Teaching our children biblical character is an important part of our parenting work. It starts in preschool stages, with the basics like kindness, truthfulness, and gentleness. Those same lessons are reinforced as kids grow and new character traits are taught, such as diligence, stewardship, and more. How does a parent go about actually doing character training?
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When we intentionally teach character, we are coming alongside our children to model and instruct them in imitating Christ. It helps them to see the goodness of of a life lived rightly, both in their relationships and whatever efforts they pursue.
Of course, it also shows them their need for a salvation and the work of the Holy Spirit, because ultimately we all fall short on our own strength. It is a lifelong endeavor, and we help our children by doing character training for pre-k to high school.
Teaching Character Training for All Ages
Here are some ways you can do character training no matter how old your child is.
Bible Stories
As you read through the Bible with your family, comment on the various positive and negative character traits of the main players in the stories. How do they honor or dishonor God? You could also make a list of the main stories in the Bible and go through each of the primary characters to study them.
Consider the godly character traits of Jesus and discuss how we can become more like Him. Talk about the other people in the Bible and point out their good and bad traits. How could we make better choices in some of those situations?
One of our Bible Brick Challenges that is perfect for character training in this way is the Heroes of the Bible Brick Challenge & Character Study! This 95-page printable combines the creativity of build challenges with a study of over 20 characters in the Bible! Build examples and scripture memory cards help aid learning (ESV and KJV available).
Historical Figures
History is rich with people that display wonderful godly character, so it’s a great opportunity for character training. Whatever time period your child happens to be studying in their school, spend a little time discussing historical figures in that period and how they do or don’t demonstrate godly character traits. Did they display persistence? Initiative? Courage? You can usually find biographies that are age-appropriate, or do a search online to find out more about them.
Missionary Biographies
In that same vein, read missionary biographies together and discuss the challenges and obstacles those great men and women of the faith overcame by God’s grace. Learn from their mistakes, victories, and dedication to serving in the name of the Lord!
To make those studies easier, check out this list of our favorite missionary biography resources. You’ll also enjoy this free printable with missionary biography notebooking pages.
Current Events
When you come across a good character training in an article online or in the newspaper, or even while watching the news, make a note to talk to your child about it. If they are old enough and mature enough to read/watch themselves, let them! (We love World Watch streaming for kids.)
You can also simply summarize the story and talk about what you both notice about the godly or ungodly character traits in the story. Did they put others’ needs above their own? Were they honest? Was there pride involved? What consequences were evident from their actions?
Literary Characters
Whether you’re reading aloud picture books or your teens are digging into a favorite series or classic literature, you are sure to find a wealth of examples for discussing character.
Pause in your reading (or audiobook) and ask them what godly character traits are being practiced. Ask older children what the main characters are in their reading and talk about whether they honor God with their actions and words or not. How is that a reflection of their character?
A Favorite Character Training Resource
One of our favorite character training resources is Character Concepts. We have been using their books and resources for several years and love them.
Character Concepts resources are great for family discipleship and/or homeschooling. The kids adore the stories in the books and the Uncle Rick audio membership. My husband and I appreciate how easy it is to teach and the solid foundation on Scripture.
A particularly wonderful thing about Character Concepts is that it provides character training for pre-k to high school! I just love that this set of resources will carry us into the upper grade levels. That’s not easy to find! Here’s what they have:
- Level 1: Character Concepts for Preschoolers (ages 4-6)
- Level 2: Character Trails (ages 6-9)
- Level 3: Kids of Character (ages 7-10)
- Level 4: Proverbs People (ages 7-12)
- Level 5: Growing in Wisdom (ages 8-13)
- Level 6: Living the Fruitful Life (ages 11-15)
- Level 7: Words of Wisdom (ages 14-17)
- Level 8: Power in Proverbs (high school)
We also really enjoy the Uncle Rick Audio Club Membership! So many wonderful Bible stories, history stories, and fictional stories all with commentary that points to the character traits and whether they are godly or not. They are perfect for quiet time or car rides, and their casual and conversational style really appeal to my kids.
So go check out Character Concepts and give them a try! They’ve been a blessing our home. ❤️
by Stephanie, The Multi Taskin' Mom
This Post Has 138 Comments
Darcy
27 Jan 2017They all sound great, but I think I would start with Kids of Character.
Lori Barrett
27 Jan 2017We used one of the younger kids versions, but now I’d need the Power in Proverbs one!
Sally
27 Jan 2017I’d love Level 1 for preschoolers or Level 2 Character Trails!
Beki Nobles
27 Jan 2017I would love to start using Level 5: Growing in Wisdom (ages 8-13).
Jessica
27 Jan 2017I would choose the level 2 bundle 🙂
Becky Norton
27 Jan 2017This is pretty awesome. I’d choose the level 3 curriculum for Kids of Character as my two older kids are in that age group. We do character training from various resources, but I’ve never had the opportunity to use this curriculum. This would be great!
