiring balance or multi-step coordination strengthen body control, build executive function, and practice flexible thinking under mild physical challenge.
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Featured Videos:
Classroom & Home Implementation
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Before Academic Transitions: Use a 2-minute movement break to clear mental fatigue between math and reading blocks.
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During Moments of Dysregulation: Deploy a breathing or grounding video when the room needs to lower its collective stress or regain focus.
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Early Childhood Foundations (K–2): Play dedicated K–2 videos (Sol's Reach, Mighty Oak, Body Balance) to build basic motor control and whole-body regulation habits early on.
Click Here for Additional Resources
