Characters of Character Interview

Be Kind. Be a Good Listener. Work Hard. How can we relay these characteristics to young children in an understandable way?  Joni Downey created "Characters of Character" because she saw the need when she worked with Kindergarten students. I purchased Friendship Frog© resource book and 'I AM' Character Stories both written and illustrated by Joni Downey. Her daughter Jenni Downey also did some of the illustrations. Friendship Frog© covers important concepts such as friends, best friends, stranger danger, inclusion, and listening. There are art activities, writing exercises, and puzzles to help children grasp the meaning of being a good friend. The separate book on character stories includes the stories of all of the characters in the series including, Behavior Bear©, Do'er Duck ©, Healthy Hippo ©, Manners Monkey ©, Respectful Rabbit ©, Responsible Rabbit ©, Self-Esteem Elephant ©,  Warm-Hearted Walrus ©, and Friendship Frog ©. The text includes the repetition in the prose that repeats in the separate stories that children enjoy. The darling illustrations capture my heart. A few years ago, my family was searching for books or activities to teach manners. I ordered some place mats that had scenes including a lot of mishaps and we tossed them before the children saw them. I did find a game that was a race to finish first with good manner choices. It was nice but I would have loved to have more to supplement. "Characters of Character" has the program I was looking for to help children internalize the behaviors outside a board game. Following is my interview of Joni:

This is Megan, When I piloted the program at the Elementary School, she had a favorite character, it was Do’er Duck, so, for Halloween her mother made her a costume and she was the first Do’er Duck in costume for the Characters of Character! Megan is now going to college to become an elementary teacher herself, however, in the meantime, she found me on social media and her and her mom volunteered with us at the Chicago Land Kids Expo and she then got to dress in my costume, Do’er Duck. Her mom Jennie is in the costume!

Q Why did you feel there was a need to develop the "Character of Character" series?

To be honest, the characters first came in to play while working in a classroom of behavior and learning struggling boys, and then by piloting them in an elementary school, however, as time has gone on I have seen firsthand the need for such resources being available to our children to help them become the best they can be. Our children need positive role models and they also need to know what a character trait means. How do you teach this to a child? Does your child learn better with visual prompts, hands on or by listening? It’s up to you to know the best way to teach your child what it is you want them to know. The best advice I can offer is to remind you that believe it or not, our children are listening to what we have to say, they are watching what we do ourselves and they are most likely wanting to be like us. Therefore, be of good character and try to make good choices yourself.

Q As you are experienced in working with LD and BD children, do you have any advice for a parent who may be coming to terms with a diagnosis?

As a parent, we often struggle with a diagnosis that we are not prepared to hear. First, don’t look at a diagnosis as a negative thing, instead, think how you will now learn how to teach your child in the fashion that best fits their needs. This will alleviate some stress knowing that you just have to do a little research, ask questions and know that you are doing the best you can for your child. Plus, we don’t all learn the same, look the same, talk the same, etc. versatility helps any of us to undergo the norm, because, what is the norm?

Q  Do you have any examples of children who have internalized  a positive character trait from the series?

My son goes to school at Lake Barrington Academy of Stars, where this program has been strongly implemented. It is a great program that teaches values and morals to children, and it has definitely affected my son. He loves the program and all of the characters. He even talks about it at home. Character is very important for children to learn. I think it is an excellent program and should be implemented in all child care centers and schools.

Andrea

Teacher, parent

“Miss Joni” was my son’s pre-school teacher at age 4. I remember him coming home each day talking about the characters of character and what they had talked about in school that day. Pre-school is the perfect age to start these life long values that shape the way children view themselves and others. I think these characters had a lasting impact on him. He is now 12 years old, a Boy scout, sports enthusiast, and friend to everyone he meets! Thanks Joni!

Amanda Dziubala

Professional, parent

Q  I do feel that children start out as innocent as ever. I believe children really relate to cartoons and other characters. Some cartoons were made for adults and in my opinion should not be seen by children. Even some that are designed for children model too much sassy talk between siblings or children and adults,in my opinion  There are some cartoons that are geared towards children that preserve the innocence of children and our void of acerbic dialogue. In my review of two books that I ordered from your program,  I only see good behavior patterns. Do you have any thoughts on this matter?

