Orderliness In School

vs. confusion

Organizing my thoughts and surroundings for greater achievement

To practice Orderliness, I will: 

• organize my work area for efficiency
• pick up after myself
• put things back where they belong
• spend time planning
• order my thoughts to communicate clearly

From Confusion to Orderliness

In a recent meeting of the Character Council, a new team member who is a mental health professional cautioned us about the use of our opposite quality. A student who is “low” on the performance scale for a particular quality (for example, Orderliness) may not be there due to a lack of character. There could be past or current trauma that is influencing their brain, or they could have a disorder or condition  (for example, ADHD) that makes mastering a quality difficult.

All of us are on our own character journey, toting the emotional baggage we have accumulated. It’s essential to promote incremental achievements in improving character by setting small goals. Look for small negative behaviors to correct or positive behaviors to capitalize on. Use Resilience and Determination to keep trying. Celebrate small victories and use Patience to know these small victories will add up over time.

This month, when you see someone who lacks mastery in ANY of the character qualities, take some time to get to know their whys and help them create the scaffolding they need for personal growth.