How it works

Character education curriculum for elementary schools

Growing character and relationships from the start

Elementary school lays the foundation for every child’s future. In these formative years, students are discovering how to build self-awareness, understand others, and work together with classmates. The Positivity Project (P2)’s elementary school character education curriculum gives educators simple, ready-to-use lessons and tools to help children develop positive relationships and character strengths every day.

Schickler Elementary students standing in front of Gratitude Jar Presentation

Why character education matters in elementary school

The early years are critical for shaping how children see themselves and interact with others. Without intentional teaching, students may struggle to develop the skills that help them succeed in school and beyond.

P2 helps elementary schools by:

  • Teaching a consistent language of character strengths that every child can understand and use

  • Building habits of bravery, kindness, and perseverance—learning to finish what they start and work through mistakes

  • Empowering teachers with simple, ready-to-use lessons that fit naturally into the school day

  • Creating a school-wide culture where character and relationships are celebrated

How implementation works

Elementary schools thrive on routines—and P2 helps make those routines meaningful. With the P2 Calendar and resources, teachers bring consistent lessons about character and relationships to every classroom. This school-wide approach, supported by strong leadership and clear communication, helps students, teachers, and the whole community grow together.

Principals lead the way, modeling the importance of character and relationships
A designated P2 Leader helps staff access resources and share successes
A Character Education Committee builds teacher ownership and integrates P2 into events and traditions
Schools use the P2 Calendar and Culture and Community Toolbox to keep implementation simple and consistent

In the classroom

Daily lessons

10–15 minute lessons, 5 times per week, introduce character strengths and the Other People Mindset.

Integration tools

Character Cards, Word Walls, Caught Ya Tickets, and project-based learning help reinforce concepts.

Educator buy-in

Resources are easy for teachers and engaging for students. That’s why teachers enjoy teaching P2.

Building schoolwide culture

P2 extends beyond classrooms into the fabric of school life. Schools bring character strengths to life by:

  • Displaying P2 visuals in hallways and classrooms

  • Using morning announcements and assemblies to spotlight weekly strengths

  • Celebrating students with recognition certificates and shoutouts

  • Hosting school-wide character events and traditions that reinforce P2

The result? A school culture where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired. Read how P2 transformed school culture and boosted academic achievement at Palms Elementary.

Display – Donald J. Yacks Elementary
CVES student award for prudence
bulletin-board
Green Shield Pic – Nichole Flynn
P2 Steps-1
Patriots Stem Elementary School teachers holding Green Shield Award

Supporting Educators & Families

Strong communication ensures that staff and families are partners in building character.

For Staff

Training, ongoing professional learning, and ready-made PD resources (like P2 for Educators and 3 Slides) help teachers integrate P2 seamlessly.

For Families

Weekly Family Letters, the P2 for Families online resource (English & Spanish), and introductory letters help families carry conversations about character into the home.

For Staff

Training, ongoing professional learning, and ready-made PD resources (like P2 for Educators and 3 Slides) help teachers integrate P2 seamlessly.

For Families

Weekly Family Letters, the P2 for Families online resource (English & Spanish), and introductory letters help families carry conversations about character into the home.

For Staff

Training, ongoing professional learning, and ready-made PD resources (like P2 for Educators and 3 Slides) help teachers integrate P2 seamlessly.

For Families

Weekly Family Letters, the P2 for Families online resource (English & Spanish), and introductory letters help families carry conversations about character into the home.

How P2 grows by grade

P2 grows with students from Pre-K through 12th grade. The same character strengths are taught the same week in every school, with different daily lessons for every grade level.

Grades Pre-K - 5

Elementary School

Where P2 runs:
Morning meeting

How often:
5 days a week

How long:
10 to 15 minutes

Who teaches it:
The classroom teacher

Grades 6 - 8

Middle School

Where P2 runs:
Advisory, homeroom, or subject areas

How often:
Daily, or a few days a week

How long:
10 to 15 minutes

Who teaches it:
The teacher whose period it is

How it works in middle school

Grades 9 - 12

High School

Where P2 runs:
Advisory, homeroom, or a CTE program

How often:
Once weekly, or more

How long:
30 minutes, or one 10-minute lesson

Who teaches it:
The teacher whose period it is

How it works in high school

In every grade, students understand, explain, and apply the character strengths to build positive relationships.

In every classroom: 24 character strengths plus the five Other People Mindset elements, on one annual calendar. Tier 1 with Tier 2 and 3 support. In every building: Morning announcements, signage, assemblies, plus P2 for Families, differentiated Pre-K-K through 9-12.

Impact on Attendance, Behavior, and Culture

Across 40 schools in Clovis Unified School District, implementing P2 district-wide led to remarkable shifts in student experience. Schools saw fewer behavior referrals, more student-led conflict resolution, and an attendance boost—with kids eager to come to school even when under the weather. A consistent character language also took root, strengthening both peer and family connections across grade levels.

What Success Looks Like

Success with The Positivity Project looks like students who are kinder, more aware of their strengths, and better at working with others. Classrooms buzz with respect and cooperation, teachers feel supported with simple, consistent lessons, and the whole school community shares a common language for character and relationships. Over time, students not only build strong friendships but also develop the confidence and skills they’ll carry through school and life.

As one elementary teacher shared: “P2 gives my students the words to describe kindness, perseverance, and gratitude—and the confidence to practice them every day.”

Read stories from P2 Partner Schools

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Elementary schools don’t need complicated programs to build strong character and relationships. P2 keeps it simple with consistent lessons, school-wide support, and resources for educators and families.