Good character education can help students develop values that they can use over their whole lives, building valuable traits like responsibility, honest and respect for peers. USA TODAY and the YMCA have collaborated to develop lessons that teach character education alongside health and wellness. The lessons listed below are ideal for teaching these two important disciplines in a fun, engaging manner.


2008 Lessons

 


 Health and Wellness

 

How to get that “I can conquer the world” feeling

 

Character Education

 

Boundaries and choices

 

2007 Lessons

 

 

Health and Wellness

 

Lifestyle choices directly affect a person’s health and wellness

 

Character Education

 

Excellence in sports isn’t measured only by athletic skill

 

 

 

Related USA TODAY Case Studies:

 

 

10 Toughest Athletes: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

 

This three-part case study will countdown the “10 Toughest Athletes” as determined by USA TODAY’s sports journalists, examining the physical, mental and social makeup of each.

 


Healthy Kids

 

This case study examines the cultural, social and practical angles of school cafeterias and physical education classes.

 


Obesity

 

This case study looks at an environment which health advocates increasingly view as problematic, particularly for young people, where they often feel overwhelmed by the evolving standards for nutrition and exercise.