The Suburban Woman's Magazine article: One Woman's Invention For A Worthy Cause. To read, click here.

Our mission is to provide a firm foundation for children to establish strong civic values.

"Great program for kids. Joni is amazing with kids, and so positive. I wish more kids would experience Characters of Character." Bet Mandroski

"Super thanks for the great program you gave to all kids at Vernon Area Public Library today! My daughter learned a lot and cannot stop discussing with me topics of good manners on our way home. She also asked me how to say all polite words in our native language.  I really appreciate all positive impetus you promoted."

Five Platforms

At Characters of Character we have taken the time to institute a full circle of learning! Our character traits are designed to follow a child from school, home, and into their adult life.  Our Characters are relatable to a child, making it easier for the child to internalize their positive meaning. Our program is designed to build good character through our Characters and their respective traits while enhancing a child's ability to read, write, make good decisions, develop fine motor skills, and to build and improve social and emotional skills; we call these 5 personal abilities our "Five Platforms." 

Use these pages as sticker charts, (write child's name on pencil) journal covers or just to color.  Click here

Over 30 books available on line to help teach vital core values to our children with Characters of Character, author Joni Downey.

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What We Do:

Characters of Character has developed a  program that engages children, has effective educational activities, utilizes extensive visuals, developed simple to use and to understand educational tools; and designed for the ease of use. But our program is not all that we are! At Characters of Character we have taken the time to institute a full circle of learning! Our character trails are designed to follow a child from school, home, career, and into their adult life. These life lessons are taught through our books, and also our classes. 

Check out our Calendar of Events to see where Characters of Character will be next!

Who We Are:

​Characters of Character is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing tools and resources to educators and parents to help teach children nine positive character traits.  The traits that Characters of Character focuses on are behavior, perseverance, friendship, healthy habits, manners, respect, responsibility, self-esteem, and kindness. We believe that introducing these traits at a younger age will create a better-quality society for everyone. Our organization has developed a unique way to reach children and help them internalize the nine traits that we focus on. Our Characters allow children to identify with the traits correlating with each Character. 

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Our vision is to reach as many communities as we can  for families to learn about the Characters of Character. For families, grandparents, parents and caregivers to learn about the different resources that we provide to use in the comfort of their own home. For educators to learn the same and to share with their classroom, grade levels, school and district. For children to come to learn the different character traits through literacy, communication and art. With a 'HUB' we can invite communities to do our many activities and share them with their family and friends, making the world a better place. And, we'd love for our first place to be in Tennessee!

What people are saying about Characters of Character
"Joni, you are like a health coach for children" Barb

"Your characters have made an incredible impact on the climate and culture of our school." Principal Jen

"Warm-Hearted Walrus is such a simple resource, my students love it" Director, Erin

"My students passed on recess so they could write Friendship Frog a letter after the visit" Director, Jaime

"After my son learned about Healthy Hippo, he knows to brush his teeth without me telling him to!" Tyrone's mom

"I had students wanting to write to the characters during summer school, and writing isn't one of their strong suits" 
Hearing Specialist, Kathryn

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"Our children today are desperately in need of the Characters of Character program. Many children today struggle with and lack socialization skills, character traits and values.
Joni has created an enthusiastic and inviting program that helps kiddos put the screen down and interact in fun and engaging activities. Keep up the incredible job Joni and team! You are truly making a difference! "Theresa Anderson, Parent and Educator

"I highly recommend Joni’s Character of Character program. Joni’s program is unique because she has developed characters that are appealing to children of all ages. Characters of Character strives to provide a firm foundation for children to establish strong civic values. These values can assist in social emotional learning, good decision making, positive relationships and self-awareness. Children learn about a specific positive character trait through story time and painting." Jane Khaytin, Youth & School Services Librarian, Vernon Area Public Library

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​The Characters of Character are  relatable characters which children adhere to at a young age and simply grow and learn from. While they do internalize the character trait, as they grow older, the cuteness of the character isn't as much of a presence, hence, this trait becomes a part of who they are.

It's also important to be a role model.  As much as we think that a child isn't listening to what we say, they are. As much as we think a child isn't watching to what we do, they are. And, as much as we think a child isn't paying attention to the person we are, they are. They most likely want to be just like you.

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Character building begins in the home. How are you teaching your children about good behavior, perseverance, healthy habits, how to be a friend, what good manners are, how to be respectful, what does it mean to be responsible, to be proud of who they are and to be kind to others, and not be a bully? Data shows that with our simple resources, you can reach your child and teach them these important and vital core values. Be creative, open up a discussion on the trait at hand. Bring art into the activity if your child is creative. Bring literacy into the activity if your child is academic, bring music if they are musically inclined, our Tune Into Good Character Book is a great activity book and story teaching these values, and if your child is athletic, teach them good sportsmanship, and remember to always  bring communication into all activities so that your child trusts you. Most important, be a role model.

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*Data based on and collected from surveys based on educators and parents who implemented Characters of Character program