Character
Once/Now/Then/After Series
on Goodreads (107)
What’s inside...
This work, 'Character' by Samuel Smiles, published in the 19th century, has been recognized for its cultural significance and is part of the knowledge base of civilization. It is in the public domain in the United States and possibly other nations and aims to preserve, reproduce, and make widely available the importance of moral integrity and personal virtues for success and fulfillment. The book highlights character as key for personal development and societal progress, illustrating qualities like honesty, perseverance, and self-discipline with anecdotes and examples. It has been proofread and republished, blending original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface to ensure a quality reading experience, keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
16-19
Length
252 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What qualities do you admire most in the characters from the book?
How do you think honesty and integrity influence the way the characters behave?
Can you think of a time when you faced a difficult decision like one of the characters? What did you do?
What have you learned from the characters that you think is important in real life?
How do you think the challenges faced by the characters help them grow?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before diving into discussion, set a relaxed atmosphere by reading a favorite passage together.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, relating it to their own experiences.
Ask follow-up questions that require more than a 'yes' or 'no' answer to encourage deeper thinking.
Acknowledge your child’s responses positively, reinforcing their interest and engagement in the conversation.
Link discussions to everyday life to help make the book's themes more relevant and understandable for the child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of adversity
Explanation: The book showcases various stories where characters face setbacks but continue to strive towards their goals, emphasizing the importance of determination.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by not giving up when they encounter difficulties in school or their personal activities, learning that persistence is key to achieving their objectives.
Example Lesson: Honesty is the best policy
Explanation: Characters in the book who adhere to truthfulness are portrayed positively, teaching readers the value of honesty.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be reinforced in a child's daily life by encouraging them to always tell the truth, even in challenging situations, fostering trust and integrity.
Example Lesson: Value of hard work
Explanation: The book highlights how characters achieve significant accomplishments through hard work rather than relying on luck or shortcuts.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of diligence in their studies and chores, understanding that effort leads to rewards and success in real-world situations.
Example Lesson: Importance of education
Explanation: Through the narrative, the book illustrates how education opens doors to opportunities and personal growth for the characters.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to value their schooling and seek knowledge actively, appreciating education's role in shaping their future.
Example Lesson: Respect for others
Explanation: Characters who show respect to others, regardless of their social standing or background, are depicted as noble and wise.
Real-World Application: Children can be taught to treat everyone with respect, promoting inclusive behavior and enhancing social interactions in diverse environments.