Initiative
Character Matters
Content Card
Initiative: (noun) The energy and/or
aptitude displayed in the initiation and
completion of an action.
Purpose
1. To express commitment
2. To demonstrate effort
3. To reveal an attitude of interest
4. To showcase a desire to be successful
Examples in PE
• Being prepared and on time for ASAP
• Helping a classmate learn a new skill
Examples in Life
• Studying for an exam before being asked
• Turning in an assignment before it’s due
Quote
Initiative is doing the right things without
being told.
~ Elbert Hubbard
HIGH SCHOOL PE
LOOKS LIKE
SOUNDS LIKE
Dressing quickly for PE
“I will try my best”
Trust
Character Matters
Content Card
Trust: (noun) The ability to rely on the
integrity, strength, ability, character, etc.,
of a person or thing; confidence.
Purpose
1. To earn others’ confidence
2. To develop a good reputation
3. To facilitate fairness
4. To create a safe environment
Examples in PE
• Recording accurate information
• Calling fouls on yourself
Examples in Life
• Being loyal to family and friends
• Telling the truth or keeping your word
Quote
Trust men and they will be true to you;
treat them greatly, and they will show
themselves great.
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
HIGH SCHOOL PE
LOOKS LIKE
SOUNDS LIKE
Correctly scoring game
“It was out on me”
Leadership
Character Matters
Content Card
Leadership: (noun) The ability and
competency to provide direction or
guidance to self and others.
Purpose
1. To provide quality instruction
2. To enhance group efficiency
3. To maximize others’ abilities
4. To facilitate fair play
Examples in PE
• Focusing team on practicing well
• Helping teacher put equipment away
Examples in Life
• Being in charge of cleaning at home
• Being a good role model for youngsters
Quote
Management is doing things right;
leadership is doing the right things.
~ Peter F. Drucker
HIGH SCHOOL PE
LOOKS LIKE
SOUNDS LIKE
Coaching your team
“Follow me”
Respect
Character Matters
Content Card
Respect: (noun) High or special
regard. Mutual respect makes effective
leadership possible.
Purpose
1. To treat others with gratitude
2. To recognize others’ contributions
3. To appreciate others’ worth
LOOKS LIKE
SOUNDS LIKE
Examples in PE
Letting others go first
“Thanks for your help”
• Listening to everyone’s ideas
• Playing own position during a game
Examples in Life
• Dealing peacefully with disagreements
• Using manners in public places
Quote
If you have respect for people as they
are, you can be more effective in helping
them to become better than they are.
~ John W. Gardner
HIGH SCHOOL PE
Cooperation
Character Matters
Content Card
Cooperation: (noun) A common effort
of a group for common benefit.
Purpose
1. To establish a partnership
2. To encourage collaboration
3. To capitalize on individual differences
4. To achieve ambitious aims
Examples in PE
• Allowing others a leadership role
• Fulfilling my team role
Examples in Life
• Doing my part on a group project
• Working with teacher to do my best
Quote
If you want to be good: compete. If you
want to be better: cooperate.
~ Unknown
HIGH SCHOOL PE
LOOKS LIKE
SOUNDS LIKE
Listening to teammates
“Let’s do it together”
Competition
Character Matters
Content Card
Competition: (noun) A contest between
rivals, often resulting in peak effort or
performance by one or both parties.
Purpose
1. To improve individually or as a group
2. To achieve uncommon outcomes
3. To showcase persistent effort
4. To display a positive spirit of rivalry
Examples in PE
• Meeting a Personal Best goal: Push-ups
• Using practices to improve game-play
Examples in Life
• Earning an ‘A’ in History
• Making the cast of the school play
Quote
Do not hold the delusion that your
advancement is accomplished by crushing
others.
~ Cicero
HIGH SCHOOL PE
LOOKS LIKE
SOUNDS LIKE
Gracious in victory
“Cheer for opponents”
Fair Play
Character Matters
Content Card
Fair Play: (noun) A way of behaving or
treating other people that is marked by
honesty and mutual respect.
Purpose
1. To promote fairness
2. To encourage honorable actions
3. To facilitate acceptance of others
4. To enhance learning opportunities
Examples in PE
• Respecting official’s calls
• Supporting teammates and opponents
Examples in Life
• Calling own fouls in a pick-up game
• Embracing diversity of the group
Quote
Win or lose, do it fairly.
HIGH SCHOOL PE
~ Knute Rockne
LOOKS LIKE
SOUNDS LIKE
Post-game handshake
“Your team did great”
Responsibility
Character Matters
Content Card
Responsibility: (noun) The quality of
being reliable and trustworthy.
Purpose
1. To develop trust
2. To exhibit reliability
3. To demonstrate competency
4. To facilitate accountability
Examples in PE
• Practicing without supervision
• Attending class to support your team
Examples in Life
• Planning ahead for school assignments
• Using self-control in conflict situations
Quote
You cannot escape the responsibility of
tomorrow by evading it today.
~ Abraham Lincoln
HIGH SCHOOL PE
LOOKS LIKE
SOUNDS LIKE
Finishing a challenge
“That was my fault”
Appreciation
Character Matters
Content Card
Appreciation: (noun) An expression of
gratitude, admiration, or approval for
an individual or group because of their
qualities or accomplishments.
Purpose
1. To value others’ worth
2. To express admiration
3. To celebrate effort
4. To recognize success
Examples in PE
• Acknowledging opponent’s good play
• Highlighting a friend’s positive attitude
Examples in Life
• Thanking your teacher for their help
• Nominating a friend for an award
Quote
Appreciation can make a day, even change
a life. Your willingness to put it into words
is all that is necessary.
~ Margaret Cousins
HIGH SCHOOL PE
LOOKS LIKE
SOUNDS LIKE
High-5 with a partner
“You are awesome”
Concern
Character Matters
Content Card
Concern: (noun) A significant interest or
regard involving the welfare and happiness
of an individual or group usually arising
through a personal tie or relationship.
Purpose
1. To express empathy
2. To show kindness
3. To attend to others’ needs
4. To cultivate friendships
Examples in PE
• Helping an injured classmate
• Thanking a partner for sharing the ball
Examples in Life
• Volunteering in your community
• Befriending a classmate you don’t know
Quote
No act of kindness, no matter how small,
is ever wasted.
~ Aesop
HIGH SCHOOL PE
LOOKS LIKE
SOUNDS LIKE
Asking for forgiveness
“Are you okay?”