Hi! I was wondering if anyone could recommend some character books, preferably ones that are biblically based. We have had several character issues in our home lately. Having them in the house with me all day, everyday makes those issues come shining through!! 🙂
What books can you recommend that might be available at the library? Any websites out there that give biblically based character lessons? Any other ideas?
I like the idea of using true stories from historical figures, along with biblical stories. I remember a story about George Washington accidentally killing his mother’s favorite colt. He ran inside and told his mom the truth. She said, ” While I reget the loss of my favorite colt, I rejoice in my son, who always speaks the truth.” I love that story! Where can I find more true stories that support good character traits?
We have already completed the Child’s book of Character Building. We loved it. But, apparently we haven’t “gotten it” yet!
We loved Storytime with the Millers. You can find this one and more from rod and staff. Also, Abeka readers have great character stories usually with scripture to tie the story together.
As for true stories, Beautiful Feet history tells about the person and what character quality/qualities the person had. Example..Benjamin Franklin exhibited kindness/goodness-by considering others and the poor.
And always there are Bible stories where the person shows different godly characteristics. Noah obeyed God by building the ark. David trusted God to give him the win over Goliath. Joseph showed forgiveness towards his brothers.
Queens homeschool has books for girls and boys about character. We are currently reading Benny, Boy of the Prairie.
Everyday Graces by Karen Santorum is a Childs Book Of Manners. There are poems, short stories, and excerpts from literature that shows the characters exhibiting all sorts of manners and good habits.
I have lots more..but have to go! Will let you know more later!
I also highly recommend Storytime with the Millers. We have already read it once, and the kids constantly pick it up to read on their own.
We have enjoyed The Original 21 Rules of This House this schoolyear. I’m not a big “rules” person, but there are some wonderfully simple concepts to teach children that are very character-developing. Example “rules” include:
We speak quietly and respectfully with one another.
We love, honor, and pray for one another.
When someone is sad, we comfort him.
When we have something nice to share, we share it.
When we make a mess, we clean it up.
We take good care of everything God has given us.
It has been an easy way to get these concepts into my children. Of course, you can incorporate a Bible verse to go along with each, and reinforce it that much more.
Whenever one child is being rude or disrespectful to me or a sibling, I simply ask, “How do we speak to one another?” The response is always “Quietly and respectfully.” And that usually settles whatever squabble or disrespect was going on.
I am planning to do this book twice this year to really get some things engrained as good habits. That’s what I use it for: habits, not really “rule memorization”.