DEPENDABILITY
Character First!® Elementary Series 4, Booklet 1
Definition
Fulfilling what I consented to do, even if it means
unexpected sacrifice.
Illustration
The tank-like build and the massive horns of the musk ox are
an ominous warning to would-be attackers. However, young
musk oxen are not so imposing. Discover on page 4 how the
members of a herd depend on each other for survival.
There had always been plenty of land to grow grain, but until
Cyrus McCormick invented the reaping machine, harvesting
wheat meant long hours of back-breaking work. Read the story
on page 6 to see how a dependable product revolutionized
American agriculture.
I Will:
• keep my word.
• be careful what
I promise.
Application
Promises are meant to be kept, not broken. However, keeping a
promise often requires more sacrifice than originally expected.
The lessons on pages 8–14 are designed to teach students the
importance of keeping their word. Select the lessons that are
most appropriate for your class.
• correct my mistakes.
• pull my share of
the load.
• not have a bad attitude.
Praise
Just as tall buildings require a strong foundation, children
need a foundation of good character to reach their full
potential in life. Discover on page 15 how to strengthen
your students’ character through praise.
© Copyright 2001 Character Training Institute, 520 West Main, Oklahoma City, OK 73102. Character First is a Registered Trademark of the Character Training Institute.
What Is Dependability?
Fulfilling
what
I consented
to do,
even if
it means
unexpected
sacrifice.
2
DEPENDABILITY
vs. Inconsistency
De•pend•a•bil•i•ty n. 1: quality of
that which can be counted upon;
able to be leaned upon. 2: reliability.
3: trustworthiness.
De- is the Latin prefix meaning “down” or “from.”
Combining this with the word pendere (“to hang”) creates a
word picture of the term dependable—something reliable
enough “to hang from.”
Dependability is like a boulder that anchors a mountain
climber’s rope. The climber’s life literally “hangs from” the
stability of the boulder. It depicts the sure arms of a father
who catches his little boys and girls. His children jump into
his arms because they know he will catch them.
Dependability is proven by consistency. It is this consistency which makes every promise a reliable promise.
Dependability allows others to “hang” their plans on
someone else without fear of disappointment or failure.
Commit with Caution
Dependability requires caution in order to avoid rash decisions. Sometimes people agree hastily to ideas or tasks
without thinking through what those promises involve,
only to later wish they could relieve themselves of their
responsibilities once they become overwhelming.
Dependable individuals take the time to count the costs
before they promise. They consider the risks and weigh the
options so that once they agree to something, they don’t
waiver. Even if those risks later grow into unexpected burdens, they won’t go back on their word.
© Copyright 2001 Character Training Institute, 520 West Main, Oklahoma City, OK 73102. Character First is a Registered Trademark of the Character Training Institute.
Teaching Dependability
The Concept of Dependability
There are three parts to Dependability: persons, promises,
and prices.
Dependability begins with a relationship between at least
two people. It involves teachers and students, children
and parents, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives,
employees and employers, and every other possible affiliation. Furthermore, dependability goes both directions
in a relationship. There are no exemptions based on age,
gender, position, or power.
The second part of dependability is the promise. A promise
is an agreement to fulfill certain duties. It is not made by
force, but by personal consent.
The last part of dependability is the price. Sometimes keeping a promise requires little sacrifice. Other times it requires
a lot. Regardless of how costly it becomes, dependability is
paying the price to keep a person’s promise.
“A Message to Garcia”
The story is told of events surrounding the war between
Spain and the United States. President McKinley needed
to reach a man named Garcia who led the insurgents on
the island of Cuba. No one knew where he was, and no
one knew the danger to be faced in finding him.
The President summoned a man named Rowan to deliver
the message. Without hesitation, Lt. Rowan took the letter,
strapped it over his heart, landed by night off the coast of
Cuba, disappeared into the jungle, and in three weeks came
out on the other side of the island, having traversed a hostile country on foot and delivered his message to Garcia.
Rowan asked no questions, made no excuses, and wasted
no time. The world cries for such a dependable man or
woman who acts promptly and invests whatever is necessary to do the task—to “Carry a message to Garcia.”
The Role of Leadership
Part of a teacher’s role is to prepare children for greater
independence. Unfortunately, many people think of independence as “freedom from authority.” However, the
meaning of the word is actually “without dependence.” It
means a child is able to fulfill his or her responsibilities
without depending on external supervision.
Many students believe they are ready for greater independence simply because they grow older. Their error is small
but significant, for it is not age that builds trust, it is a
record of dependable work.
Teaching dependability prepares students for more responsibility and less supervision. As children learn faithfulness
in small things, they become increasingly prepared to manage greater things.
If today’s adults fail to train today’s youth,
their failure will result in tomorrow’s delinquents.
