CHARACTER WITHIN EPISODE GUIDE

Table of Contents:

v POEM: THE CHARACTER WITHIN	pg. 3
v VIDEO VOLUME EPISODE SUMMARIES	pg. 4
v VIDEO VOLUME ACTIVITIES	pg. 6
v DOES YOUR SCHOOL NEED A CHARACTER EDUCATION PROGRAM?	pg.12
v INTRODUCTION TO CHARACTER EDUCATION	pg.13
v THE CASE FOR CHARACTER EDUCATION	pg.14
v CHARACTER EDUCATION: THEORY	pg.15
v STANDARDS IN CHARACTER EDUCATION: TEACHER STANDARDS QUAILITY STANDARDS	pg.21
v STATE CHARACTER EDUCATION ACTIVITY – JUNE 2002	pg.23
v DEVELOPING CHARACTER IN OUR STUDENTS	pg.31
v GETTING STARTED WITH A CHARACTER ED PROGRAM CHARACTER ED TEAM PLANNING WORKSHEET THE NEED FOR COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS/ PARTNERSHIPS	pg.33
v CREATING A DEMOCRATIC CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT AND LEADING MORAL DISCUSSIONS IN THE CLASSROOM THE TEACHER AS A CAREGIVER, MODEL AND MENTOR	pg.42
v TEACHING CHARACTER IN THE CLASSROOM THROUGH CURRICULUM	pg.46
v PARENT INVOLVEMENT IN CHARACTER EDUCATION	pg.49
v CONNECTEDNESS	pg.52
v SERVICE LEARNING INFORMATION DEFINITIONS, IMPACT OF SERVICE LEARNING, SERVICE LEARNING/CHARACTER EDUCATION CONNECTIONS	pg.54
v SERVICE LEARNING ACTIVITIES/IDEAS/WEB RESOURCES	pg.60
v SERVICE LEARNING PROJECTS HELPING OTHER ORGANIZATIONS	pg.68
v CHARACTER EDUCATION AND INDICATORS OF SCHOOL CRIME AND SAFETY	pg.72
v CHARACTER QUOTES	pg.94
v RESOURCES: BOOKS, PERIODICALS AND WEBSITES	pg.97

The Character Within

As artist paints the sky

a brilliant blue,

And adds a streak of

silver to the cloud,

I slowly lay the

Background to my life

And feel a character—

not shamed or proud.

This character is deep

within, and is not held

In bondage to the

rhythms of the crowd.

It knows within its

fundamental flows

Of when to stay aloof,

and move uncowed.

When held along with

those who lost their soul,

This character,

impervious, will stand

unbowed;

And then, as time in

silence moves ahead,

It sets what words, and

when, will be allowed.

Brian Henson

VIDEO VOLUME EPISODE SUMMARIES

THE SECRET OF THE HORSE

Football jock Alex taunts Victor Tran, a new student, until Victor knocks Alex down with one swift kick. It’s the first day of school, and Victor is in trouble even before the first bell rings.

Victor didn’t ask to attend Lumen High where there are no other Vietnamese students. Highly skilled in martial arts, but with his ability unknown to his classmates, Victor must harness his anger and resist fighting Alex again. If Victor is dismissed from Lumen, his family will pay the price. His father stands to lose his job as the school janitor, and Bernadette, his sister who struggles with a disability will lose her chance to attend a prestigious music school.

Alex continues to antagonize Victor, and as Victor finds it increasingly hard to resist a fight, his father reminds him of the true purpose of martial arts, and the secret of the “horse stance”, and the real meaning of giving up something for the love and well being of another.

This action drama will engage viewers of all ages both with its amazing martial arts sequences and its lessons of wisdom, strength, friendship and sacrifice for others. Sometimes there are things worth not fighting for.

THE EGGPLANT LADY

Jamie’s parents have decided that the family should move to a bigger house in a better neighborhood. Jamie believes her life is over and hates the idea of leaving her friends and school.

Also, quietly unhappy is Rosa, Jamie’s grandmother. The move will end her years of living in the house where she and her now deceased husband raised their family. Rosa must also say goodbye to her beloved garden and her role as “The Eggplant Lady”, cooking her specialty – eggplant parmesan – for the homeless who gather for meals at the local soup kitchen.

