Student Character Development Resources

Resources at your fingertips

The resources on this page have been compiled to help schools promote positive student behavior, emotional wellness and student motivation.

Take a peek at our favorites or watch the highlighted video to get started!

Featured Resources

The resources below are available to all schools without signing into an account.

On-The-Spot Awards

PRODUCT

Distribute On-The-Spot-Awards to Staffulty and ask them to give to deserving students to recognize, reward and reinforce positive behavior “on the spot.”

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Courageous Conversations Video Series

VIDEO

These free and public videos are designed for student, educator, and parent audiences, featuring real people who have shown real strength – sharing stories related to grit, handling failure and mental health. Each episode is accompanied by a discussion guide.

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Renaissance and Restorative Practices

ARTICLE

Relationships are the foundation of school culture, and using restorative practices to intentionally strengthen relationships leads to more connected students and more fulfilled teachers and staff.

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Exclusive Character Development Resources

The resources below are available to schools after signing in.

The resources, ideas, articles and videos below help schools recognize, reward, reinforce and support student character and mental wellness. Use the buttons below to immediately jump to the category you want to explore.

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Recognize
Reward
Reinforce
Wellness

Recognize

Find initiatives, activities, videos and other resources for recognizing students who are working hard and demonstrating positive character traits. 
Why and How to Renaissance Rally

Why and How to Renaissance Rally

Renaissance Rally is specifically designed to celebrate a broad number of students for academics and character, along with the Staffulty.
READ ARTICLE
Positive Principal Referral

Positive Principal Referral

Build relationships and recognize students for good behavior with Positive Principal Referrals. Use our downloadable template!
VIEW ACTIVITY
Unconventional Reward Ideas

Unconventional Reward Ideas

Renaissance is all about recognizing students who demonstrate growth and good character. Try some of educator Melanie Lindsey’s unique award ideas to recognize a wider variety of people in your school!
WATCH VIDEO
Student of the Month+

Student of the Month+

Expand the criteria so staff can nominate as many students as they like, as often as they like, for any behavior they think makes a difference.
VIEW ACTIVITY
Power Cards

Power Cards

Recognize and reinforce your school’s values by taking time in your next Staffulty meeting to write notes of recognition for students who display those qualities.
VIEW ACTIVITY
Tokens of Appreciation

Tokens of Appreciation

Tokens for immediate and unexpected recognition of good deeds.
BUY PRODUCT
Character Buttons

Character Buttons

Method for honoring positive characteristics in students.
BUY PRODUCT
Why You're Awesome Notepads

Why You're Awesome Notepads

An easy-to-use tool for expressing appreciation and encouragement.
BUY PRODUCT
On the Spot Awards

On the Spot Awards

A tool for providing personal and public recognition of character “on the spot!”
BUY PRODUCT

Reward

Find initiatives, activities, videos and other resources for strategically rewarding students who apply themselves outside the classroom.
Renaissance Cards

Renaissance Cards

Renaissance Cards systematically help motivate students to perform academically and display good character
VIEW ACTIVITY
Reward Ideas

Reward Ideas

Our list of favorite low-cost rewards that will help students feel seen, heard, loved and motivated.
SEE IDEAS
Therapy Dog Visits

Therapy Dog Visits

Promote mental wellness by having therapy dogs visit your campus.
VIEW ACTIVITY
``Liter`` of the Week

``Liter`` of the Week

Student leaders are often busy recognizing the others – this activity allows the leadership class(es) to pause and recognize one of their own!
VIEW ACTIVITY
Good Behavior Field Day

Good Behavior Field Day

Recognize and reward students who complete the entire school year with zero behavior referrals with a fun field day!
VIEW ACTIVITY
Congrats Cabana

Congrats Cabana

Reward students for being involved with your school’s community and diverse activities by creating this traveling rewards cart called the Congrats Cabana Cart.
VIEW ACTIVITY
Random Knock

Random Knock

When students meet performance criteria, like zero tardies, show up unexpectedly with treats in-hand on an unannounced day! Use it during periods when you notice that students are getting into a “slump.”
VIEW ACTIVITY
Fine Line Awards

Fine Line Awards

Reinforce the behaviors that you want to see in your elementary school’s hallways by offering a small tangible, reward to any student anytime they demonstrate those qualities.
WATCH VIDEO
B.A.G. Madness

B.A.G. Madness

B.A.G. (Behavior, Attendance, and Grades) Madness allows classes to compete against one another to earn a party through a month-long bracket challenge.
VIEW ACTIVITY
Food Truck Rodeo

Food Truck Rodeo

Recognize and reward students for their academic achievements, attendance, behavior or anything in between by inviting them to a special lunch with food trucks.
VIEW ACTIVITY

Reinforce

Find initiatives, activities, videos and other resources that reinforce the qualities in students that you want to see more of on your campus. 
Inspirational Stair Decals

Inspirational Stair Decals

Bring a splash of color and inspiration to your school stairways with these stair decals.
BUY PRODUCT
Self Reflection

Self Reflection

In this episode of The Harbor by Jostens, Mike highlights how reflection provides critical insights about ourselves and others.
WATCH VIDEO
Compliment Clothespins

Compliment Clothespins

Pass a compliment and encourage students to pay it forward – then see how far it travels!
VIEW ACTIVITY
Pressure

Pressure

In this episode of The Harbor by Jostens, Mike and student guests remind us that staying true to ourselves is important when facing pressure to conform.
WATCH VIDEO
Self-Confidence

Self-Confidence

In this episode of The Harbor by Jostens, Mike shares advice for growing one’s self-confidence. Use the downloadable critical thinking guide to keep the discussion going!
WATCH VIDEO
Failure

