These are the coolest little unit studies I have ever used. Focusing on character traits such as attentiveness and obedience, each booklet is about 15 pages long. The trait studied is defined and illustrated with real life examples and through the world of nature. Applied concretely, there are lots of games, stories, crafts, and activities that display the many facets of each character trait.

The illustrations from nature are stunning; the fine drawings look almost like photographs and there is a black and white reproduction of each that you have permission to copy for your home use. The stories that exemplify each character trait are instantly identifiable for children. Mine loved them so much and referred back to the "attentiveness of the mamma deer" many times in their free play. The children are taught about their own bodies, as well as the bodies of animals, and how well designed they are to implement each particular trait. In the study on attentiveness, we learned about the ear of a deer and even built, with our bodies and props, a model of a deer's ear so we could see how amazingly well it works. It was great fun and the idea came across loud and clear. There is a character from history given to exemplify each trait as well. While studying attentiveness, we learned about Abraham Lincoln and his attention to people and their great worth even as a young boy. The chosen games, crafts, and songs cemented the teachings in our minds and the whole thing was just a lot of fun! There is an additional Biblical supplement included that gives verse and stories to correlate with each particular trait. The Canadian distributor provided this supplement to me so you may need to check in your area. I highly recommend Sherri though. She was extremely helpful and encouraging of my interest in this program. She has a great website and is happy to answer any questions. Sherri is a homeschooling mom herself and you will find lots of experience here.

Included in the beautiful binder is a gorgeous set of full color trading cards. One for each of the character traits studied in set, I awarded one to my son after each unit of study. The binder I reviewed had nine character traits. There are more volumes available and each comes in a handsome padded binder. I will use these for my "light weeks," when I need a break from workbooks, and during other natural breaks in my school year. They would make excellent mini-units for a co-op group or for a preschool curriculum.

I have used these units in conjunction with my big book of Character Sketches from the Institute Basic Youth Conflicts. If you have access to any of these big books, you will see the correlation and enjoy using the two together.

Do take the time to check out Sherri's website. You may find these Character Trait units to be just the thing to bring some variety and change to your home school week. I tried it and I loved it!



-- Product Review by: Heidi Shaw, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine