Show Me Character

Missouri 4-H youth development character education program is based on CHARACTER COUNTS®

What is Show-Me Character?
Show-Me Character is a framework that teaches young people to make sound moral judgments. It also encourages all adults to become more involved in helping youth develop positive character traits. Our communities benefit when youths and adults understand the importance of being involved and caring citizens and “doing the right thing” by incorporating the Six Pillars of Character in their daily lives.

Six Pillars of Character
Character by Holly H, Chariton County 4-H (video)
Winnie the Pooh is a character with character!

• Caring
• Citizenship
• Fairness
• Respect
• Responsibility
• Trustworthiness

A Person of Character

• Is a good person, someone to look up to and admire
• Knows the difference between what is right and wrong and always tries to do what is right.
• Sets a good example
• Makes the world a better place
• Lives according to the “Six Pillars of Character”

What You Can Do
There are many things you can do to teach and encourage your child to be a person of good character.

• Teach your child that character counts- that their success and happiness will depend on who they are inside, and not what they have of how they look. Tell them that people of character know the difference between right and wrong because they guide their thoughts and actions by some basic rules of living.

• Be an advocate for character. Don’t be neutral about the importance of character or casual about improper conduct.

• Be a good role model. Hold yourself to the highest standards. Remember, everything you do and don’t do, sends a message about your values. When you slip, act the way you want others to behave when they act improperly- be accountable, apologize sincerely and resolve to do better.

• Praise good behavior and discourage bad behavior by imposing fair, consistent consequences that prove you are serious about character. Show courage and firmness by enforcing the core values when it is difficult or costly to do so.

4-H Character Connections
Character Connections are meant for use in newsletters or as workshop handouts. 
(print or copy and paste into a word processor)

• 4-H Character Connections
  • Caring
  • Character and Sports
  • Character Counts in Missouri 4-H
  • Citizenship
  • Fairness
  • Respect
  • Responsibility
  • Trustworthiness

• Character Connections for 4-H Projects
  (All in PDF)
  • Introduction
  • Aerospace
    Aerospace
  • Arts & Crafts/Clothing
    Arts & Crafts
    Clothing
    Crochet
    Knitting
    Quilting
  • Child Development
    Child Development
  • Citizenship
    Public Adventures
  • Communications
    Clowning
    Communications
    Making the Point
    Public Speaking
  • Companion Animals
    Amphibians & Reptiles
    Cats
    Dogs
    Horses
    Veterinary Science
  • Environmental Sciences
    Conservation
    Environmental Sciences
    Forestry
    Geology
    Wildlife
  • Financial
    Consumer Savvy
    Entrepreneurship
    Financial Champions
  • Foods/Nutrition
    Breads
    Cake Decorating
    Dairy Foods
    Food Preservation
    Foods
    International Foods
    Meats
  • Healthy Lifestyles
    Bicycle
    Bowling
    Golf
    Healthy Lifestyles
    Sport  Fishing
  • Horticulture
    Agronomy
    Entomology
    Horticulture
  • Industrial Technology
    Electricity
    Small Engines
    Welding
    Woodworking
  • Leadership
    Leadership
  • Production Livestock
    Beef
    Dairy
    Goats (Dairy/Meats)
    Livestock Judging
    Poultry
    Rabbits
    Sheep
    Swine
  • Outdoor Adventures
    Backpacking
    Camping
    Hiking
  • Photography
    Photography
  • Theater Arts
    Theatre Arts
  • Workforce Readiness
    Workforce Readiness