I do. In my opinion, there is a lot of negativity in the world, be it on the television, books, radio,  movies and also social media I just can’t express it enough, that while a parent might think their child is not listening to them, they are. Or, that they don’t over hear a conversation you’re having with someone, they do. It’s important to always be of good character, be a good role model and always be conscious that a child is near, listening, watching and modeling your very behaviors. Therefore, to teach a child early on is important because while their surroundings will change, their surroundings will become a part of who they are, they will become a part of that environment, so, when we make it positive, loving and kind, this is what a child will internalize. When there is negativity, danger and chaos, that is what a child will internalize. There are plenty of negative influences that surround us, even at a young age, so, therefore, I can’t emphasize enough to be that positive role model for your child. You can provide guidelines to follow as they learn and grow. Teaching them at an early age helps them to internalize so much of life, therefore, teach your children well.

Q.  I have observed how children learn the basics of language and word usage very naturally, but need to be taught the basics of manners such as please and thank you. Do you have any thoughts on this?

Gosh, that’s kind of a loaded question! Honestly, I believe that when a child is in a nurturing environment they become a part of the climate. When a child hears another person using kind words and gestures they become a bigger part of this. Using polite words early and often becomes a part of the daily conversation. Think about it, when you say a curse word, you look around and hope your child didn’t just hear that, and if they do you are right there to correct them.

Think about how the family dynamics have changed. When I grew up we all sat around the dinner table together and actually ate a home cooked meal together. We’d say, “Please pass the salt”, or “Please may I have more potatoes”, today, very rarely do families even sit down to have dinner together because it is such a busy life we live.

My ol’ cliché is “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” – Benjamin Franklin,

While the world changes around us, teaching our children to do the right thing is of great value.

Q.  What does character mean to you?

Funny you should ask, I actually wrote an article for the HomeSchool magazine where they asked a similar question. It really made me think.  Think about it, when we grew up we were taught to respect others, to help out a person in need, to do chores, to help around the house when your parents asked for some. This all build character, yet, the word character wasn’t really in my vocabulary at an early age.

We were taught to be respectful, to behave, and especially to be honest while growing up. This builds integrity and you internalize these traits and truly grow with them. As you go along life’s path, you learn what it feels like to do good things for others and help others along the way. Character to me is who you are when nobody is looking. When my kids were younger, I sat in Church, the Priest said during a sermon, “You don’t need to brag that you helped someone today, God knows what you did” So, again, just doing the right things in life are the best, you know how it makes you feel, can you imagine how it makes others feel. You don’t need to tell the world you did good today, you just need to do it. You do make a difference. I can’t help but quote the old cliché’

 “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” – Benjamin Franklin,

Q.  Can you name some examples of characters that inspire your whether they be fictional, or nonfiction, famous, or not widely known?

I’ve always liked Dr. Seuss, love his rhymes which help children remember, in my opinion. He always made me smile.

Q.  What are ways that the "Character of Character" series encourages literacy?

This is truly a favorite part of our books. When I piloted the program, I was on the Reading Team and got to watch the children learn to read, write and communicate. One way I helped with this was by putting a character mailbox in the school library. Here, the students were able to draw, write and color pictures to the characters. On Friday evening I collected them and played Dear Abby by answering each and everyone. There were a few that I brought to the Principal, Teacher, Social Work and School Psychologist to address as they were concerning.

It’s very important for a child to be able to communicate their feelings, their concerns and their questions. Not all children are fans of writing, bring the arts into the equation or some other form of communication so that they are comfortable opening up and sharing their thoughts. It’s how we can address and solve so many issues.

In each of the Character Resources Books are pages of themed stationary. Here are some ideas on how to use it:

1.      Yellow road a letter

2.      Yellow road the childn’s name

3.      Yellow road a sight word or spelling word

4.      Let them trace these, say them, use them in a sentence

In each of the resource books we share many ideas and activities to engage the children in literacy, also in the Bulletin Boards Books as they are reproducible and each student is responsible for their help in building the boards. Great Visuals.