Tammy
27 Jan 2017We NEED Growing in Wisdom!
Cathy Shea
27 Jan 2017As of now I would choose Level 1 – Character Concepts for Preschoolers Complete Curriculum because my children are just littles. Teaching character is so important at young ages but laying the rails when they are young is so important. If you lay rails early decisions when you are older will be easier.
Lydia Quillin
27 Jan 2017I have two boys, ages 2 and 5, so I would pick the preschool curriculum. I’ve been wanting something to help my older son learn positive traits. I want to start early teaching my boys how to be kind and respectful!
Serena
27 Jan 2017I would choose Character Trails.
Robyn McBrien
27 Jan 2017I’d choose Kids of Character!
Darcie Jackson
27 Jan 2017I would love to use the Growing in Wisdom set with my older girls.
Melissa Fannon
27 Jan 2017Level 1 😉
Laura
27 Jan 2017I would definitely choose Level 1, since I don’t have any older children. 🙂
Kelly Stowe
27 Jan 2017Probably Kids of Character based on age range.
vicki
27 Jan 2017I could use Level 5 and up please. Thank you for this chance Tauna!
Kristin
27 Jan 2017I think I would pick either level 2 or 3. I love the free Uncle Rick audios and would love to win!
Paula
27 Jan 2017Power in Proverbs
Cathy
27 Jan 2017This curriculum looks fantastic! I would probably choose Character trails because I have a 5 (almost 6) and 9 year old, so hopefully could work with both of them together.
Heather
27 Jan 2017I would love Character Concepts for Preschoolers!
Cari Webb
27 Jan 2017It would be so hard to choose one! I might pick the words of wisdom set.
Sara
27 Jan 2017All of these character bundles sound awesome! I think I would choose “Proverbs People”.
Jennifer Kieffer
27 Jan 2017I have been looking for different character training resources, I’m excited to check these out!
Melinda Roberts
27 Jan 2017Level 5growing in wisdom looks great
Amanda
27 Jan 2017I’ve always admired this from afar, but now that my child is 8, I can’t delay character training anymore.
Cari Britt
27 Jan 2017I would choose Power in Proverbs.
Jennifer Mathesz
27 Jan 2017growing in wisdom
Kara Walker
27 Jan 2017I would love to have level two : character trails! My son will be turning six in November so I think this one would be perfect for him in a few months !
Amanda
27 Jan 2017I would want to start with the Level 1 for my 5 and 3 old. Sounds like a good program.
Sarah
27 Jan 2017Level 7, Words of Wisdom!
Tara Bailey
27 Jan 2017living the fruitful life
Liz Brown
27 Jan 2017Character trails would be our age range.
Kalli
27 Jan 2017We love the Boyers!!!
Molly
27 Jan 2017I would pick the character concepts for preschoolers. I have one child who is 2 and another’s who is under 1!
Jocelyn
27 Jan 2017Wow, this is great. I just bought the level 1. Would love to have level 2, for once we finish the first one.
Jen E
27 Jan 2017I would choose Character Trails b/c that is the ages of my children. We already have Proverbs People and they have enjoyed it. Thank you!
Jennifer
27 Jan 2017Level 3: Kids of Character looks like a great one for the ages of my kids.
PAULA MARTIN
27 Jan 2017I would choose Character Trails
Kristen
27 Jan 2017As I have two toddlers (and a teen), I would probably choose preschool curriculum because it would best fit the needs of our family.
Jennifer
27 Jan 2017I’d get the level 1 since we have littles at home.
Alexandra David
27 Jan 2017Level 5
Evangeline
27 Jan 2017I’d choose the Level 5; Growing in Wisdom
Teresa
27 Jan 2017I’m stumped. I have a 10 year old that would fit in several of the bundles. Help!
Karyn Ashley-Smith
27 Jan 2017Either character concepts or character traits. I think I would start with level 2. Thanks for another great giveaway!
