POSITIVITY PROJECT

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This week, our school community will focus on a review of the 24 character strengths and the Other People Mindset.

Over the course of this year, we have gained an understanding and appreciation of the 24 character strengths that are in all of us. Every 1–2 weeks we learned about a different character strength or Other People Mindset element. This knowledge has helped us build strong relationships with other people and become our best selves. People who have strong positive relationships do five things consistently — these are the five practices of the Other People Mindset. 1. Recognize the good in other people, 2. Recognize that everything you say or do affects other people, 3. Support others when they struggle, 4. Cheer people on when they succeed, 5. Remain present when giving people your attention. People who have a strong Other People Mindset are able to build and maintain strong, positive relationships with others.

This year, our school community has deliberately and consistently taught students that relationships are important and that positive relationships are cultivated through character and the Other People Mindset. We have experienced firsthand how positive relationships help us become happier, healthier, and more resilient.

To practice and encourage the character strength of perspective with your child, please visit the Positivity Project’s P2 for Families, where together you will watch a video, read a quote, and talk about the answers to three questions.

Brion Warren, Ed.D.

Principal, Century Elementary

The Positivity Project (P2) is an organization whose mission is to empower students to build positive relationships and become their best selves (NOTE: Watch the P2 founding story video here). Positive psychology’s 24 character strengths serve as its foundation. Ranging from bravery and perseverance to integrity and gratitude, the character strengths are classified and described in the 800-page book Character Strengths and Virtues. These strengths aren’t about ignoring the negative. Instead, they help us overcome life’s inevitable adversities.

To achieve its mission, P2 partners with Pre-K–12 schools and equips educators with the resources, training, and strategy to teach their students about character strengths and positive relationships. P2 is a school-wide endeavor grounded in the consistency of daily classroom instruction. P2 Partner Schools dedicate one week to each strength and students learn through daily 15-minute classroom lessons that are different for every grade level. These lessons help students understand character through definitions, examples, discussions, and exercises. P2’s model is holistic, incorporating students, educators, and parents through regular interaction with character strengths vocabulary and concepts.

By consistently teaching students about the character strengths that people possess, they see themselves and other people based on the content of their character. This ability enhances their self-awareness and self-confidence, understanding and appreciation of others, and interpersonal relationships – which, in the long-term, will positively influence students across their lifespans. In the near team, it leads to more positive interactions and positive relationships within classrooms and schools — ultimately leading to a more positive school culture that supports teachers' ability to teach and students' ability to learn.

P2 evolves throughout a student’s entire school career. As students grow and understand character through instruction and experience, the strengths gain more meaning. They become a part of a student’s vocabulary and how they see themselves and the people around them — to include characters in books and movies.

P2 empowers students by acknowledging that the 24 character strengths are already part of who they are as people. It helps them realize that each and every one of them can tap into these strengths — and not just as students, but for the rest of their lives.

How can you help?

Family involvement is an integral part of student success, and we would love for you to take an active role in your student’s character strength education. P2 for Families (password: P2) provides an easy, accessible way to reiterate the character strengths vocabulary and have meaningful discussions about the importance of relationships at home. Additionally, you can follow P2 on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube to stay up to date on all things P2.