Jamie and Rosa become close allies in a situation neither one can control and learn a valuable lesson in life. When things happen in life that we can’t change or even understand we must look within to our own character and find the courage to make the right decisions.

TAYLOR’S WALL

“Why isn’t anyone doing anything to stop this?” asks Taylor Manning when her twin brother dies, the victim of a school shooting. For Taylor, the world no longer makes sense. Grief-stricken and numb, Taylor rebels and nearly gets suspended.

Mr. Dubois, a charismatic substitute teacher, becomes Taylor’s only hope. He challenges Taylor’s class to express themselves in journals, asking that they ‘keep it real.” He shares his own powerful journal entry about the death of his own brother, killed by a drunk driver.

When Kyle dies, Taylor’s anger focuses on her family and Mr. Dubois. After all, Dubois had invited Kyle to participate in a jail outreach for troubled teens, an involvement that led to Kyle’s death.

In response to Taylor’s questions, Mr. Dubois answers. “Why aren’t YOU doing something?” Taylor must decide if she can “make a difference” and find a creative outlet for her pain, to involve others, and to pick a challenge her brother left behind.

Recognizing the contemporary need for tolerance, respect, restraint and communication, this compelling drama will engage and challenge viewers to look inside their individual character for what it takes to persevere and the power of forgiveness.

HAUNTED HEART

David Lowe can no longer tolerate life at home with his sister Erika and his drunker father, Bill. Erika puts up with Bill’s binges and covers for his addictive behavior, angering David. School is no better: after yet another classroom fight, David is on the verge of expulsion when Mr. Hopkins, David’s English teacher, surprisingly offers to tutor him. However, he has no other choice. If he is to graduate and have a chance at escaping home for college, he must cooperate.

Mr. Hopkins is tough: he demands that David read a wide range of books, starting with a children’s fable. But after Mr. Hopkins’ advice leads to a disaster, David turns on him, smashing his window and getting arrested. Even then, the teacher offers David an unforgettable lesson of forgiveness, which challenges David in other areas of his life. “I don’t deserve this,” David protests. “None of us deserves anything,” Mr. Hopkins replies, “That’s where true love begins.”

David learns a valuable lesson when he reaches inside his own character to forgive and offer kindness and true caring towards his family which brings new meaning into his own life.

Character Within – Study/Discussion Questions

THE SECRET OF THE HORSE

1. The Tran family has just moved to a new home. What does the move mean to Victor? To Bernadette?

2. What arrangement has the principal made with Mr.Tran?

3. On the first day of school, Vicotor literally "runs into" Alex. What happens to get them off on the wrong foot?

4. Victor and Alex end up in the principal’s office. Why?

5. What does Mr. Tran offer to do to make things right? How does Victor react?

6. Victor complains to his father that “other races hate Asians.” Does Mr. Tran agree? What proverb does he quote to Victor?

7. Mr. Tran asks his son, “What makes you think love is easy?” What does he mean by that? Can you give other examples of love that sometimes can be painful?

8. Mr. Tran also says, “The father has suffered… now it is up to the son.” What does he mean?

9. Alex continues to taunt Victor with racial slurs. How do such jokes and comments hurt people? Are they justified or fair?

10. Bernadette and Victor are close to each other. Give examples of how Victor shows his affection for her.

11. Victor tries to make peace with Alex, but is rejected. What does Alex continue to seek? Why?

12. Victor has a strange dream. What might the dream symbolize?

13. When Alex hits Victor with the broom handle, Bernadette is upset with Victor for not fighting back. How does her father remind her of Victor’s care and loyalty to her? What does he mean by saying “Perhaps he carries you now”?

14. Mr. Tran shows Victor the “horse stance” in martial arts. What does it represent and why is it difficult?

15. What does Mr. Tran try to teach Victor about the value of non-violence towards your enemies?

16. What happens in the “fight” at the football field? What does Victor manage to accomplish? What has Victor learned about himself? What character traits does he now display?