Jody
27 Jan 2017I would want to get the Power in Proverbs to get whatever help for my older children.
Takia Sanders
27 Jan 2017I would choose the Character Building bundle.
Tamara Dillard
27 Jan 2017I would chose level 8 Power in Proverbs
angela
27 Jan 2017Level 7 words of widsom
Lisa
27 Jan 2017My daughter would love this!
Bonnie
27 Jan 2017My kids love the stories in Character concepts for preschoolers. We read them quite often.
Teresa Locklear
27 Jan 2017I think I’d like level 7 or 8 for my daughter.
Heather L
27 Jan 2017I would love the Kids of Character bundle. I have a daugher who’s almost 10 and a 7 year old son.
Angela
27 Jan 2017This has been on my mind a lot lately. We need to intentionally find and tell our kids who to look up to and emulate. Also what characteristics they possess that make them great. Otherwise our children may emulate any number of characters they find on video games, movies, or on TV. Nearly all of these people are not the type of people we want our kids to look up to.
Melissa
27 Jan 2017Kids of Character
Renae B
27 Jan 2017I would choose Character Trails or Kids of Character. I have several times gone to their website, but have not actually purchased it.
Zekesmom10
27 Jan 2017Level 3 Kids of Character, probably.
Thanks for the chance.
Amy Marshall
27 Jan 2017Probably living the fruitful life!
Lindsey Alburger
27 Jan 2017I would try Character trails, I love that I could use it with a wide range of ages.
Ali
27 Jan 2017Excited about this! Would love to add Kids of Character to our collection. 🙂
Kristy
27 Jan 2017Sounds interesting!
Sanica Stubbs
27 Jan 2017Hey! Thank you for the chance to enter the giveaway. I’d welcome any bundle between levels 1-4. My kids range in age from 1-7.
Kathkeen
27 Jan 2017I would choose level 4. It’s a tough choice between 4 and 5.
Larissa
27 Jan 2017I would probably go with level 1 or 2, for my younger children. But they all look great!
Adrien Nuechterlein
27 Jan 2017These resources would be a great addition to our family. Thank you for the opportunity to win in this giveaway!
Jennifer K
27 Jan 2017I would choose the Kids of Character set. The Ifs game sounds very helpful.
Janice Adams
27 Jan 2017Living the fruitful life
Shannon
27 Jan 2017I have many different ages in my home, but I think I’d probably pick Living the Fruitful Life.
evelyn
28 Jan 2017They all look great. I would chose level 3 for my daughter. 🙂
Valerie
28 Jan 2017I’ve never heard of this- it looks great!
Cathy
28 Jan 2017I could use any of them, as I have children in each category!
Jennifer
28 Jan 2017Thank you for sharing this helpful information. I am always looking for ways to teach my children more in interesting ways so they can learn more. This sounds very helpful.
Misty
28 Jan 2017I’d probably be interested in using the high school level since I have 3 teenagers, almost 4.
Lynette
28 Jan 2017I would choose Proverbs People.
Rachel W.
28 Jan 2017I would pick Level 2, though they all look interesting.
Lisa
28 Jan 2017Probably Character Trails for 6-9 year olds
Barb S
28 Jan 2017Level 6
Ginnie F.
28 Jan 2017I think my daughter would benefit most from the Level 2 Character Trails, but it never hurts to reinforce the basics with Level 1 Concepts.
Oksana
28 Jan 2017I would like the growing wisdom. Ages 8-12
Emily M.
28 Jan 2017Level 3-Kids of Character
Lynn
28 Jan 2017I’d pick kids with character to use with all my kids. Thank you!
Carrie Ayars
28 Jan 2017i WOULD BE HAPPY TO TRY ANY OF THEM. i HAVE KIDDOS IN ALL AGE GROUPS, SO IT WOULD NOT MATTER WHICH ONE. wE CAN MAKE IT WORK!
Carrie Ayars
28 Jan 2017i WOULD BE HAPPY TO TRY ANY OF THEM. i HAVE KIDDOS IN ALL AGE GROUPS, SO IT WOULD NOT MATTER WHICH ONE. wE CAN MAKE IT WORK!
Nelly B
28 Jan 2017Power in proverbs !
Cathryn Johansson
28 Jan 2017Kids of Character
Emily
28 Jan 2017Character Trails for our 6 yr old.
Amanda Tolles
28 Jan 2017I would love to have the Character Trails.
Jaci
28 Jan 2017So many good ones! We love the Proverbs so Proverbs People.
Laurie Nettles
28 Jan 2017I hope to get Level 1 and 2 , soon. I have a 5 yr old that I am homeschooling
Carrie Gowan
28 Jan 2017Level 3!
Courtney
28 Jan 2017Tough choice between level one and two. I have a three and six year old, and my six year old already reads well. I think I would probably go with Character trails, because it’s usually easier to adapt it down and give my little one a piece of learning than to make it challenging for my bigger one.
