DOUBLE TAP TO ZOOM WITH PHONE OR TABLET 14 CHAPTER 1 our care. We can help guide children to develop positive character traits from the beginning by intentionally exposing them to the values and qualities we consider important. We can begin by making these lessons key for children. Caregivers can make a significant difference in promoting children’s success in life. In Conclusion Each home, classroom, and community should be a place where people feel safe and secure, able to express themselves as individuals, and confident in the under­ lying and consistent set of positive values that shape rules and interactions. Par- ents are a child’s first teachers, but we are all part of a network influencing the social and cultural environments of young children. Teaching character is the responsibility of parents, grandparents, caregivers, teachers, and the commu- nity. We are partners working together to support children as they learn the vital lessons necessary to contribute to a just and caring society. It’s important, therefore, to intentionally build character lessons into the daily activities of family life and child care rather than leaving them to chance. Planning for good character changes children by promoting a positive social environment. This book contains ideas to use in teaching good character, including suggestions for incorporating character lessons in language, reading, math, science, social studies, music, and art. When we integrate good character into everything we teach, it becomes a part of all learning. COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL