When students understand the feelings of others, they are able to empathize with each other. Cut out several pictures of different emotions around the room. Create emotion note cards by drawing a smiley face or a frown on several note cards. Ask students to tape a note card to each emotion cutout that depicts whether or not it is a happy or sad emotion. For instance, a picture of someone yelling gets a frown, as it is likely the person who is yelling is upset. Ask students to identify a time when they felt like the people in the cutouts.
Focus on one new, basic character word per month that students will understand. Some character words include the following: sharing, friendship or understanding. During the month, plan one activity a week that helps students understand the word. For instance, one week give students three different scenarios and ask them which is likely to depict the word of the week. Another week, have them draw a picture that shows the word in action.
Character critters help children use animals to identify positive ways to act. For instance, Tommy the Trustworthy Turtle can always be counted on to tell the truth and do what he says. Place pictures of animals around the room, name the animals and give them positive characteristics. Ask students to help you give positive attributes to the animals. During the school year, spend time talking about each animal, and ask students to act like a certain animal on a certain day. For instance, you could say, "Let's all try to act like Tommy the Trustworthy Turtle today." Students also can draw pictures of the character animals.
Fables help students understand a concept because they use a basic story to share a universal truth. Share a fable with students that has a basic lesson that is easy for preschool students to understand. Spend time after the fable asking students what they learned and how they can use the information in their lives. Also, ask students to draw the scenes of the story, and if time permits, they can act out the story.