Fun with Character: Prized Possessions

Bring in something personal to you that is a prized possession but may not look valuable, such as a pair of well-worn slippers, an item belonging to someone who has since passed away, or a gift from a treasured friend. Also, bring in something with an obvious high external value that has less meaning than your prized possession, such as something headed for the Goodwill box, a cashmere sweater, a leather purse, etc. Without explaining what the items are, ask the class which has the greater value. They will choose the item with higher monetary value, not the one with the higher sentimental value. Explain why the other thing is more valuable to you. Describe the difference in the respect you have for the item on which you place the higher value. Ask the students to think of an item that they own that has great sentimental value. How would they feel if someone treated that item with disrespect? Relate these feelings to the value that we each have and the respect that we each deserve.