When Things Go Wrong
When things go wrong, dependability follows three
important steps:
First, it tries everything possible to solve the problem and
complete the task, even if it means extra hours, more
effort, or added cost.
If the first step fails to resolve the problem, the second step
is appealing to those in authority or to whom a promise
was made. It is explaining the situation in straightforward
terms and asking to be released from the obligation or for
a time extension until a solution can be found.
Unless released from one’s commitment, the third step is
to work diligently until the project is complete. Regardless
of the sacrifice, regardless of what goes wrong, dependability is keeping a promise.
© Copyright 2001 Character Training Institute, 520 West Main, Oklahoma City, OK 73102. Character First is a Registered Trademark of the Character Training Institute.
3
Dependability in Nature
of musk oxen in their defensive formation. The wolves would never get past
their wall of horns.
The lead wolf turned and walked back up
the long hill. The rest of the pack quickly
followed in his footsteps up the slope.
The musk oxen waited and watched until
the last wolf was out of sight.
Dependability Demonstration
lone musk ox stood at the top of
a hill. His eyes looked back and
forth across the frozen white
tundra. Something seemed wrong.
A
and the adults formed a circle with their
horns pointing outward. They squeezed
their backs together to make an impenetrable ring around their young.
A bitter wind shook the long brown
hair on his body. Two massive horns
covered his head. They curled around
the side and up to a sharp point.
The herd opened up a place just as the
male leader rejoined the group. He
slowly backed into position, ready to
defend his herd.
The musk ox smelled a strange scent in
the air. He looked to the left and to the
right, and then over his shoulder. The
rest of the herd grazed together at the
bottom of the hill. The mother oxen
helped their young calves dig through
the ice with their sharp hooves to find
clusters of frozen grass beneath the
thick layer of snow. Even a frozen meal
was better than no meal at all.
As he squeezed into the circle, a pack of
wolves shot over the hill. They ran
down the slope at break-neck speed.
The lead musk ox wasted no time. He
stepped out of the ring to challenge the
wolves. The other musk oxen immediately closed the hole behind him.
Suddenly, the lone musk ox let out a
snort. He turned on his heels and bolted down the hill. Powder and ice filled
the air as the musk ox plowed through
the snow.
The herd sensed that something was
wrong and immediately headed for
higher ground. The young calves huddled together in the center of the herd,
4
Three wolves jumped toward the musk
ox, but he caught the first one with his
horn and swung it into the air. He
kicked the second one with his powerful hoof, and he rammed the third with
his head.
For the musk ox, dependability is a matter of survival. Young musk oxen can’t
protect themselves against dangerous
predators; they depend on their parents
for help. Even adult musk oxen rely on
each other for safety.
When danger comes, musk oxen never
run or hide; they stay together and
stand their ground. Each one does its
part, whatever the sacrifice.
Dependable people stand their ground,
too. They keep their word and do what
they say they will do. They are careful
what they promise and don’t complain
when it hurts. It’s not always easy to be
dependable, but let’s see what the musk
ox can show us.
First, we need a herd of musk oxen,
some young, and some old. (Select
approximately 8 volunteers of different
ages or sizes, if possible.)
The musk ox stepped back into the ring,
and another came forward. He, too,
delivered one blow after another.
Our first step is to look a little more like
a herd of musk oxen. (Give each volunteer a winter coat to wear. The larger,
the better.) A musk ox wears some of the
warmest hair in the world, called quivet.
Musk ox wool is so warm that they survive comfortably even where temperatures reach 90° below zero!
It didn’t take long for the wolves to
stop. They were no match for the herd
Musk oxen stay together in herds. Each
member has its own responsibilities to
© Copyright 2001 Character Training Institute, 520 West Main, Oklahoma City, OK 73102. Character First is a Registered Trademark of the Character Training Institute.
Dependability in Nature
guard the herd, watch for the young,
dig up frozen food with their strong
hooves, or protect against intruders
with their heavy horns. A lead male
guides the herd to locate better places
to graze. (Distribute paper hooves held
with tape, and use yarn to attach horns
made of aluminum foil. Appoint a
responsible leader to guide the “herd.”)
Many animals run when danger comes,
but not musk oxen. They stand their
ground and protect each other. The
young musk oxen gather in the center,
and the adults form a ring around the
outside called a phalanx (FAY-lanks). All
the adults face out with their heads
lowered and horns ready. (Appoint two
young calves to stand in the middle
with everyone else facing outward.)
When things get tough, dependability
means staying instead of running. It
means “riding out the storm” or “sticking through thick and thin.” It is fulfilling
a promise, even when it’s hard, because
other people are counting on you.
With everyone standing their ground, a
herd of musk oxen can easily defend
itself against a pack of wolves. (Select
one or two responsible volunteers to
hold several stuffed dogs or wolves.)
