KIPP NYC’s character work is primarily focused on the development of seven highly predictive character strengths. Working with Dr. Angela Duckworth, Dr. Chris Peterson, and Dr. Martin Seligman, in partnership with Riverdale Country School, KIPP NYC created the indicators detailed below to provide a roadmap for describing and developing each strength.
ZEST - approaching life with excitement and energy; feeling alive and activated
Actively participates
Shows enthusiasm
Invigorates others
SELF-CONTROL- regulating what one feels and does; being self-disciplined
SELF-CONTROL – SCHOOL WORK
Comes to class prepared
Pays attention and resists distractions
Remembers and follows directions
Gets to work right away rather than procrastinating
SELF-CONTROL – INTERPERSONAL
Remains calm even when criticized or otherwise provoked
Allows others to speak without interruption<
Is polite to adults and peers
Keeps temper in check
GRATITUDE - being aware of and thankful for opportunities that one has and for good things that happen
Recognizes and shows appreciation for others
Recognizes and shows appreciation for his/her opportunities
CURIOSITY - taking an interest in experience and learning new things for its own sake; finding things fascinating
Is eager to explore new things
Asks and answers questions to deepen understanding
Actively listens to others
OPTIMISM - expecting the best in the future and working to achieve it
Gets over frustrations and setbacks quickly
Believes that effort will improve his or her future
GRIT - finishing what one starts; completing something despite obstacles; a combination of persistence and resilience.
Finishes whatever he or she begins
Tries very hard even after experiencing failure
Works independently with focus
SOCIAL INTELLIGENCE - being aware of motives and feelings of other people and oneself; including the ability to reason within large and small groups.
Able to find solutions during conflicts with others
Demonstrates respect for feelings of others
Knows when and how to include others
Source: Peterson, C. and Seligman, M. E. P. (2004). Character strengths and virtues. Oxford: Oxford UP.
ZEST - approaching life with excitement and energy; feeling alive and activatedActively participates
Shows enthusiasm
Invigorates others
SELF-CONTROL- regulating what one feels and does; being self-disciplined
SELF-CONTROL – SCHOOL WORK
Comes to class prepared
Pays attention and resists distractions
Remembers and follows directions
Gets to work right away rather than procrastinating
SELF-CONTROL – INTERPERSONAL
Remains calm even when criticized or otherwise provoked
Allows others to speak without interruption<
Is polite to adults and peers
Keeps temper in check
GRATITUDE - being aware of and thankful for opportunities that one has and for good things that happen
Recognizes and shows appreciation for others
Recognizes and shows appreciation for his/her opportunities
CURIOSITY - taking an interest in experience and learning new things for its own sake; finding things fascinating
Is eager to explore new things
Asks and answers questions to deepen understanding
Actively listens to others
OPTIMISM - expecting the best in the future and working to achieve it
Gets over frustrations and setbacks quickly
Believes that effort will improve his or her future
GRIT - finishing what one starts; completing something despite obstacles; a combination of persistence and resilience.
Finishes whatever he or she begins
Tries very hard even after experiencing failure
Works independently with focus
SOCIAL INTELLIGENCE - being aware of motives and feelings of other people and oneself; including the ability to reason within large and small groups.
Able to find solutions during conflicts with others
Demonstrates respect for feelings of others
Knows when and how to include others
Twenty-Four Character Strengths
Source: Peterson, C. and Seligman, M. E. P. (2004). Character strengths and virtues. Oxford: Oxford UP.
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Zest: approaching life with excitement and energy; feeling alive and activated
- Grit: finishing what one starts; completing something despite obstacles; a combination of persistence and resilience.
- Self-control: regulating what one feels and does; being self-disciplined
- Social intelligence: being aware of motives and feelings of other people and oneself
- Gratitude: being aware of and thankful for the good things that happen
- Love: valuing close relationships with others; being close to people
- Hope: expecting the best in the future and working to achieve it
- Humor: liking to laugh and tease; bringing smiles to other people; seeing a light side
- Creativity: coming up with new and productive ways to think about and do things
- Curiosity: taking an interest in experience for its own sake; finding things fascinating
- Open-mindedness: examining things from all sides and not jumping to conclusions
- Love of learning: mastering new skills and topics on one’s own or in school
- Wisdom: being able to provide good advice to others
- Bravery: not running from threat, challenge, or pain; speaking up for what’s right
- Integrity: speaking the truth and presenting oneself sincerely and genuinely
- Kindness: doing favors and good deeds for others; helping them; taking care of them
- Citizenship: working well as a member of a group or team; being loyal to the group
- Fairness: treating all people the same; giving everyone a fair chance
- Leadership: encouraging a group of which one is a valued member to accomplish
- Forgiveness: forgiving those who’ve done wrong; accepting people’s shortcomings
- Modesty: letting one’s victories speak for themselves; not seeking the spotlights
- Prudence/Discretion: being careful about one’s choices; not taking undue risks
- Appreciation of beauty: noticing and appreciating all kinds of beauty and excellence
- Spirituality: having beliefs about the higher purpose and meaning of the universe