The Resource Book offers suggestions and activities to do with the children referencing the following:

·         Introducing Behavior Bear

·         ‘I Am’ Book

·         Stationary For The Teacher

·         Behavior On The Bus

·         Behavior At Home

·         Behavior In The Classroom

·         Managing Anger

·         Behavior At A Friends House

·         Behavior On The Playground

·         Behavior At The Lunch Table

·         Posters, Worksheets, Incentives, Evaluations, Journal Ideas and Writing Prompts

·         There is stationary with Behavior Bear for each of the mentioned themes, stationary for the teacher and ideas to use each of them

These tools can be used as is, as a sticker chart, as a notice home which builds the home to school link, as book covers to create a character journal or build a character center, create a traveling book or just color! They are yours to be creative with and to empower the children around you. How fun!

Q.  Can you share some of the reactions of the children who have seen the characters/mascots at parades or other settings?

Of course! I’d say 99% of the kids that see the characters want to come up and high five and hug them, there are a few who are afraid of costumed characters. One of my favorite ones is when we were at the Chicago Land Kids Expo and this little girl came up for a hug of Manners Monkey and Healthy Hippo, not even knowing who these characters were. They are such a good way to introduce these traits to children, plus we share so many activities and such for everyone to discuss the trait, parents, grandparents, teachers, community members, etc. It takes a village and however we as adults can model, make an impression and teach children these values is nothing but good~

Everyone loves the characters, all ages! Great reminder to adults and youth when they meet these Characters of Character. Here we volunteered our characters at Lisle Eyes To The Skies, shared information, as you can see this little girl loved the colorful postcard of the characters. Easily opening a discussion with family what these characters do and who they are. Mom took the postcard and the costumed character was right there, still she wanted to see the pictures. Visual. 

This picture is a favorite of mine. While at an Expo with the characters, a dad was walking by and I caught the attention of these boys. While dad was all athletic as I learned in our conversation, he was surprised to learn that the boys wanted to stop and learn about the Characters of Character and take time out to just color. Sometimes it’s just that simple, to color, talk, laugh and learn.

Q.  As "Characters of Character is 5013(C)(3) not for profit organization, what are some of the ways that donations are utilized?

My first grant was for a computer! That was 10 years ago. Today, we use donations for postage when we answer mail, for printing when we attend events and share our information, for paper and ink, and our most current donation was used to send our Activity Books to Lurie’s Children Hospital in Chicago. We actually get asked often for donations, however, because we are small often have to turn away such inquiries. I volunteer my time to do the blog, newsletters, communications, conferences, networking, facebook page, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter,etc. It’s worth it when you know that you’ve made a difference in the life of a child.

Q.  Is there anything else you would like to share?

The Characters of Character is always looking to partner with other organizations who have the same or similar mission. Our mission is to provide a firm foundation for children to establish strong civic values. The ultimate goal is to have a ‘hub home’ where parents, children, schools and the community are welcomed to come and learn about the Characters of Character. This is with Arts, like painting of the character on canvas, or writing about a character and how you use this trait in your life, workshops to share our resources to empower others. The books are packed with information, ideas and activities to do with children and they are so affordable. Parents have thanked us for what we do, teachers appreciate us for what we do and kids, kids just get us!

Joni is so passionate about "Characters of Character" because she cares so much about helping children be good citizens. She has modeled attributes of kindness, compassion, and patience in my correspondence with her that started in 2016. We all want the children in our lives to fit in, be well adjusted, and have friends. This program that can be used in both school and home settings has the tolls to help all children achieve their potential.   


by Barb Bohan

Song of War Chapter 12

Rok and Iz hear the approaching sounds of chaos before Ik and Yuk come swooping in. 
"Incoming!" shouts Ik.
"It's over!" adds Yuk.
The remaining grackles take defensive positions in the evergreen around their leaders preparing for a last stand. Robin after robin lands in the nearby walnut tree while all the other birds take spots in the surrounding trees. Zeus and Sundown stand at the base of the tree while Torch and Zuki stay on the path with Ma and Pa and a late arriving Clem.