When attacked, one of the adults steps
forward to challenge the intruder. The
rest of the musk oxen close in tighter to
fill the hole. (Help volunteers act
out the defense sequence with the
stuffed animals. The wolves eventually
retreat.) When the first musk ox is
tired, the others open a hole for it and
another steps forward.
Stepping out of the ring is dangerous. It
places a musk ox right in the middle of
its attackers. But sometimes that’s what
it takes to defend the rest of the herd.
Dependability is a willingness to step
out on behalf of family or friends. It
endures ridicule and laughter from
those who may criticize. It doesn’t run
away from a promise, but stands its
ground, even when it’s hard.
Let’s see the whole picture of how a herd
stays together and stands its ground.
(Begin with volunteers grazing, and then
the wolves attack. The young musk oxen
move to the center and the adults form a
ring. One musk ox at a time challenges
the wolves while the others fill in the
gap. The wolves pursue from every side,
but they finally give up their attack.)
Musk oxen just won’t run. When others
would flee, they are faithful. When troubles surround, they will stay. It doesn’t
matter how difficult things become—
you can count on a musk ox to always
stand its ground.
Supplies:
• Heavy coats
• Paper hooves and tape
• Foil horns and yarn
• Stuffed wolf or dog
© Copyright 2001 Character Training Institute, 520 West Main, Oklahoma City, OK 73102. Character First is a Registered Trademark of the Character Training Institute.
5
Dependability in History
wasn’t sure if he could fulfill it. “I don’t
know,” Cyrus told them. “I can’t
promise anything just yet. Maybe in a
few days I can tell you something.”
Did you spot the “I Will”? Cyrus was
careful what he promised.
Cyrus was finally ready to test his fullsize machine. All the family, the hired
men, and some of the neighbors came
to watch out of curiosity.
“Ready?” he called to William. It was
his brother’s job to walk alongside the
reaper and rake away the cut stalks.
he ripening wheat fields of
Virginia spread out as far as
young Cyrus McCormick could
see. The harvest would start in just a
few days. Even though Cyrus was only
seven years old, he knew how much he
would ache by the time it was over.
T
In those days, farmers harvested grain
by cutting it with a sickle and swinging
a heavy wooden cradle back and forth
to catch the precious grains of wheat
before they hit the ground. It was backbreaking work.
Cyrus’ father had tried other methods
of cutting grain, but nothing he built
worked reliably enough. A successful
reaper had to be dependable—it had to
work in all kinds of weather and on all
kinds of land.
Fifteen years later, Cyrus, now 22, was
still living on the farm with his parents,
brothers, and sisters. Every harvest,
Cyrus still worked long hours in the
fields, pulling his share of the load. He
cut grain, raked it into piles, and hauled
it to the barn day after day.
Did you spot the “I Will”? Cyrus
pulled his share of the load on the
family farm.
Cyrus thought many times about his
father’s invention, a reaper. He had his
own ideas that might make it work, so
he asked his father’s permission to try
out his plans.
Cyrus put his ideas on paper, making
drawings of how his new machine
would work. Next, he made a small
model from his drawings and tested it
in a nearby field.
With each trial, he found new problems—the knife clogged if the stalks
were too wet, and the reel trampled the
stalks if the land was too hilly. Each
time, Cyrus returned to his drawings,
corrected his mistakes, and tried again.
Finally, Cyrus was ready to build a fullsize reaper. It took him three weeks just
to make all the parts! People started to
ask Cyrus when he would finish his
reaper for everyone to see, but he hesitated to give them a date because he
“Ready!” William called back.
Cyrus flicked the reins on the horse’s
back, and the reaper pulled forward. The
reel started to turn, pulling the wheat
toward the knife. The blade moved back
and forth, cutting the grain off the stalks
and dropping it onto the platform. “It’s
working!” shouted their father.
Suddenly, the machine bumped over
a rock and stopped. Several stalks
jammed the reel, and a tree root caught
in the knife.
Everyone’s face fell with disappointment, especially Mr. McCormick’s. “I’m
sorry,” Cyrus told his father. “But I’ll fix
it so it works right the next time.”
Cyrus quickly went to work correcting
his mistakes and making sure they
wouldn’t happen again.
Did you spot the “I Will”? Cyrus corrected his mistakes.
News of the McCormick reaper spread
all over the Virginia valley. Neighbors
started to drop by to check on the
6
© Copyright 2001 Character Training Institute, 520 West Main, Oklahoma City, OK 73102. Character First is a Registered Trademark of the Character Training Institute.
Dependability in History
machine’s progress. Most believed
that it wouldn’t work, or thought that
it was too complicated for an ordinary
farmer to operate. Cyrus responded
politely to each of his critics and invited them to an upcoming test at his
neighbor’s field.
way would have taken all day for two
men to have cut that much!
