We Choose Virtues - A Review

We Choose Virtues
P O Box 648, Harrisburg, OR 97446
541-255-5084
heather@wechoosevirtues.com

materials geared to ages 3-11 (Early Elementary) or 12-18 (Youth)

varying price depending on program chosen

I've been thinking for a while that teaching our children about basic virtues would be a great idea. Therefore, I was very interested in checking out We Choose Virtues. While still part of the TOS Homeschool Review Crew I recently received materials from We Choose Virtues to provide this honest review. This is a comprehensive, easy-to-use system to teach children virtues with practical everyday ideas and suggestions. Some of the key items I downloaded included a Family Character Assessment, A List of Memory Verses, Bible Heroes and Truths, and the Kids of VirtueVille Coloring Book. I also received a set of Virtue Clue Cards. Let me tell you about this inexpensive, reusable system.

First, the Family Character Assessment:

This form is completed for each person in the family to determine where your character is right now. The form can also be used to establish a goal number. The following virtues are rated from 1-10 by family members:

• Attentive
• Content
• Diligent
• Forgiving
• Gentle
• Helpful
• Honest
• Kind
• Obedient
• Patient
• Perseverance
• Self-controlled

Second, the List of Memory Verses, Bible Heroes and Truths:

This is a handy list of each of the virtues which includes a hero or heroine with scripture references and a memory verse which emphasizes the virtue.

Third, the Kids of VirtueVille Coloring Book: This is a download of pictures of each of the cartoon characters for each of the virtues taught. The characters are cute and the names are catchy. You'll find Oboe Joe (obedience), Feather Heather (Forgiving), Gerbil Jill (gentle), Chuck and Duck (diligent), Hockey Stick Nick (honest), Cake Jake (content) and several others as well as a couple of activity pages.

Fourth, Virtue Clue Cards:

There are 13 Virtue Clue Cards (2 x 3.5 inches) in a carrying pouch (3 x 4 inches) with a Velcro button closure. On one side of these colorful cards is a virtue (I am Helpful). A brief description and catchphrase (I find things that need to be done and I do them! I am NOT ... selfish, lazy or unwilling to serve, and I don't have to be asked!). On the other side is a suggestion/goal to work on (Choose to find extra things that need to be done, and do them without needing to be asked!) Each virtue has a cute cartoon character (Obedient is Oboe Joe, Forgiving is Feather Heather, Gentle is Gerbil Jill, etc.)

You can compare the WCV products, find more information, and order by clicking here

This system for teaching virtues is designed to be used in homeschools, public schools, faith-based schools and church groups. A variety of teaching tools and resources are available including:

• Classroom Deluxe Kit - contains 5 teaching tools and one pack of 4 student consumable tools. The Teacher's Handbook and a Coloring Book are included. $244.99
• Classroom Deluxe Kit - faith based - contains 5 teaching tools and one pack of 4 student consumable tools. This version includes scriptures from the Bible for every virtue. The Teacher's Handbook and a Coloring Book are included. $199.99
• Classroom Kit - contains 5 teaching tools which can be reused, a one-year achievement poster with stickers. This is a Community version which can be used in secular or public school. The Teacher's Handbook and a Coloring Book are included. $199.99
• Kids Church Kit - to be used every week/every year with 3-11 year-olds to supplement your regular program. The Teacher's Handbook and a Coloring Book are included. $199.99
• Home School Kit - contains Parenting Cards in addition to the other teaching tools. The Teacher's Handbook and a Coloring Book are included. $99.99
• Home School Kit - faith based - contains the same items as the Home School Kit.The Parenting Cards and Virtue Flash Cards include scriptures from the NIrV Bible. The Teacher’s Handbook and Coloring Book are included. $99.99
• Teacher's Starter Kit - faith based - contains the Teacher's Virtue Cards for the classroom, the Virtue Flash Cards and the Kids Virtue Poster. The Handbook and Coloring Book are included. $99.99

Other products available include: Youth Virtue Journals for teens, Kids of VirtueVille Posters, Teacher's Virtue Cards, a faith based Family Kit, faith based Parenting Cards, a Youth Mentor's Kit, Virtue Flash Cards, a Teacher's Handbook, a 100 Days of Virtue Chart and Butterfly Stickers, a Kids Virtue Poster, a Three Rules Poster (1. I will obey my teacher. 2. I will be kind. 3. I will be a helper.), a Home Improvement Report, a Youth Virtue Poster, a Youth Mentor's Handbook, a Virtue User Review, a Kid's of,VirtueVille Coloring Book (download only), Personal Virtue Charts, Student's Character Assessments, Youth Character Assessments, a Youth Mentor Meeting Report, a Family Character Assessment, a Youth Memory Verses and Bible Heroes list, a Kid's Memory Verses, Bible Heroes and Truths, and a Kids Church Schedule.

We Choose Virtues is a character development tool to be used every day/every year rather than a unit study that you use once and then move on from. With this system virtues are introduced and demonstrated, catchphrases are memorized, and teachable moments are captured. Children learn quickly to obey and 11 other virtues. There are 13 Parenting Cards, one card is the Butterfly and Caterpillar Card. It teaches that everyone was born able to change.

The Early Childhood through Elementary set teaches 12 virtues and The Youth Set Volume 1 teaches 9 virtues with 9 more to follow in Volume 2.

How did this work for us? What did I think? Well, the kids really thought these characters were cute. This is an engaging system that caught their attention. We've talked about the virtues presented and discussed how we can implement the system in our home. I love the colorful illustrations and catchy characters and catchphrases. We're hoping to continue using this system to remind us all of the importance of each of the virtues in our daily lives. I like the suggestion to start each day with a short virtue lesson. I'm thankful that We Choose Virtues created an inexpensive but comprehensive system. I'm also glad that there are materials for younger and older children. We received the materials for younger children, but I'm interested in checking out the teen journals and mentoring materials. My children like the program, and I'm quite impressed. Good job We Choose Virtues!

Disclaimer: I received free materials from the above-mentioned company in order to provide an honest review. I did not and will not receive further compensation. Comments, opinions and thoughts are my own. I am not obligated to provide a positive review.

Although I am no longer a member of the TOS Review Crew, if you'd like to see what the Crew thought of We Choose Virtues click here