[vanessa-howard Posts: 12 Status: Offline Children are a heritage.]

I am working on a series of educational picture/chapter books. The books introduce readers to new and interesting vocabulary words. One of my primary goals with this is to use words that not only grow a kid's vocabulary, but also his character. So far, my list includes words such as perseverance, gumption, integrity, solicitous, charitable.

Any suggestions on great spirit-building words kids should learn?

[Vijaya Posts: 7,337 Status: Offline Encourage WWW]

All the virtues! Patience, fortitude, humility, kindness ...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_virtues

By the way, I love your Lewis quote!
Vijaya

[Debbie Vilardi Posts: 6,873 Status: Online Language is so cool! WWW]

confidence, esteem (for self and others), admirable (in a few forms), awe(some) - wouldn't it be great if kids really understood what the awe part meant, sincerity, punctuality, gratitude. That's it for my brainstorming at the moment. I hope they help.

-Debbie

[koozoo Posts: 84 Status: Offline Writing=Breathing! WWW]

Vijaya mentioned the virtues. I recall back in the 70's or 80's or so there was an whole series of children's picture books -each writing on one virtue. They related the virtue to a famous person in history. I'm sorry but I can't recall the series at the moment. One could always read William Bennett's Children's Book of Virtues.

[Arona Posts: 449 Status: Offline The house didn't fall on me. It fell on my sister.]

I remember those books of virtue. I have no memory, though, of each virtue being assigned to an individual. Great concept...as is the OPs.

Has integrity been mentioned?

Character (as in one's personal character, building character).

Decorum.

Equanimity. (Eh...to advanced a word.)

Grace, as in having grace.

Gracious.

[koozoo Posts: 84 Status: Offline Writing=Breathing! WWW]

I remember those books of virtue. I have no memory, though, of each virtue being assigned to an individual. Great concept...as is the OPs.

Has integrity been mentioned?

Character (as in one's personal character, building character).

Decorum.

Equanimity. (Eh...to advanced a word.)

Grace, as in having grace.

Gracious.

Now I remember...They were Value stories. Here is a link to Marie Curie's Value of Learning. there are others listed below including determination, responsibility, patience, respect, love, caring, understanding, etc.....

http://smile.amazon.com/Value-Learning-Story-Marie-Curie/dp/091639218X/ref=sr_1_28?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1456835958&sr=1-28&keywords=marie+curie

There were at least 30 books if I recall in the full series. They often circulate among homeschool families to this day. More wordy than today's tastes, but the topics are classic.

[vanessa-howard Posts: 12 Status: Offline Children are a heritage.]

Thanks for all the tips! Those are great words and resources. (And I'm encouraged by the fact that even these similar titles are nothing like my series. )

[koozoo Posts: 84 Status: Offline Writing=Breathing! WWW]

Best of luck to you Vanessa! 

Look forward to seeing your books published!

[DianeBailey Posts: 8 Status: Offline]

Tolerance!

[shilpa Posts: 256 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

Diverse, different, special - I think they all figure prominently while growing up!

[Meredithmiller1 Posts: 17 Status: Offline I love kids' books!]

Integrity, tenacious, communicative, auspicious, magnitude, intent, platitude, solace, elated