Brandi Vidrine
28 Jan 2017Level 2
Anel
28 Jan 2017Such a great selection! I might pick the words of wisdom set. Thanks!
Rebecca West
28 Jan 2017Would love Growing in Wisdom! ❤
Debra P
28 Jan 2017I would choose the level 5 bundle.
Gina W
28 Jan 2017i have used Level 1 and Level 2 already so i need to get Kids of Character. My daughter loves History with Uncle Rick. The whole family enjoys listening and learning with the audio series.
Nema Meshreky
28 Jan 2017level 5 growing in wisdom.
Teresa Wylie
28 Jan 2017A level 1 as my children are 2 and 5. Perfect place for us to start 🙂
Ladonna
28 Jan 2017I think I would pick level 1, since 2 of my 3 children fall in that range. Thank you for this great giveaway!!
Jennifer M Thetford
29 Jan 2017I would chose the preschool level.
C Cupit
29 Jan 2017The Power in Proverbs would be an incredible resource as we are preparing to begin a Proverbs-based program at our church!
Ingerlise
29 Jan 2017I would pick Level 2: Character Trails; it looks like a great place to start for us.
NT
29 Jan 2017Kids of Character
Heather B
29 Jan 2017I am honestly not sure which level of book I would choose. I am thinking either level 5, 6, or 7. My boys are 6 years apart in age. It’s exciting to even think of winning. Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
Amber
29 Jan 2017I would choose Kids of Character.
crystal mccord
29 Jan 2017Proverbs people.
Steph rasmussen
29 Jan 2017I would love to get the character concepts as we will soon have a preschooler and I want all the help I can get.
Lisa Hyatt
29 Jan 2017Level 1 please!!
Kristi
29 Jan 2017I’d love to check out level 3 or 4!
Grace
29 Jan 2017I already own several of their studies…I would chose Level 2 or 7, as these are ones I have not yet used. I love their studies!
Jessie Stimpson
30 Jan 2017I would choose level 5, Growing in Wisdom, as I have three children in that age range.
Cindy Magee
30 Jan 2017Level 1 – Character Concepts because of the age of my kids.
Naomi Watson
30 Jan 2017I would love to try them all, since I have kids in all the age groups! However Character Trails would be the one I’d start with.
Kim F.
30 Jan 2017We would choose Proverbs People
Heart of a Philanthropist Blogger Kim
30 Jan 2017I would choose Growing in Wisdom.
Elizabeth
30 Jan 2017I haven’t heard of character concepts before, Excited to try them out.
Lisa T
30 Jan 2017Any of the Uncle Rick audios.
Lisa T
30 Jan 2017Any of the audio CDs.
Becky
31 Jan 2017I would be looking at level 1,2, and 3 as I have children in each area. That would be wonderful to add it to our Homeschooling artillery! !! Thanks much
Katie Anne
31 Jan 2017I think I would pick Living the Fruitful Life, because it is for the ages of my oldest two children.
Julie
31 Jan 2017Level 2, because that’s the age my kids are heading. We have a couple books from Level 1!
Heather C
1 Feb 2017Kids of Character
becky fisher
1 Feb 2017These would be great!
Maria
1 Feb 2017Growing in Wisdom!
Lacy van Vuuren
2 Feb 2017I like the “Level 5-Growing in Wisdom” bundle.
Iris
2 Feb 2017I am still trying to decide between the Preschool curriculum, or the character trails 🙂
katie
2 Feb 2017Level 4 Proverbs and people
Tanya Johnson
2 Feb 2017Yes! We have used Crossroads of Character and love it! But would love the older age curriculum…need to get back on it with my older son.
Anne
3 Feb 2017Level 1
Mala
3 Feb 2017I would love all the levels so each of my 5 could benefit !
Phyllis Brooks
4 Feb 2017I have a younger child so i would choose the preschool curriculum. It is never to early to start. Thanks for this opportunity.
Lori
5 Feb 2017We have several preschoolers who are just starting to learn about character.
Sandy Murphy
5 Feb 2017I would love to get one of these programs!
Katherine Rhodes
7 Feb 2017I would love to get Level 5: Growing in Wisdom (ages 8-13).
leslie
8 Feb 2017The level 2 bundle! Thanks. <3
Michelle Hanna
9 Feb 2017I would choose level 3 and incorporate it into our homeschool day!
Kellan
10 Feb 2017Oh wow we have two littles (eldest is 4) so that first bundle looks perfect!
Rajee Pandi
10 Feb 2017Level 1
Rachel
10 Feb 2017level five! 3 of my 5 kids fall into that category!