As parents we are always trying to find ways to instill good character into our children whether that be through a lesson, a story, a book, and even through fun activities. Well, we had the opportunity to try out Virtue Clues from We Choose Virtues. I was very excited to try these out since I am definitely putting more emphasis on character training lately.
The Product:
This company, just two years old, was birthed out of a necessity seen by Heather McMillan that all children needed good character. Her passion and desire was to help children have a lasting change of their attitude for life, not just a momentary change of their actions.I love the explanation on their site that says " children needed to be inspired by simple, positive and consistent instructions, and parents and teachers needed an effective language with which to communicate these instructions." That is why We Choose Virtues with their catchy phrases were born. Heather not only used them with her own four children, but also taught them in her own preschool classrooms as well as share them with fellow teachers and parents.
There are two main sets: the Kids Set (for ages 3-11) and a Youth Set (for ages 12-18). The interesting thing with the sets is that they are not something you do once and you are done. These are created to be used daily, every year, to instill the virtues into the fabric of your child's identity. As a parent or grandparent you will introduce them at the beginning of the day and then reinforce them throughout the day. There are 12 virtues included in the elementary Kids set:
There are a plethora of products which vary from use in the classroom, in church, in homeschools, as well as posters, different sets of cards, stickers, and even a teacher's handbook. Be sure and check out all the products so you can see ALL they have to offer and the variety of choices come with a variety of prices.
Our Experience:
We were given a set of the Virtue Clue cards ($5.99 now - normally $7.95) for the review as well as a download of the Kids of Virtueville Coloring Book ($3.00.) There are 12 Virtue cards, 1 instruction card, and a contact card all included in a clear plastic case with a Velcro dot closure. The cards are made out of thick cardstock with a semi-gloss touch to them. So on the first day I told the children about them and told them that we would be adding them to our daily teachings. They seemed very happy about being able to use them.
I went through the pack and decided which card each child would be using for that day and gave them each their card. That probably wasn't the best choice (as you will see in the "My Thoughts" section), but they really wanted to see them up close and personal. I went over the catchphrase with each of the children individually, and yes, I did even include Seanan our almost 3 year old. He might not be able to read yet, but he does know how to memorize and he LOVES 'Piggy Bank Frank' which was the character that went with the virtue of patience.
The girls are showing some progress in remembering certain virtues. They get a card at the beginning of the day after breakfast and each and every time they should be exhibiting that virtue I gently remind them to go and look at their card and read it. Once they have read it I ask them if they were choosing the correct action based on the Virtue Clues Card.
My Thoughts:
I wish the cards were laminated. On the very first day that we used them, my eldest daughter (for unknown reasons) decided to bend the card and then once it bent she ripped it. I still am confused as to why she would have done that ... but nonetheless, a thicker card or lamination would have probably prevented the card from ripping.
I was very pleased to find many FREE items on their site including both a student, youth, and family character assessments, kids and youth memory verses and Bible Heroes, a youth mentor meeting report, as well as a kids church schedule. These are excellent resources.
And I don't want to leave without telling you about some of their SPECIALS and PROMO CODES that I have to share with you! For the months of January and February the 100 Days of Virtue Poster and Stickers
would be included for FREE with any Homeschool Kit purchase! And there are two promos:
This company, just two years old, was birthed out of a necessity seen by Heather McMillan that all children needed good character. Her passion and desire was to help children have a lasting change of their attitude for life, not just a momentary change of their actions.I love the explanation on their site that says " children needed to be inspired by simple, positive and consistent instructions, and parents and teachers needed an effective language with which to communicate these instructions." That is why We Choose Virtues with their catchy phrases were born. Heather not only used them with her own four children, but also taught them in her own preschool classrooms as well as share them with fellow teachers and parents.
There are two main sets: the Kids Set (for ages 3-11) and a Youth Set (for ages 12-18). The interesting thing with the sets is that they are not something you do once and you are done. These are created to be used daily, every year, to instill the virtues into the fabric of your child's identity. As a parent or grandparent you will introduce them at the beginning of the day and then reinforce them throughout the day. There are 12 virtues included in the elementary Kids set:
- I am Diligent
- I am Kind
- I am Helpful
- I am Obedient
- I am Forgiving
- I am Perseveralent
- I am Patient
- I am Gentle
- I am Self-Controlled
- I am Honest
- I am Content
- I am Attentive
There are a plethora of products which vary from use in the classroom, in church, in homeschools, as well as posters, different sets of cards, stickers, and even a teacher's handbook. Be sure and check out all the products so you can see ALL they have to offer and the variety of choices come with a variety of prices.
We were given a set of the Virtue Clue cards ($5.99 now - normally $7.95) for the review as well as a download of the Kids of Virtueville Coloring Book ($3.00.) There are 12 Virtue cards, 1 instruction card, and a contact card all included in a clear plastic case with a Velcro dot closure. The cards are made out of thick cardstock with a semi-gloss touch to them. So on the first day I told the children about them and told them that we would be adding them to our daily teachings. They seemed very happy about being able to use them.
I wish the cards were laminated. On the very first day that we used them, my eldest daughter (for unknown reasons) decided to bend the card and then once it bent she ripped it. I still am confused as to why she would have done that ... but nonetheless, a thicker card or lamination would have probably prevented the card from ripping.
I was very pleased to find many FREE items on their site including both a student, youth, and family character assessments, kids and youth memory verses and Bible Heroes, a youth mentor meeting report, as well as a kids church schedule. These are excellent resources.
And I don't want to leave without telling you about some of their SPECIALS and PROMO CODES that I have to share with you! For the months of January and February the 100 Days of Virtue Poster and Stickers
would be included for FREE with any Homeschool Kit purchase! And there are two promos:
- VIRTUE15 for 15 % off the shopping cart is still available
- SHIPFREE for free worldwide shipping
Clearance Items:
- 2011 Kids Virtue Poster $9.75 (from $14.99, 35% savings)
- 2011 100 Days of Virtue Chart and Butterfly Stickers $11.99 (from $14.99, 20% savings)
- 2011 3 Rules Poster $7.75 (from 11.99, 35% savings)
- as well as the Virtue Clue Cards $5.99 (regularly $7.95)
*** I am a member of The Old Schoolhouse 2011-2012 Crew and receive free products and services in exchange for a thorough and honest review. Though I am compensated with free products, I am not compensated in the form of money for any of my reviews. My reviews will always reflect my honest opinions, findings, beliefs and experiences with the products and services that I receive.***
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