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

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.  The Characters are relatable to a child, making it easier for the child to internalize their positive meaning. Our organization 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." 

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. 

Interested in learning how to get involved with Characters of Character?  Click here!

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 have a space in Nashville, Tennessee to welcome in the surrounding communities. Through Art, Literacy, Drama and Communications with our character lessons. We'll provide Mommy and Me Painting Classes, Daddy and Daughter Activities, After-School Art, Character Painting and lessons, Story time, Literacy, Lots of ART and Drama, and engaging, empowering and entertaining Discussions building better communication skills with the children. Teaching and reinforcing these nine vital core values.While students write about the character traits, it's our hope that the Nashville Children's Theater will perform their skits and welcome the community. Plenty of local coloring contests and writing contests through the town so wherever you go you'll see the Characters of Character and be reminded of their important message. We will also have a chapter of the Characters of Character still in Illinois and continue to share our message nationally.

What people are saying about Characters of Character

"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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It was such a pleasure having you visit the kids here at Shriners Hospitals for Children – Chicago. Our kids loved the painting activity and interacting with all of you. I especially loved the theme of “Self-Esteem” and loving ourselves.
The kids really enjoyed the time they had with your group and meeting the self-esteem elephant. You have such big hearts for being such a small organization. Characters of Character strives to build our younger generations character and encourage them to be positive kids. Thank you for showing our kids how having a good attitudes can mean so much with benefits that are endless. When you are going through tough times, it’s important to be positive and have a good attitude. It sets a nice tone to help others as well. Thank you for sharing your time with us and spreading good vibes with us. We truly loved having you here.
Darlene Kelly, CTRS, Director, Recreation Therapy/Child Life Department, Shriners Hospitals for Children

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