TOS Crew Review: We Choose Virtues

It's a sad fact that being virtuous seems to be a lost art in our culture.  So much so that those who do have a high standard of right and wrong are often mocked.  In fact, that's one of the reasons on a list of many that we homeschool.  I started searching for Biblical character training materials when Big Sis was about 3.  She just turned 10 last month.  In that time, I've read about and/or tried many different programs and approaches.  I wanted the lessons to be fun, memorable, and easily applied to real life.  When I first heard about We Choose Virtues last year, I was definitely interested.  We Choose Virtues features cute illustrated characters that each represent a virtuous trait for your kids to learn and practice.  For instance, Cake Jake teaches children about contentment.  There are 12 virtues taught, including diligence, kindness, patience, honesty, forgiveness, and more.  Using colorful illustrations and memorable characters, kids soak up the character lessons and incorporate them into daily activities.  




Through the TOS Crew, we got to try out the new product Virtue Clues cards.  The cards are about the size of standard business cards and packaged in a pocket-sized plastic pouch for easy storage.  They're available for purchase on their website for only $5.99, so they're budget-friendly.  These "clue" cards list a virtue, the antonyms (so kids easily know what is not virtuous behavior), and a challenge/activity on the back.  One example of a challenge for kindness is: "choose to plan some kind things to do for others that they don't expect."

When our cards first arrived, Big Sis immediately sat down and read through them all.  She liked the colors and the Virtue Kids characters so she wanted to learn more right away.  Thinking about the antonyms for each virtue was fun for her because she loves words and their meanings.  Example:  being obedient means not being argumentative or unwilling.

After reading through the Teacher's Handbook (download $4.99/hard copy $19.99), I had some ideas for how to use these cards to the best advantage.  We Choose Virtues offers kits especially for homeschool use, as well, or components may be purchased individually.

We began with a Character Assessment form, which Big Sis filled out for herself.  I also filled one out so I can work on my own virtues.  =0)  The form is accessed as a free download with your purchase.  It contains statements regarding each virtue and your child circles a number between 1 and 10 that best matches their level of ability with that trait.  It can show key areas to work on and provide a chance for positive reinforcement for the virtues your child understands well.  It's a great starting point to introduce the lessons and then build upon.  It would be a good idea to take the assessment again as you make progress so your kids can feel a sense of accomplishment as they learn and behave well.

The best part of this, according to my girls, is the Kids of Virtueville coloring book ($3.00).  There are printable coloring sheets for each character/virtue and some matching activities.  I find that these are excellent for helping the little ones settle down and pay attention to the lesson.  If their hands are busy coloring, it seems they can focus on listening more attentively (which happens to be one of the virtues!).

We chose to focus on one virtue per week, though you can do one per month or however you choose.  I printed the coloring sheet, posted the card on the refrigerator, and we read it together everyday.  We brainstormed examples from real life that exhibited the virtue in action, and then thought of ways to do more to add that virtue in our lives.  I also used the Kids' Memory Verses, Bible Heroes and Truths, a free download from the website.  We attempted the challenge on the back of the card.  Successful challenges can be rewarded on a sticker chart.

All in all, the lessons did not take much time, but they did make an impact.  I know that Big Sis took the ideas to heart and made her more aware of her behavior, especially toward her sisters.  Lil Sis (4) and Baby Girl (2) are still too little to grasp the full concept, but it's never too early to start forming good habits and thoughtfulness toward others.

Using these cards has definitely made me want to try other items, like their virtues posters and charts.
 
To learn about the latest news and sales from We Choose Virtues, be sure to visit them on Facebook.

Don't forget to visit the Crew blog to read more reviews!

Disclaimer: I received the Virtues Clues Cards at no cost for the purpose of review.  No other compensation was given for my honest opinion.