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Grit & Perseverance - Voluntary goal oriented behaviour, despite obstacles, disappointments, difficulties and discouragements.The ability to continue taking the right actions that lead us towards our goals despite setbacks and brickbats. This trait falls within the sphere of Courage. Some of the ways to develop this trait is to have a role model and mentor who can guide either in person or in spirit. This trait can also be developed by setting small simple weekly goals and achieving them on a regular basis. This particular value/trait is ranked highest amongst all traits to possess and is associated with delayed gratification in its ability to predict success. King Bruce and the Spider is a classic legend set in medieval Scotland that brings out this value to perfection.   Mathematician Andrew Wiles had a 30 year obsession with Fermats Last theoram and spent 7 relentless years to finally arrive at a solution. Grit; Plays a major role in shaping people's life! Voc...

Curiosity :  This is a hunger that leads us down a path of discovery and realization.  This pulls us towards new experiences and helps us break away from monotony and boredom. We learn for the joy of learning. In folktales Curiosity is treated as a curse. The curious woman is thrashed for her nagging questions. The curious princess finds herself in all kinds of trouble and even in fairy tales such as Goldilocks and Snow White, curiosity lands the heroine in great trouble.  So while searching for curiosity tales, I wished for one that would throw a positive light on this amazing value to imbibe. Curiosity is that which takes us through a journey of discovery and as we grow older curiosity can help keep us mentally and physically active. There are two delightful stories that you must read if you want to experience curiosity through a tale: "Why Why Girl" by Jnanapith / Padma Vibhushan awardee Mahashwetha Devi, which reflects a lot of this folktale I have...

1.         • Creativity [originality, ingenuity]: Thinking of novel and productive ways to conceptualize and do things; includes artistic achievement but is not limited to it . (~VIA~)         Creativity is a synergy of two : Adaptability and Originality. To take an idea and convert into an original work is the basic tenet of creativity. Everything comes out of something!        Another important aspect is that creativity is accompanied by chaos       and creativity is found when we are allowed to think in free spirit without fear.        Most folktales are examples of creative thinking. Either the story plot takes us through a creative journey or the hero and heroine finds a resolution in a creative manner. So you can tell any story for strengthening this particular character.     Vocabulary to use   Imaginative original unique individual   ...

Appreciation of Beauty & Excellence  - Transcendence - A strength within us that connects us to a higher purpose and meaning through appreciation of all that is beautiful and to find beauty in everything (~VIA) There are 3 aspects of this appreciation: Appreciation of physical beauty Skill or Talent Appreciation of moral goodness This strength enables us to appreciate the wonder of the world around us. It helps us see beauty in nature and helps us become mindful of all that is already around us. Look at life with a positive perspective and to engage with those around in a selfless manner. This particular strength lies within the realm of Transcendence.  This folktale is very illustrative of all these 3 aspects of appreciation, beauty and excellence. This folktale can be used as trigger to talk about beauty, that lies within and beauty that is seen around us. It can be used to break myths about what is traditionally seen as beautiful (A sad princess painting...

1.     Citizenship - To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity.    Civic strengths that underlie healthy community life   Vocabulary to be used :  Lawful Responsibility Citizen Freedom Equality Community Rights Character Gender Story is suitable for  children above 7 years. Some parts can be edited out as is required by your audience. (pencil sketch by Sangeeta Kamath - inspired by the story!)  Hear the story by clicking on this sound cloud link: https://soundcloud.com/sowmya-12/stories-for-citizenship-savitribhai-phule Go, Get Education Be self-reliant, be industrious Work, gather wisdom and riches, All gets lost without knowledge We become animal without wisdom, Sit idle no more, go, get education End misery of the oppressed and forsaken, You’ve got a golden chance to learn So learn and break the chains of caste. Throw away t...

1.         COURAGE  – Emotional strengths that involve the exercise of will to accomplish goals in the face of opposition, external or internal   • Bravery [valor]: Not shrinking from threat, challenge, difficulty, or pain; speaking up for what is right even if there is opposition; acting on convictions even if unpopular; includes physical bravery but is not limited to it   copy write - VIA Vocabulary that can be used :  Courageous Bold Gutsy Dauntless Gamely Gallant Valiant Heroic I have not used the word Fearless / Intrepid which means that fear doesn't exist in a person. I believe Being Brave implies overcoming fear and not a lack of it. Here being Brave implies a courage required not only to set out to do difficult tasks such as mountain climbing but it is also the same strength required to step into a new class. You can listen to this story here: https://soundcloud.com/sowmya-12/mo...