I am so excited to introduce this new series!

Ever since I started planning out what we would be doing for our homeschool preschool this year, I knew I wanted to do some intentional character training. One of the things I appreciate about Charlotte Mason’s methods are the heavy emphasis on using the early years less for formal academics and more for character building.

So, I started looking for a character building program. I found a few things and I already had this book, but I didn’t find exactly what I was looking for.

I knew I wanted something fun, something that would “speak my son’s language.” I knew I didn’t really want something that was a comprehensive behavior modification system (i.e. where behavior is constantly monitored for character traits and given points or deductions). I wanted something that would introduce the character trait and give some ideas for how to practice that trait.

So (much like I did when I was looking for a toddler bible curriculum and couldn’t find anything), I created my own!

Hero Training! Kid's Character Challenge.

Introducing!

Hero Training!
Character Challenge for Kids

My son loves super heroes! Spiderman, Batman, Captain America, Hulk, Thor – you name the super hero, he’s all about it!

Honestly, I love them too. And a plethora of other sci-fi, fantasy, and other nerdy goodness. 🙂

So, I created this fun kid’s character challenge with a super hero theme!

The lesson plans will begin next week and continue for eight weeks. At the end of the series, I will compile all the lessons into an ebook!

Here’s what you need to know to get started

First, you’re going to want to decide how you are going to go about completing the challenges. Each week you will find the following elements:

Lesson

The lesson will have all the information you need to teach your child the character trait:

  • A child-friendly definition of the character trait
  • A super-hero to go along with that trait
  • A verse or story that shows Jesus displaying the week’s trait
  • Discussion questions

You can do the whole lesson on one day, or break it up and complete it over the week.

Memory Verse

Each week will have a memory verse that corresponds to that week’s character trait. I tried to pick simple verses that both younger and older children will be able to commit to memory. We try to work on our memory verses in the morning at breakfast time – find what works for you!

Challenges

Each week will have five challenges. The first challenge (or the last, depending on how you want to look at it) will always be memorizing the weekly verse. The next three challenges will vary weekly. Then, the last challenge will always be some type of craft or art project.

Now, if you’re not the crafty type, or the craft is something your child is not interested in – never fear! There is a simple solution. Have the last challenge be a “kid’s choice” challenge. Basically, just ask your child to come up with a way they can display the week’s character trait.

Once you’ve got a feel for how the challenges are going to go, you’re going to want to get the training chart and the memory verse cards here. Then, once you’ve printed them out, find a good spot to hang up your chart! When your child completes a challenge he or she can mark off a square. We used some superhero stickers.

IMG_8190

Also, tune in later this week for a tutorial on another super fun way to document your child’s progress through the challenges – a (no-sew) super hero cape with character badges.

Hero Training! Kid's Character Challenge.

This series is going to be so much fun! I can’t wait!

Hero Training! Kid's Character Challenge.

Affiliate links included.

30 Comments

  1. […] we get started with the Hero Training challenges, I wanted to share with you an optional, but super fun idea. A superhero cape with character […]



  2. […] you haven’t read the introduction to the series yet, check it out here (it has all the instructions and info you’ll […]



  3. […] you haven’t read the introduction to the series yet, check it out here (it has all the instructions and info you’ll […]



  4. […] you haven’t read the introduction to the series yet, check it out here (it has all the instructions and info you’ll […]



  5. Todd on October 30, 2015 at 10:44 am

    I think a good one is a way to connect with loved ones far away.. Grand parents, Great grand parents…



  6. […] you haven’t read the introduction to the series yet, check it out here (it has all the instructions and info you’ll […]



  7. […] “Hero Training!” Series! We are having so much fun learning what it takes to be a hero. Are you learning along with […]



  8. […] Do you have a superhero preschooler in your house? Check out A Simple Life Messy Life’s new Character Challenge for Kids. […]



  9. […] you haven’t read the introduction to the series yet, check it out here (it has all the instructions and info you’ll […]



  10. […] I have to come up with these activities on my own (like Play Through the Bible or Hero Training!) , but with Truth in the Tinsel all the work is done for me and all we have to do is have a blast […]



  11. Jasmine A on November 15, 2015 at 5:24 pm

    I am so excited for this lesson plan, I have a 3 and 5 year old who love super heroes and they would love this!



    • Liz Millay on November 18, 2015 at 10:01 am

      Yay! I’m glad you found it. You’ll have to let me know how it goes! 🙂



  12. - Simple Life. Messy Life. on November 18, 2015 at 4:29 pm

    […] you haven’t read the introduction to the series yet, check it out here (it has all the instructions and info you’ll […]



  13. […] you haven’t read the introduction to the series yet, check it out here (it has all the instructions and info you’ll […]



  14. […] you haven’t read the introduction to the series yet, check it out here (it has all the instructions and info you’ll […]



  15. Why I'm a "Lazy" Parent - Steadfast Family on April 1, 2016 at 6:14 pm

    […] Lazy in building my children’s character. […]



  16. […] of time for fun Bible and character building crafts and activities (like Play Through The Bible and Hero Training), but lately I had been rushing through the day without giving much thought to activities like […]



  17. […] it’s through programs like Awana, by using Bible verses set to music, or even one of the lesson plans here on Steadfast Family – there are lots of recommendations and resources for Scripture […]



  18. Genifer Tingle on May 5, 2016 at 1:38 pm

    Love this curriculum! Did you compile it into an ebook?



  19. sarah on May 17, 2016 at 3:48 am

    Going to use this for over the summer. Thanks so much for sharing!



  20. Today is the last day. | Time for myself on May 28, 2016 at 4:10 am

    […] Superhero Week and we have picked up some superhero books during our library trip.  I also found this while on Pinterest.  There are some fun things there and definitely some harder character […]



  21. Susan on May 31, 2016 at 7:31 pm

    Dear Lizzy,
    I am amazed at all the bible material you have in your website, I deeply appreciate all that you do for teaching the next generation biblical truths in such a fun and active way.
    My husband and me are from India and live in Texas, yes Hindu conversion, now have 2 girls 9 and 6 yrs old. I have begun to use your material in Sunday School.



    • Liz Millay on June 5, 2016 at 8:42 pm

      I’m glad you are able to make use of the materials!



  22. 10 Weeks of Total Fitness! - Bird with a list on June 21, 2016 at 8:18 pm

    […] Steadfast Family has a super cool Hero Training: A Character Challenge for Kids.  Tyler would be all over […]



  23. Tynisha on September 25, 2016 at 3:08 am

    Where is the hero curriculum? I can’t seem to find it on the site. Ready to implement the lessons for my 4 year old!



  24. Mandy on February 17, 2017 at 4:02 pm

    I’m planning a superhero birthday party for my son. I wanted to use the opportunity to teach him, and his friends, about the “real” superheroes in our community. We will have a policewoman, fireman/EMT, and soldier (so far, hopefully more) come and the kids will receive autograph books. I’d love to be able to incorporate some of this, as a way to teach the kids to be little superheroes in training. Thanks so much.



  25. Katy on January 29, 2018 at 3:16 pm

    Hi there! I just downloaded the ebook and can’t wait to get started with my almost 3 and 5 year old! Thank you so much for this positive and *fun* resource to teach my kids!



    • Liz Millay on January 31, 2018 at 1:48 pm

      Hope you enjoy! 🙂