17. How do you feel about the way things work out between Alex and Victor? Is it believable? Why or why not?

18. The program is entitled “The Secret of the Horse”. Why? What is the “secret”?

THE EGGPLANT LADY

1. Jamie and her grandmother are both opposed to moving to the new house. Do they have any reasons in common?

2. As far as the move is concerned, Jamie tells her mother “My life is so over!” Do you understand her feelings? Explain.

3. When Rosa hurts her hand in the garden, Jamie is forced to help her make the eggplant parmesan. Why does this turn out to be a special night for Jamie?

4. Jamie objects to Rosa calling the eggplant “authentic” because Rosa is not Italian. Rosa responds “You like moo shu pork and you’re not Chinese. This is America. Everyone eats everyone else’s food.” Explain what Rosa means. Does this apply to more than just food? Give examples of how we share the customs of many different cultures in America.

5. When Jamie brings up moving in with her friend because she’s is 16 and old enough to be on her own, Rosa discourages her by saying, “…the sauce is like the family. Every ingredient counts. Without the garlic, the sauce would be no good. Without you the family would be no good.” Do you agree with Rosa?

6. Jamie responds, “If I’m so important, why didn’t anybody ask me if I wanted to move?” Rosa tells her, “Nobody asked the garlic if it wanted to be in the sauce.” Discuss what Rosa means. Do we sometimes think we ought to control everything? Should we? Can you name other things that happen to people that they cannot control?

7. While in the kitchen, Jamie tells Rosa, “I’m the secret ingredient because no one even knows I’m here.” Do you understand how Jamie feels? Explain.

8. At the soup kitchen, several people call Rosa the “Eggplant Lady” and express their feelings about her moving out of the neighborhood. What does Jamie learn from seeing and hearing these people with her grandmother?

9. Franklin tells Jamie that the secret ingredient in Rosa’s eggplant parmesan is “love”. Discuss.

10. Jamie shakes hands with Franklin. Why was this it a significant act for her?

11. Why did Rosa really run away? How and when does Jamie “figure” it out?

12. As the family takes a final walk through the garden before leaving the house, they discover more eggplants. Jamie decides to try her hand at becoming the “new Eggplant Lady” and carrying on the work her grandmother had begun at the kitchen. Why do you think she could succeed? What has Jamie learned about herself? What character traits does she now display?

TAYLOR’S WALL

1. Taylor Manning paints graffiti on a school wall. What does she paint? Why?

2. Kyle can parallel park in the beginning of the story and Taylor can’t. What does Taylor mean when she says, “Fitting in where he didn’t belong was Kyle’s specialty”?

3. Why is Drew so angry about Kyle going to visit Gina in County Jail? What does Drew think about the two of them? Is he right?

4. Drew’s friend Arturo knows how angry Drew is. Does he try to reach out to Drew and to what extent?

5. What does Mr. Dubois ask his students to do in English class? What does he mean when he asks them to “Keep it real”?

6. At first Taylor resists writing in favor of drawings. Mr. Dubois recognizes her artistic impulses, but challenges her to “use words.” Does Taylor express herself with both? Explain.

7. Why does Kyle insist on going to the jail outreach with Mr. Dubois? Why doesn’t Taylor want to participate in the program?

8. Describe Mr. Dubois’ journal entry. What decision did he make after that life changing experience?

9. Kyle and Taylor get along, but how are they different? Give specific examples.

10. Taylor also knows how angry Drew is with Kyle. Does she do enough to intervene? What could she or Arturo have done to make a difference?

11. As they look at the stars overhead, Kyle tells Taylor he wants to be a counselor. When she walks away from him, he says, “I will be with you always.” In what ways did that promise come true? How?

12. Taylor feels alone and abandoned after her brother is gone. Mr. Dubois challenges Taylor to find a mission to focus on. What “mission” does Taylor discover after Kyle’s death?

13. Why is Taylor so angry after Kyle’s death? What reasons does she give? How is she responsible for her own anger?

14. “Kids are dying,” Taylor complains to Mr. Dubois. “Why isn’t anyone doing anything to stop this?” He answers, “Why aren’t YOU?” What do you think about Dubois’ response? What can teens do that adults can’t?