"It's time you go!" Maestro calls from the walnut tree.
"You'll just let us go?" Rok responds.
"No need for more bloodshed," Maestro answers.
Rok nods and looks around "It was a good run. Best place we ever found."
"We would have shared if you asked."
"That is not our way."
"Then you did terrible things."
"That is our way."
"That is why you must go and never come back!"

Rok shrugs and looks at Iz. "Corn is about ready toward the setting sun."
She sadly whispers "Let's go."
Rok puffs out his chest and looks around one last time. "Good place here."

Rok takes flight followed by Iz and grackle after grackle. Ik and Yuk are the last to leave and shoot dirty glances at Buster in the last occupied tree.
"Scram!" screeches Buster.

After a few moments Maestro lands on the ground near Zeus.
"Thank you for all you have done!"
Zeus nods and responds "Just glad that is over. He was right about one thing."
"What was that?"
"It is a good place here."
Both laugh and Maestro declares "It is time for a celebration! Everyone please join us at the Royal tree for song and merriment!"

Shouts of joy rain down from the surrounding trees. After all the others had gone Zeus and his three patrol buddies remain on the path.

"Not going to join in?" asks Zuki.
"Soon enough," Zeus answers. "Just want to enjoy a few moments of silence."
"Don't be too long or you'll miss me sing," jokes Sundown.
"Oh no!" Torch offers before bursting in to laughter.
"I'll be there shortly. Go enjoy yourselves!"

Zeus watches them walk off thankful to have such good friends. This is a good place indeed.

Song of War Chapter 11

The words of Zeus still ring in the minds of many as they start the final battle.

King Maestro remembers "Cowards prey on the weak but we have strength in numbers!" He gives the signal as Adagio leads the first wave of robins against several grackles by the mulberries. Allegro leads the next wave immediately followed up by Tempo. As one wave swoops in the others pull off to momentarily regroup.

Buster recalls "Now is the time to band together and fight to protect what is ours!" Instead of his usual constant attack on one target Buster lands quick strikes against one, two, three then four. He loops back around go give them some more.

Ma and Pa spread the words of the speech to those who could not be there and Ma especially liked "Alone we are limited but we are not alone!" 
As the grackles retreat across the path over the adjoining yards the dogs can be heard barking their displeasure. 
"Go away! Go away!" bark Bruiser, Foreman and Frazier.
"Leave our friends alone!" adds Montgomery.
"Go! Now!" orders Major.

Ik and Yuk attempt to prepare the grackles for a counter attack when they spot Sebastian as he lands on the most forefront branch. 

Sebastian had enjoyed one segment of Zeus' speech in particular: "We are a community. We are friends and family. We are one!" 
Sebastian raises both his wings and hundreds of birds fly in to form a living wall in front of the mulberries. Every house finch, sparrow, nuthatch, chickadee and cardinal in the area joined in to help. Then all the robins joined on the outer edges soon to be followed by Buster at the top right corner. In union they all screamed at the top of their lungs "Go!" at the grackles.

Ik and Yuk look at each other in stunned disbelief and Ik then gives the signal for retreat. The grackles head west to the tree of their leader. Soon they realize the others are in pursuit.

Song of War Chapter Ten

The next morning Zeus patrols the middle path when he spots a ball of fur up ahead. As he approaches he realizes it is a small bunny. Zeus put a paw gently on one side as he leans down to get his left ear by the face. There is faint breathing which Zeus is happy to hear but he is concerned by the wounds on the little one. There are several peck marks all over the body and the left eye did not look good.

Zeus lets out a distress scream then goes back to comforting the bunny. He tries to keep his touches soft and can tell the bunny is a little more at ease. Torch comes running from the direction of the north path and quickly focuses on the bunny.

"What happened?"
"Not sure but have a guess."
Zeus leans down by the face again and whispers "There, there little one you will be fine."
The bunny tries to respond "G..g..g"
"Save your energy little one" Zeus answers.
Then he heard it. The bunny whispers "gackle".
Zeus looks up at Torch who confirms, "I heard it too."

Two sparrows fly in and land on a branch above them. Specifically they are Dark-eyed juncos who are the brothers Dan and Don. "We heard your call," Dan starts. "How can we help?"