Failure

In this episode of The Harbor by Jostens, students share their perspectives on failure and fear of rejection.
WATCH VIDEO
Self-Improvement

Self-Improvement

A downloadable classroom lesson plan providing strategies for turning personal insecurities into features of pride.
DOWNLOAD LESSON
Courage

Courage

A downloadable classroom lesson plan discussing how fear and courage impact personal growth.
DOWNLOAD LESSON
Reflection

Reflection

A downloadable classroom lesson plan applying effective reflective tools to self and performance.
DOWNLOAD LESSON
Integrity

Integrity

A downloadable classroom lesson plan exploring what it means to live and lead with integrity.
DOWNLOAD LESSON
Attitude

Attitude

A downloadable classroom lesson plan exploring attitudinal tendencies and developing strategies for maintaining a positive attitude.
DOWNLOAD LESSON
Failure

Failure

A downloadable classroom lesson plan applying meaning to the causes of failure.
DOWNLOAD LESSON
Grit

Grit

A downloadable classroom lesson plan analyzing the definition, sources, and manifestations of grit.
DOWNLOAD LESSON
Humility

Humility

A downloadable classroom lesson plan teaching students how to express themselves in a humble light.
DOWNLOAD LESSON
Personal Value Adds

Personal Value Adds

A downloadable classroom lesson plan assisting students in identifying their potential contributions to a larger group.
DOWNLOAD LESSON
Grit

Grit

In this episode of Courageous Conversations, students share their relationship with grit and how that dictates how they proceed through their life’s experiences.
WATCH VIDEO
Self-Image vs. Reptuation

Self-Image vs. Reptuation

A downloadable classroom lesson plan analyzing the relationship between self-image and reputation and identifying ways to repair each.
DOWNLOAD LESSON

Wellness

Find initiatives, activities, videos and other resources that enhance emotional wellness units in your school or classrooms.
Pressure to be Perfect

Pressure to be Perfect

In this episode of Better Than Good, Keith and students talk about the pressures to be “perfect” can affect them and ways they cope. Use the critical thinking guides to talk about it with your students.
WATCH VIDEO
Just Checking In Cards

Just Checking In Cards

A low-key system that allows members of the school community to discreetly check-in with eachother.
VIEW ACTIVITY
Cut Me Some Slack Passes

Cut Me Some Slack Passes

A card that allows for students who are either new to campus or going through a transition can use for a moment where they need some grace.
VIEW ACTIVITY
Connecting with Others

Connecting with Others

In this episode of Fight Forward, Carlos and students talk about overcoming social anxiety, making new friends and building meaningful relationships.
WATCH VIDEO
Can We Talk Cards

Can We Talk Cards

A card that allows for students to discreetly reach out to adults at school for a time when they need a listening ear.
BUY PRODUCT
Health and Wellness

Health and Wellness

In this episode of The Harbor by Jostens, Mike describes how the cultivation of small habits lead to healthier living.
WATCH VIDEO
Trying is Doing

Trying is Doing

In this episode of Better Than Good, Keith, Alice and students talk about the idea that when you truly try, good things get done, but that it’s not always easy to put forth effort
WATCH VIDEO
Insecurities

Insecurities

In this episode of The Harbor by Jostens, dozens of high school students give their perspectives on insecurities and how they work to overcome them.
WATCH VIDEO
Better Than Good

Better Than Good

In this episode of Better Than Good, Keith shares his mindset that allows himself to move through life with optimism and joy, while acknowledging that not every aspect of it is sunshine and roses.
WATCH VIDEO
Stress and Pressure

Stress and Pressure

In this episode of The Harbor by Jostens, Mike provides practical tips on how to manage pressure. Keep the conversation going with the downloadable discussion guide!
WATCH VIDEO
Coping Strategies

Coping Strategies

A downloadable classroom lesson plan identifying active and passive approaches for dealing with various types of stressors.
DOWNLOAD LESSON
Emotional Wellness

Emotional Wellness

A downloadable classroom lesson plan with tips for creating and maintaining healthy balance throughout life’s ups and downs.
DOWNLOAD LESSON
Mental Wellness

Mental Wellness

In this episode of Courageous Conversations, a few brave young people offer a peek inside their own mental wellness struggles and coping strategies.
WATCH VIDEO
Mental Health

Mental Health

In this episode of Courageous Conversations, Mark shares his battle with anorexia, his struggles with self-worth and self-talk, and his recollection of the moment he realized he no longer had to suffer alone.
WATCH VIDEO
Gratitude and Empathy

Gratitude and Empathy

In this episode of Courageous Conversations, see how expressing gratitude has created empathy in the hearts and minds of a few Gen Z youth.
WATCH VIDEO
Paper Cranes

Paper Cranes

Help students process their grief or other large feelings by creating origami cranes of peace.
VIEW ACTIVITY
Mental Wellness Week

Mental Wellness Week

Bring awareness to the importance of mental health for Staffulty and students alike during a Mental Wellness Week. Each day, introduce a focus area and a corresponding activity.
VIEW ACTIVITY
Gratitude Grams

Gratitude Grams

Give students and Staffulty an opportunity to recognize people they are grateful for on campus by writing short notes that are then attached to a small bag of candy and delivered during the day.
VIEW ACTIVITY
Helping Students Stand Up For Each Other

Helping Students Stand Up For Each Other

Research finds that the culture of the school plays a large role, and that the influence of teachers can make a significant impact.
READ ARTICLE
Hard Facts on Soft Skills

Hard Facts on Soft Skills

Along with learning math, science and other technical subjects, students also need to develop the “soft skills” (or character skills) that give them the personal strengths to be leaders, workers, family members and citizens.
READ ARTICLE
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