“When are you going to make a reaper
for sale?” asked a man in the crowd.
Cyrus and his team were committed to
keeping their customers happy. This
commitment, however, was tested
when the Great Chicago Fire destroyed
the McCormick factory, its office, and
the company records.
“I promise it will be done,” Cyrus told
them. “I give you my word.”
Cyrus worked long hours to have his
machine ready for the test. He barely
took time to eat or sleep, but spent
every moment at the shop making
improvements to the reaper.
When the morning of the test finally
arrived, Cyrus kept his word and had
the machine ready to go.
Did you spot the “I Will”? Cyrus kept
his word. The reaper was ready
when he said it would be.
The road to the neighbor’s field was
clogged with wagons full of spectators.
Everywhere, people were discussing
whether or not this new machine
would work.
When the reaper started, every voice
went silent. The only thing to be heard
was the sound of the reel as it turned
and pushed the stalks toward the knife.
Back and forth, back and forth went the
blade, cutting the wheat cleanly off and
pushing them onto the platform.
At first, the crowd stared. As Cyrus finished the first row and started down
the second, several farmers began clapping. Soon everyone stood up and
cheered for Cyrus and his reaper!
In less than an hour, Cyrus cut six acres
of wheat. Doing it the old-fashioned
Most importantly, Cyrus gave his customers a written guarantee for their
equipment. If their machinery ever had
a problem, the McCormick Reaper
Company would make it right.
It has been estimated that the invention and
manufacture of McCormick’s reaper extended
the American frontier 30 to 50 miles a day.
For sale? Cyrus had never thought
about making reapers for sale. He just
wanted to make farming easier. He
hadn’t even applied for a patent yet,
and he still had his responsibilities on
the farm.
It was almost ten years before Cyrus
moved to Chicago to build a factory
that would manufacture his reaper.
Although other inventors were already
selling their own versions, Cyrus decided that he would make the best, most
dependable reaper and sell it to farmers
at the most reasonable price. He even
called one of his models “Old Reliable.”
The McCormick Reaper Company came
to be known as a business that was a
friend to the farmer. Cyrus encouraged
neighbors to purchase equipment together to lower their costs. He also let
farmers pay after harvest or make several payments throughout a year.
As Cyrus and his employees rummaged through the ashes, one of his
workers began to complain. “How do
you expect us to maintain someone’s
guarantee when we don’t have any
records? I say we cancel the guarantees
altogether!”
“We can’t do that,” Cyrus replied. “We
gave our word, and we’re going to honor
it. We don’t even know who still owes us
money, but whatever happens, we’re
going to keep a good attitude.”
Did you spot the “I Will”? Cyrus kept
a good attitude despite his losses.
The McCormick Company’s dependable service and customer satisfaction
paid off in the end. As soon as farmers
heard that Cyrus’ factory burned down,
they immediately sent all the money
they still owed him. Cyrus used the
money not only to rebuild his factory,
but also to feed and shelter many who
were left homeless by the fire.
People all over the country appreciated
Cyrus McCormick for his straightforward, honest, and dependable service.
He kept his promises, which made his
word as good as gold. He was indeed,
“Old Reliable.”
© Copyright 2001 Character Training Institute, 520 West Main, Oklahoma City, OK 73102. Character First is a Registered Trademark of the Character Training Institute.
7
Will to Be Dependable
I Will Keep My Word.
Before the days of signed contracts and legal documents,
people were bound simply by their word. If they said it, they
would do it, even if it meant unexpected sacrifice. To them,
it was a matter of honor, integrity, and personal reputation.
A person’s word is like a valuable treasure—it is much easier kept than it is recovered. Once lost through a single broken promise, it sometimes takes months or years to regain
another person’s trust. That is why children must protect
their reputation by keeping their promises, even when it
costs them more than expected.
I Will Be Careful What I Promise.
One way to avoid breaking promises is to be careful what is
promised in the first place. No one should commit to constructing a large building without first counting how much
it will cost. Likewise, children should avoid making commitments they will one day come to regret.
I Will Pull My Share of the Load.
If unsure of their ability to fulfill an obligation, children can
always say, “I can’t promise anything, but I will try.” It is
better to be honest up front than to over-commit and cause
problems later on.
Success in team sports requires everyone to play the assigned
position and to play it well. Any unguarded area leaves room
for the opponent to gain the advantage. Likewise, children
must pull their share of the load in their family or their classroom. Any inconsistency on the part of any individual produces a weakness. That weakness is like the weak link in a
chain. If the chain breaks, it always breaks at its weakest
point and lets other down, usually with a big jolt.
I Will Correct My Mistakes.
I Will Not Have a Bad Attitude.