Zeus thinks for a moment then responds. "Will one of you go and let Ma and Pa know. Just say the little one is hurt but don't say how bad."
"On it" Don replies and flies off.
"Will you alert the crown?" Zeus inquires to Dan. "Have word spread we need to have a meet by the tree again."
Dan nods three times and answers "Will do!" and flies off.

Zeus looks at his friend. "Please go help spread the word. Make sure Sebastian knows to be there. I will be there after Ma and Pa get here."
Torch nods and leans in to whisper "Stay strong little one!"

After watching Torch make his way down the middle path and cut through a yard toward the main path, Zeus starts to collect his thoughts. He called for the gathering and feels he has to come up with the right words. The time has come to end this.

Song of War Chapter Nine

Zeus patrols the main path and approaches the edge of the mulberry trees from the east. There is no mistaking it is a battlefield as grackles and robins fight in the trees and in the air. After a few moments Zeus realizes that the grackles had bolstered their ranks.

From over the tree tops a grackle swoops as a larger bird is in hot pursuit. The grackle screams in fear and agony as a blue jay makes powerful pecks against the back of his head. Zeus recognizes Buster and as Buster notices Zeus he breaks off his attack allowing the grackle to flee to the west.

Buster lands on the top of the fence as Zeus makes his way over.

"Appears you made your choice," Zeus started.
"Word of what you cats did reached far and didn't want to be on the wrong side of that. Offered my services to the crown."
"We appreciate that."
"We?"
"We are one here."
"Interesting. I like that."
Zeus nodded toward the battle and said "We had thinned their numbers but they appear as strong as ever."
"No matter. I will knock their numbers down one by one."
"I'm sure you will. Glad to have you here."

Buster nods and takes off to rejoin the battle. 

Song of War Chapter Eight

Zeus woke from his nap in the bushes behind the house with the bird feeder. Lizzie and Tina had watched him eat their offering before he made his way to his favorite napping spot. It was the chatter of the birds that woke him. 

Six house finches are hopping around the feeder taking turns getting some seeds. One appears more aggressive occasionally knocking one of the others off the feeder as he went for more. There is plenty of food but they eat like it might be their last meal. 

A grackle lands on the rail of the porch opposite the feeder. He announces himself with a rude "Mine!"

A couple of the finches flinch but they stay around the feeder. One glances back at the grackle and shrugs his shoulders. 

The grackle takes a step closer on the rail and repeats "Mine!"

The aggressive finch ironically answers, "Wait your turn!" 
The other finches added "Yeah!" in agreement. 

The grackle tilts his head, takes a step forward and then a step back. After a few seconds he flies off to the west. 

Zeus is impressed with how the finches had stood their ground. He is well rested and ready to patrol.

Song of War Chapter Seven

Rok could hear the wails before they come into sight. Ik and Yuk make their way to their leader side by side as they are over come with grief. As they settle on the high branch Yuk looks back and forth between Rok and Iz several times before declaring "Yak is gone!".

Rok leans forward "Gone?"
"Dead!" Ik replies. "Along with many others. Only two made it back to report. It was the cats! Horrible! Horrible!"
Rok's eyes were wide with disbelief then narrowed as his mind raced. "This is a dark day for us. But we must continue on. Let Yak be our inspiration. Let him be our rallying cry. We will gets ours in the name of Yak."
Ik and Yuk nod and stifle their sobs. 
"Ik, pick your best flyer and have him go two days toward the setting sun. He must find my cousin Zok. Tell Zok what happened and ask for as many he can spare to help in our conquest."
"On it," Ik replied and then flew off.
"Yuk, we need those mulberries. Rally the troops and do whatever it takes. You'll have help soon enough."
"Will do," answers Yuk. He then stood tall, puffed out his chest, and did a salute with his right wing before taking flight. 

Iz edges closer to her mate and whispers so no one could hear. "This is a mighty blow."
Rok whispers in return. " Yes. But if we can still use Yak we must. He was reckless but a good warrior."
"Is this place worth it?"
"Everything we could want is here. Best we've found in a long time. We must make every effort to claim it."
"At what cost?"
"Don't know yet."
Iz nods and nuzzles her head on Rok's shoulder. "It should be ours then."