15. At the wall, Taylor meets Arturo. He apologizes and says, “I didn’t think Drew would go that far. I didn’t know he was flipping out.” How does Taylor respond?

16. Taylor tells the principal, “I can’t stand by and watch another teen get killed because he felt bullied or ignored or invisible.” Discuss her feelings.

17. Taylor’s mission extends beyond the wall. What other causes does she take up on Kyle’s behalf?

18. When Taylor and Drew meet face to face at the jail, what is the encounter like?

19. What did Taylor learn about herself through this experience surrounding her brother’s death? How has she changed? What character traits does she now display?

20. Why do you think it takes a tragedy to make people stop and take notice of problems surrounding them? Why do you think more people are part of the “problem” instead of being part of the “solution”? Is minding your own business and not getting involved part of the “problem” or the “solution” in your opinion?

THE HAUNTED HEART

1. How do Erica and David each individually relate to their father? Is either “better” than the other?

2. David is angry with his sister for always saying “I’m sorry.” Why?

3. Why does Mr. Hopkins offer to tutor David? Why do you think David accepts?

4. What is “Lesson Number One”? Does David believe it about himself?

Do you agree?

5. Why is it often difficult for people to express true feelings to others – especially to parents and family members and friends? What gets in the way?

6. Why does Mr. Hopkins ask David several times to adjust his posture? What difference does it make? What does his posture represent?

7. What was “Lesson Number Two”? How did David react to it initially? How did he accept it over time?

8. After David rejects the classics that Mr. Hopkins offers he takes a children’s book, The Giving Tree. Discuss the characters and the plot of the book.

9. Why is David upset with the tree? Whom does he compare to the tree, always “giving and giving”?

10. Who appears to “win” in the kitchen scene encounter between Bill, David and Erica? Do you agree with Erika’s behavior?

11. When David discusses the book with Mr. Hopkins, he says, “It isn’t right…there’s only so much a person should give. I can’t live that way.” Do you understand David’s frustration? Explain.

12. Mr. Hopkins explains that when his father drank tea with him, “It wasn’t the tea…it was the time.” Explain what he meant.

13. Twice in the story David protests, “I don’t deserve it” when Mr. Hopkins offers him kindness. What does David’s reaction seem to imply about his self-esteem and his sense of being worthy of love?

14. David expresses to Hopkins his feelings about his father and says, “It burns…I can’t get rid of it. It’s smothering me.” Explain what you think he means by this.

15. David tells Hopkins he hates his father for being a drunk and making their lives miserable. Hopkins responds by telling David that underneath the hate is love. Can David believe this? Do you?

16. Mr. Hopkins tells David the story of the “5 meatballs”. What is the point behind this story? Why does it inspire David to go to the bar in search of his father?

17. Discuss David’s attempts to talk to his father in the bar. How does his father react to David’s attempts to reach out to him?

18. Why is David enraged at Mr. Hopkins? Is this reaction fair and/or understandable?

19. What is an “intervention”? What does Mr. Hopkins mean by this?

20. When Mr. Hopkins attempts to clean David’s wounds, David rejects the help saying he does not deserve the help. Mr. Hopkins replies that none of us deserve anything and that is where true love begins. Discuss what Mr. Hopkins means. Can you think of other instances where people or friends or couples give freely to each other without the other being deserving?

21. This film is called “The Haunted Heart”. Whose heart is “haunted”? Explain.

22. What has David learned about himself by the end of the film? What character traits does he now display?

DOES YOUR SCHOOL NEED

A CHARACTER EDUCATION PROGRAM?

If you see one or more of the following…

Ø A decline in respect from students for authority in the school

Ø A high incidence of students who lack the responsibility for turning in homework and completion of assignments

Ø A significant and/or increasing percentage of students who do not attend classes and/or are tardy for class

Ø A need for students to take responsibility for their own actions and their education

Ø A continuous onslaught of students who harass each other in the hallways and fight amongst peer groups

Ø The rising amount of students who cheat, lie and steal

Ø A lack of respect for the school grounds as seen in the destruction of property, vandalism and trash accumulation

Ø Increased anxiety levels of students who fear for their safety while on the school campus and the real possibility of violence

… a character education program is needed!

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