When failures come, and they usually do, dependable people admit their mistakes and correct them. Unfortunately,
pride often gets in the way of admitting a mistake and
inconsistency gets in the way of correcting it. Dependability
swallows pride and makes things right.
When children spend extra hours to finish their work or miss
out on fun because of a commitment, dependability remembers that they made those promises of their own accord.
There is no room for a bad attitude.
While no one is perfect, mistakes are no excuse for quitting.
When children fall, dependability prompts them to get right
back up and get on with what needs to be done.
8
Character Training Never Ends
In 1776, America’s Founding Fathers pledged their “lives, fortunes, and sacred honor” in support of their new country. The
long and brutal war that followed tested their commitment.
However, the Founding Fathers never complained about their
losses. “I gave my word,” said one man who lost everything,
including his family. “How can I complain about it?”
© Copyright 2001 Character Training Institute, 520 West Main, Oklahoma City, OK 73102. Character First is a Registered Trademark of the Character Training Institute.
Activities
“You Can Count on Me!”
Character Tree
(Craft)
(Craft)
As a reminder for children to do the things that they
promise, make a small booklet of chores or responsibilities
that others count on them to do. Give students one sheet
each of colored paper, one sheet of white paper, and 18 inches of yarn. Instruct them to fold their sheets of paper in half
and insert the white sheet inside the colored cover. Punch
two holes along the edge, thread the yarn through the holes,
and tie in a bow.
Remind children to continue growing in character by making
a “Character Tree.” Begin by drawing a trunk and branches
on poster board, but do not draw any leaves. Title the tree
We’re Growing in Character!, and place it in the classroom.
Write You Can Count on Me! on the front, and label the inside
pages by category: Friends, Family, School, and Country.
Under each category, make a list of what others expect.
Bring one or more unwanted puzzles to class, even if they are
missing pieces. When children demonstrate any of the five
“I Wills” for dependability, write their names on the back of
the puzzle pieces and lightly glue them to the branches of the
“Character Tree.” Continue giving away puzzle pieces for
future character qualities throughout this series of curriculum. At the end of the year, remove the puzzle pieces and
give to the students as a memento of their good behavior.
Supplies:
• Colored and white paper
• Hole punch and yarn
• Pens or pencils
Supplies:
• Poster board
• Puzzle pieces
• Markers
• Glue
Points to Ponder:
Points to Ponder:
• Writing down promises is a good habit to build. As children’s responsibilities increase, it becomes easier to forget
the many things they are expected to do. By reminding
themselves in writing, students won’t have to depend on
their parents or teachers to remind them.
• Discuss the obstacles that stand in the way of keeping
one’s promises.
• It takes a lot of time for a tree to grow big and strong.
However, once its roots take firm grasp of the soil, it
becomes very hard to move. In the same way, learning
character requires a lot of time and discipline. However,
the “roots” of good character that children develop in
their youth will keep them standing strong for a lifetime.
• By writing children’s names on the back of the puzzle
pieces, the pieces draw attention to the Character Tree
rather than to the individual.
© Copyright 2001 Character Training Institute, 520 West Main, Oklahoma City, OK 73102. Character First is a Registered Trademark of the Character Training Institute.
9
Activities
Jungle Folders
(Craft)
Use photographs from magazines or encyclopedias to help
students picture the dangerous tropical jungle through
which Lieutenant Rowan (see page 3) traveled while carrying a message to Garcia. Construct a “Jungle Folder” as an
example to the children, then let them make their own folders to hold important assignments.
Give each child a manila folder for a jungle background.
Tear and glue a strip of brown paper to the front of the folder in the shape of a tree trunk. Add leaves to the tree by tearing 3- and 4-inch strips of green paper. Fold one end of each
strip over the folder’s top edge, and secure with tape.
Write one of the five “I Wills” under each leaf as a reminder of
the importance of dependability. Cut, fringe, and glue an
11-inch strip of green paper to the bottom of the folder for
grass. Add jungle vines and animals with crayons or markers.
Variation:
• Add monkeys to
your jungle scene by using a black marker to create eyes,
ears, a tail, and a mouth on peanut shells. Glue the peanut
monkeys under and around the leaves of the trees.
• Make a Jungle Pocket by stapling the outside edges of the
folder. Use this as an alternative to the Pouch of Praise
found on page 15.
Supplies:
Memory Work
I will keep my word to others,
And I will not let them down.
I will do my work no matter if
There’s someone else around.
I’ll be careful what I promise,
And I’ll fix my few mistakes.
I will keep a pleasant attitude,
Whatever it may take.
To live a life of character,
Commitment is the key.
When things get tough, I’ll prove to you
That you can count on me!
