CHARACTER EDUCATION IN THE EARLY YEARS A character education component in an early childhood curriculum is at the heart of the curriculum in the first five years of life. It strives to build in each child a positive sense of self as the basic core of positive mental health and motivation for learning. During activities or routines, all interactions affecting the behavior, thoughts, feelings, and actions that occur between each child and the important adults in his/her life can be seen as opportunities to build positive character. Research has demonstrated that in the early years, positive relationships built on trust between children and responsive adults are the key to building positive character development. Additionally, adults who model positive behaviors set examples that teach children through basic language and actions the core characteristics of such concepts as cooperation, courtesy, diligence, empathy, forgiveness, generosity, helpfulness, honesty, hope, justice, kindness, loyalty, patience, perseverance, respect, responsibility, self-awareness, self-discipline, and tolerance. The concepts of love, trust and friendship are central to character development and are internalized through these early relationships. Facebook Twitter Google+ Shares...