Amy Smit, Author at The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center

Leadership by Example

Enjoy this excerpt from Leadership by Example: Be a Role Model Who Inspires Greatness in Others by our friend, Frank Sonnenberg. If You Believe You Can’t, You Won’t What describes your way of thinking? Are you more likely to say,

Character Building with the Six Pillars of Character

Character education curriculum, lessons, and activities

This article was originally published in the February 2023 edition of Story Monsters.® For over 30 years, CHARACTER COUNTS! has worked with parents, educators, and coaches around the world to help them instill the Six Pillars of Character— trustworthiness, respect,

What is the Content of Your Character?

This article was originally published in the January 2023 edition of Story Monsters.® Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. may have stated it best when he wrote, “Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.” That’s what we’re chasing as

Living the Golden Rule

** Frank Sonnenbeg has been a longtime friend of The Ray Center and CHARACTER COUNTS!. We’re proud to share an excerpt from his new book, The Path to a Meaningful Life. Enjoy! ** Everyone knows the Golden Rule. In fact,

True Friends (Grades 6-12)

Overview: This lesson asks students to consider their current friendships. Having true friends is important and learning what healthy and trusting relationships feel like is imperative for a teen’s social development. Character Education Objectives: Students will: read a poem about

Finding Common Ground (Grades K-5)

Character Education and SEL Lesson on Citizenship and Common Ground

Overview: Students will explore the benefits of finding common ground with others in their community. This lesson promotes good citizenship. Character Education Objectives: Students will: experience finding common ground with others. discuss how collaboration and community are impacted by citizens finding