Quotes for teens on life lessons

Quote Overview / Description

Quote about Growing Up with Good Character

This quote about being someone of good character helps teens see that anyone can choose to be a good person. It’s all the small choices and acts that demonstrate good traits that make someone a person of good character. Most good people aren’t famous. Yet most good people make positive impacts on the lives of those around them. From a parent who raises a good kid, to a small-town hero who does something inspiringly selfless, there are people being a force for good everywhere.

Discussion questions / Writing Prompts

Questions to prompt discussion, journaling, essays for high school health class and social emotional development lessons:

1. What makes a life well-lived? Do you need to have accomplished something big or achieve a certain level of success to have lived a good life?
2. Which character traits make someone a good person? Is character defined by one act or a pattern of behavior? Do you have to be perfect to be a good person? (For help: List of good character traits and definitions)
3. Who is someone who has been a positive influence on your life?
4. When is a time you did something that demonstrated a good character trait? How did it feel?

Activities

Activities and worksheets for teen SEL / high school health and wellness lessons:

1. Everyday Heroes- There are lots of every day heroes who aren't famous but have a big impact on people's lives. Using the resources below, discuss what makes someone an everyday hero? What are the traits they demonstrated? How does their story inspire you? (For help: List of good character traits and definitions)
   • Video 1: The Wisdom of a Third Grade Dropout
   • Read one of these stories about everyday heroes from Pass it On.org.
2. Good Character Journaling Page- Download a page with journaling / writing prompts on this good character quote. The journaling page can prompt self-awareness or it can be used with the Everyday Heroes activity above.

Coloring Pages

Download printable coloring pages for a mindfulness activity that features this quote.

1. Classic coloring page
2. You are the Sum of your Choices coloring page

Curriculum Topics

High School Health Class / Social Emotional Development Core Curriculum Alignment:

• Healthy decision making and taking personal responsibility, results/consequences
• Evaluating and reducing risk
• Recognizing the connection between personal and family health
• Self awareness
• Goal setting

Themes

• Many really “good” people, were never famous. You can have a positive impact in big and small ways.
• Small choices add up to define a person’s character.

Character Traits/Values

• Honesty
• Respect
• Responsibility
• Fairness
• Caring

Alternate Images