10
• Green and brown paper
• Manila folders (or cardstock) for background
• Scissors, glue, and tape
• Crayons or markers
• Peanuts with shells (optional)
Points to Ponder:
• Promises can be difficult to keep. However, instead of trying to get out of a promise, dependability looks for ways to
fulfill it. Lieutenant Rowan could have found many reasons
to give up and go home: dangerous jungles, deadly snakes,
enemy soldiers, and no map to follow. Nevertheless, Rowan
found a way to keep his promise and deliver the message.
• Promises are often more important than a person realizes.
Rowan easily could have said, “It’s just a message. It’s certainly not worth all this effort.” However, President
McKinley’s message could have been essential to winning
the war. Children should never underestimate the importance of their roles at home and at school. What seems
insignificant to them could have profound effects on others.
• When carrying out their duties, children must not allow
“little monkeys” to distract them. Dependability focuses
on the job at hand instead of “fun” activities that divide
one’s attention.
© Copyright 2001 Character Training Institute, 520 West Main, Oklahoma City, OK 73102. Character First is a Registered Trademark of the Character Training Institute.
Activities
Character Cards
Cyrus McCormick
Remind children to keep their promises by distributing the
Dependability Character Card. Review the “I Will” commitments on the back of the card and study the lesson of the
musk ox. Make practical applications of the “I Wills” to life
at school and at home, encouraging the children with personal illustrations of how you either demonstrated or failed
to show dependability.
Before Cyrus McCormick
invented the first reliable
reaping machine, harvesting
grain was a tiresome, backbreaking job. Since the age of
seven, Cyrus had experienced these hardships, cutting acres of wheat on the
family farm by hand.
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4
At age 22, Cyrus sought a betMcCormick, inventor of the
ter way of harvesting grain. Cyrus
reaper, refused to build anything
However, unless he could that wouldn’t provide reliable serbuild a reliable machine that vice. Because of his dedication to
McCormick’s company
would work under any con- quality,
became a leader in the farming
ditions and on any terrain, he industry as a manufacturer people
knew that his product would could trust.
be useless. Read the story on
page 6, based on the work of Cyrus McCormick, to show
students how dependable service is critical to success.
Musk
Ox
You Can Count on Me
You Can Count on Me!
Jonathan Carroll
Robert Hulson
#
& # 44 ∑
∑ 24 ∑ 44 .. ∑
∑
∑
œ œ œ œ œ œ œœ œ
œ œ œ ˙
There are some who tell you,
My job may get hard - er,
#
& # œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ #œ
There
This
are
road
some
may
who
get
tell
you,
lone - ly,
"I'll
but
do
I
that,"
will
and
still
do
I
"I'll
but
this," and
will not
œ . œj œ œ œ œ œ
they won't.
re - main.
But
And
if
if
I
I
tell
make
you
a
they don't.
com - plain.
œ
œœ
some - thing,
pro - mise,
I
I'll
##
œ œ œ œ ˙ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ (œ) œ œ œ œ œ œ
œ
&
think
keep
that
my
you
word
will
to
see,
you.
you can count on me!
You can count on me! Yes,
I will, I will, I will prove that
I will, I will, I will
be
de - pen - da - ble and true! De - pen - da - ble and true, De -
1
##
&
2
œ œ œ œ œ Œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙ .. œ œ œ œ ˙ ..
you can count
pen - da - ble
on
and
me!
true.
I will, I will, I will prove
I will, I will, I will
be
that
de
you
can
count
on
me!
pen - da - ble
and
true!
© Copyright 2001 Character Training Institute, 520 West Main, Oklahoma City, OK 73102. Character First is a Registered Trademark of the Character Training Institute.
11
Activities
Building Bridges
All Hands on Deck
(Craft)
(Game)
As a reminder of dependability, allow students to build
their own bridges out of wooden craft sticks and foam cups.
Find or draw pictures of various bridge designs. Depending
on time and supplies, encourage children to construct
bridge styles of their own—as long as they hold up as
dependable structures. Use the topic of dependability to
stimulate research in other areas of structural design.
In team sports, all participants must pull their share of the
load and work toward the same goals. To demonstrate this
principle, tie a strong rope around a heavy object and select
one student to try to pull it with the rope. After trying
unsuccessfully, select a second student to assist the first,
then additional students, until they accomplish their goal.
Supplies:
• Large craft sticks
• Foam cups
• Stapler
• Tape
Supplies:
• Large rope
• Heavy object (desk, playground equipment)
Variation:
• Demonstrate how a two-, three-, or four-way tug-of-war
consumes the same energy without moving the object. It
is only when a team pulls together in the same direction
that the job gets done.
Points to Ponder:
• Bridges take on many shapes and sizes, but they must
all be designed for safe and reliable transportation. In
the rare event that a bridge collapses, the cause is usually related to earthquakes, mudslides, or other natural
catastrophes rather than its structural design.
