Responsibility

Responsibility is “taking ownership of my thoughts, words, and actions.” This trait is essential for becoming a healthy, happy, and productive person…and it is the basis for a free and civil society where each person does what he or she is expected to do.

Responsibility begins with “little things” like taking care of your belongings, working with a good attitude, resolving conflicts peacefully, and owning up to mistakes. Taking responsibility in these “little things” prepares students for greater opportunities in the future!

I Will:

1. Know what’s expected.
2. Keep my commitments.
3. Do my best.
4. Not make excuses.
5. Correct my mistakes.

Discussion Starters:

• It’s easy to take responsibility or ownership when things go well. Why is it hard to take responsibility when things don’t go well?
• What is the opposite of responsibility? (unreliability, blaming others, making excuses)
• Who do you trust more—someone who owns up to mistakes or someone who covers them up? Why?
• How do you think responsibility can help you in school? At home?

(Permission granted to reproduce this lesson for educational use. Credit: CharacterFirstEd.com) 

Downloads

Supplement the curriculum with these reproducible sheets.
(Click each link to open or save PDF)

• Bald Eagle Coloring Page
• Do Your Best Activity
• Family Connection
• Family Connection - Spanish
• George Washington Carver Story
• No Excuses Activity