• One type of bridge is a suspension bridge. Some suspension
bridges, such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco,
use cable 3 feet in diameter! However, a cable’s strength
lies in the combination of many smaller wires. In fact, the
cables that support the George Washington Bridge in New
York City are made of 26,474 individual steel wires!
12
Points to Ponder:
In the same way, people build strength of character by
doing the right thing time and time again. Every decision,
even small ones, is important to maintaining integrity.
• Many projects are too big for one person. However, when
individuals join together as a team, they can accomplish
much more together than they can apart.
• Bridges are engineered to expand with rising air temperatures and flex under heavy loads. Instead of collapsing
under stress, properly designed bridges absorb the pressure by bending rather than breaking. Likewise, dependability adjusts to problems and pressures rather than
quitting or giving up.
• Just as all participants must pull their share of the load in
order to move the heavy object, everyone in class must do
his or her part to make the day go smoothly. It only takes
one student to misbehave and slow down the entire class.
Dependability, on the other hand, means everyone does
his or her part to make the entire class successful.
© Copyright 2001 Character Training Institute, 520 West Main, Oklahoma City, OK 73102. Character First is a Registered Trademark of the Character Training Institute.
Activities
Service Stripes
We Pledge Our Lives…
(Project)
(Project)
Just as military stripes signify a soldier’s branch of service
and rank, use your own set of “service stripes” to deploy
students on special assignments at school. Each “deployment” is an opportunity to demonstrate dependability.
In 1776, America’s Founding Fathers gathered in Philadelphia
to draft the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain.
In support of that declaration, they pledged their “lives, fortunes, and sacred honor.”
Use cardstock and elastic to prepare specialized armbands
for students to wear during their “tour of duty.” Laminate
completed service stripes for protection. Rotate students
weekly to give everyone a chance to serve.
This was no idle pledge. Of the 56 Signers, everyone was
labeled as a traitor and hunted by the British. Five were captured and tortured before they died. Nine died from battle or
hardships during the Revolutionary War. The wives and children of others were killed, jailed, mistreated, persecuted, or left
penniless. One Signer was driven from his wife’s deathbed and
lost all his children. Twelve had their homes sacked, looted, or
burned. Seventeen lost everything they owned.
Supplies:
• Cardstock
• Lamination
• Elastic and stapler
• Scissors
• Markers
Run Errands
Turn Off Lights
Despite the sacrifice their pledge required, no Signer defected or changed his stand. As a class, investigate the lives of
the Signers as a living lesson of dependability. Research the
encyclopedia or consult your local library to find helpful
books on the subject. When finished, write individual or
group reports to share with the rest of the student body.
Suggested Reading:
Bakeless, John and Katherine – Signers of the Declaration
Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1969.
Welcome Visitors
Open Doors for Others
Clean Tables
Fehrenbach, T.R. – Greatness To Spare
Princeton: D. Van Nostrand Company, Inc., 1968
Badges of Honor
(Craft)
Make additional military-shaped badges, this time to give
as praise awards to students. Just as military decorations
are based on a soldier’s dependable service to his or her
country, use “Badges of Honor” to recognize students who
demonstrate dependable service at school.
Points to Ponder:
Ferris, Robert G. – Signers of the Declaration
Washington, D.C.: United States Department of the Interior, 1975.
Fink, Sam – The Fifty-Six Who Signed
New York: The McCall Publishing Company, 1975.
McGee, Dorothy H. – Famous Signers of the Declaration
New York: Dodd, Mead, 1955.
Sinclair, Merle & McArthur, Annebel Douglas –
They Signed for Us
New York: Duell, Sloan and Pearce, 1957.
• The Congressional Medal of Honor and the Purple Heart
are two of the highest awards given to members of the
U.S. Armed Forces. Both of these awards are based on
heroic acts of bravery and placing oneself in harm’s way
for the sake of others.
• Dependable individuals are willing to sacrifice their own
good for the sake of their family, friends, or country.
Wallbuilder Press – Lives of the Signers
of the Declaration of Independence
Originally published in 1848 by B.J. Lossing: Wallbuilder Press, 1995.
Wallbuilder Press – Wives of the Signers:
The Women Behind the Declaration of Independence
Originally published in 1912 as The Pioneer Mothers of America
by Harry and Mary Green: Wallbuilder Press, 1995.
© Copyright 2001 Character Training Institute, 520 West Main, Oklahoma City, OK 73102. Character First is a Registered Trademark of the Character Training Institute.
13
Little Ideas
Definition for Young Children
Dependability is doing what I promised.
Picture This
Dependable Directions
(Craft)
Copy a compass for each child to decorate with crayons or
markers. Cut out a compass needle and attach it to the center of the compass with a brass fastener.
(Object Lesson)
Supplies:
To help young children picture the concept of dependability, bring
the listed supplies to class and explain the following:
• One compass per child
• Brass fasteners
• Scissors, crayons, or markers
Supplies:
• Magnetic compass
© Copyright 2001 Character Training Institute. May be reproduced for educational use only.
Community Appreciation
(Project)
When hiking through the woods, people often carry a compass so they know which direction they are going—north,
south, east, or west. Airplane pilots and ship captains also
use compasses to know which direction they should turn.
The reason so many people use a compass is this: You can
depend on it to point a certain direction. Does anyone know
which direction a compass needle points? It points to the
north—every time! It doesn’t matter if the weather is hot or
cold, wet or dry, sunny or cloudy . . . you can count on a compass to point north.
Just as you can count on a compass to point north, you can
count on dependable people to do what they promise. For
example, if I promise you something and don’t do it, then
it’s hard for you to trust me. I was not dependable. However,
if I keep my promises, even when they are hard, then you
can trust that I will do what I say. That is dependability—
doing what I promised, even when it’s hard.
14
It is easy to take public services for granted. In many places,
luxuries such as garbage collection, drinkable water, reliable
electricity, and emergency fire and ambulance service are
unheard of.
To promote community awareness and appreciation, help students think of the people and services they depend on every
day. Work together to send class “thank-you” notes to these
people, recognizing them for specific character qualities such as
dependability, patience, punctuality, diligence, and generosity.
Suggested People to Thank:
• Waste Management
• Electric, Water, and Gas Utilities
• Road Maintenance
• Local Libraries
• Police and Sheriff Departments
• Emergency 911 Dispatch
© Copyright 2001 Character Training Institute, 520 West Main, Oklahoma City, OK 73102. Character First is a Registered Trademark of the Character Training Institute.
Praising for Dependability
Monuments of Character
The average person visiting the St. Louis Arch, the Sears Tower in
Chicago, the Washington Monument, or any other lofty structure,
looks up. Most people marvel at the height of these structures and
talk about the features which are visible above ground.
Ways to Praise
Praise children for the following:
• Turning in their homework on time
• Admitting their mistakes
However, those in the business of building such monuments look
down, too. They recognize that hidden from view are massive underground foundations which support and protect a building against
even the most tempestuous storms.
• Paying attention in class
In the same manner, character supports and protects a person against
the pressures and temptations of life. It is the hidden strength of such
character that keeps both children and adults from crumbling under
the pressure of destructive habits.
• Putting books away in the library
However, children can’t do this alone. They need others to help
them. They need praise for the hidden attitudes of character as much
as they need praise for the visible actions of achievement.
Make Pouches of Praise:
• Walking in a straight line
• Cleaning up their own messes or spills in
the lunch room
• Maintaining a positive attitude
Make a replica of Lieutenant Rowan’s message
pouch to serve as a praise award holder for the
school year. Give students praise awards, such
as the one to the left, as often as possible. Insert
awards in their Pouches of Praise, making sure
not to overlook anyone.
To make a Pouch of Praise, fold a piece of
brown paper as shown, staple the two sides
together, and make a “leather” fringe using
scissors. Tape a 3-foot piece of yarn to the
inside flap as a shoulder strap. Mount the
children’s pouches on the front of their desks
or on a prominent wall. (Shoulder straps can
be tucked inside pouch when mounted.)
Supplies:
• Brown paper
• Yarn
• Scissors
• Stapler and tape
• Crayons or markers
© Copyright 2001 Character Training Institute. May be reproduced for educational use only.
© Copyright 2001 Character Training Institute, 520 West Main, Oklahoma City, OK 73102. Character First is a Registered Trademark of the Character Training Institute.
15
DEPENDABILITY
Coloring
Fun
Make copies of
the picture on
the left. Let
students color
and take home.
Copying guide:
Choose “enlarge”—
8.5 x 11 to 11 x 17
(129%) to fill an
8.5 x 11 page.
Be sure to choose
the “8.5 x 11”
paper source.
Some copiers
may require
repositioning
the page on the
copier to copy
only the area to
be colored.
Fulfilling what I consented to do, even if it means unexpected sacrifice.
© Copyright 2001 Character Training Institute. May be reproduced for educational use only.
Teaching Tips
Character Journals
“Picture This”
Keep a journal of your students’ character development
throughout this school year. When students demonstrate
good character, record the event in a special notebook. At
the end of the year, give children a copy of their pages as a
graduation gift.
An important technique for teaching young children is to use tangible illustrations. That is why
page 14 of every character quality in this series
offers a simple object lesson that requires minimal
cost or preparation.
© Copyright 2001 Character Training Institute, 520 West Main, Oklahoma City, OK 73102. Character First is a Registered Trademark of the Character Training Institute.