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Theresa H
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I was searching for a list of virtues (planning for this next year) and found "The Virtue Project" with a variety of resources at this site.
Virtues Project
Does anyone know about this project or the songs that go along with some of their books at this site? The songs would be nice for my younger kids.
Virtues Samples
Thanks for any comments or insight!
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Theresa from OK
Married to Bill(92), 4 children: ds(94), ds(97), ds(00) & dd(06).
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JennGM
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Theresa, I have not heard of the Virtues Project before, so I looked it over a bit.
I remember a discussion quite a few years ago I had with some educators on how hard it is to enforce discipline or virtues or character education in public schools because nothing can be Christian or God-based. There were several initiatives to draw up some virtues programs that could be used in these places.
The Virtues Project seems to be one of those programs. I didn't look at very closely, but just had a few observations:
Observations on the Virtues Project
::This isn't based on Catholic view of virtues, nor even Christian-viewpoint.
::I would need to know if it based on the natural law to at least find the common denominator as a Catholic using the program. It seems I would have to ADD more to give the full view of virtues in the eyes of our Faith.
::This is a program used by United Nations and secular and non-Christian schools. I am not sure if that's a neutral, good, or even a bad thing, but it does give me pause.
::There's a talk for sale that was given by one of the founders,
Quote:
The Sacred Wound: A talk by Dr. Dan Popov
Your sacred wound is an early loss that awakens the power of the soul if it is recognized and accepted |
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That puzzles me. It sounds so close to the language we use in our faith, but then, what is it that he is talking about?
::The songs are lovely. I thought they were enjoyable, but some I thought missed the mark a bit.
::As I was pondering your post, I realized I needed to straighten in my head the hierarchy of virtues to understand what type of virtues this program was covering.
I first went to the Catechism of the Catholic Church on Virtues
And then I went to David Isaacs excellent book Character Building: A Guide for Parents and Teachers
His introduction was extremely helpful for me to sort this through:
David Isaacs wrote:
A word about terminology
Before we begin I should like to say something about the terminology used in this book. The whole subject of virtues -- of character and qualities -- is a complex one: people speak of the theological virtues, cardinal virtues and so on, often without knowing the differences involved. I want at this point just to clarify two or three points.
There are three theological virtues -- faith, hope and charity. Following Thomas Aquinas, these can be considered as 'operative habits' infused by God into a person's soul to equip him to act in keeping with the dictates of reason illuminated by faith; God is their object. These are infused virtues, that is to say they are received directly from God. However, there is another series of virtues which are also infused -- the supernatural moral virtues. These do not have God as their direct object but they orientate human actions to an ultimate supernatural goal. And then there are the natural moral virtues; these are acquired, that is to say that man can through his efforts develop these virtues. Acquired virtue differs from infused virtue in that the latter is oriented toward man's supernatural final goal, whereas acquired virtue improves a person on the natural level.
In this book I am dealing with acquired virtues -- 'natural' or 'human' moral virtues. Four of these are called cardinal virtues -- prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude; around them hinge all the others: they are necessary to the proper development of a cardinal virtue, they are a subdivision of a cardinal virtue or one related to a cardinal virtue.
You will notice that I have not used the term 'social' virtue. In the strict sense there is no such thing. this term is used to emphasise the role which certain virtues play in enabling a person the better to serve others and society at large. However, I fell that it is quite confusing to make a distinction between individual and society, because society exists only in function of the people who go to make it up, and a person is a social being who needs others. Therefore, ti is right to regard all virtues as social virtues, even though some of them sound more 'social' than others. Accordingly, we will be dealing with a whole series of virtues which help a person to have more self-mastery so that he can better serve and contribute to others.
I think all parents would like their children to be orderly, generous, sincere, responsible, loyal, etc.; but there is a big difference between a vague wish and a planned goal which is, to some extent at least, achievable (that is what an objective involves). If training children in human virtues is going to get off the ground, parents have to make a genuine purposeful commitment to it. And if they are to do that, they need to be convince of the importance of the whole exercise. |
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He goes on to say that the family is the natural organization where one learns and lives these virtues. School isn't the place to delegate the task to teach and develop these habits. Although schools can take up the task, it should only be an area of contribution, in aiding parents, not the full responsibility.
So, my conclusion would be that this is a nice program, but it was made for non-denominational and nonChristian schools. It's not Christian in outlook, nor written for a family or homeschool program, and it's really not something I could use as a stand-alone, as it would need a lot of tweaking to align it to the Church's thoughts on virtues.
I was thinking how it reminded me of the Charlotte Mason method of habit training, and I do find that David Isaacs book is really, really good in the same area, giving the tool for parents.
Then of course, I started thinking of other resources on Virtue/habit training:
Other Possible Resources
::This is a Catholic approach: Sister Prudentia on Virtues, centered on Charlotte Mason. Scroll down to find it.
::Laying Down the Rails by Sonya Shafer, Charlotte Mason to developing habits.
::Mary Ann Budnik has a good series of books Raise Happy Children..., one on Virtues, which Suzanne highlighted in this thread
::James Stenson books are excellent in the forming of virtues in the family.
::David Isaacs excellent book Character Building: A Guide for Parents and Teachers
Maybe some other people have some virtues cd or books to suggest?
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Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to  & ds1  '03 & ds2  '07
Family in Feast and Feria
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Mackfam
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| Posted: May 08 2010 at 4:14pm | IP Logged
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JennGM wrote:
| Maybe some other people have some virtues cd or books to suggest? |
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Theresa,
I'm not familiar with the program you linked either, but I wanted to recommend the CD's that accompany the Little Flowers program. Though the program is a girl's club, the CD's and arrangements can be used in the home with any child to aid in virtue development. We use the CD's as part of our morning basket of work sometimes when we focus on a particular virtue. I thought of these CD's immediately because each song is built around a single virtue so the CD would be workable in anything you did trying to teach virtues - just select the appropriate song for the virtue you're working on or reading about.
The songs are short and contain a Bible verse pertaining to a particular virtue and a line asking the intercession and help of a saint that exemplifies that virtue. At the end of each CD is a Marian hymn. They're easy to learn and remember.
Just thought I'd throw that option your way for consideration. I am really looking forward to reading the Mary Ann Budnik book on virtues!
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Jen Mackintosh
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Wildflowers and Marbles
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Theresa H
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| Posted: May 10 2010 at 9:19am | IP Logged
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Thank you both so much for answering my question and giving your insight! (Thanks for fixing the links too!)
Jennifer (JennGM) - As I read more about "The Virtue Project" I had the same impressions: secular, alot of tweaking to include catholic view, and some questionable statements. I have used the P.A.C.E. program and liked it very much, but was hoping to find something similar with different virtues to discuss with my children.
I have heard both Mary Ann Budnik and James Stenson speak and they have great information. Although I have James Stenson's book "Upbringing", I have yet to read it. (Now's the time.) I did find in my searches an article of his titled "An Overview of the Virtues" found at this site. http://www.columbia.edu/cu/augustine/arch/virtues.html
I think I'll be using this article and the information from his book to guide my virtue studies this next year. I've also put several of your book suggestions on my wishlist - David Isaacs book especially looks helpful.
Jennifer (Mackfam)- You answered my unasked question about a catholic source of virtue songs. The Little Flower CD's look like the perfect answer. Thank you. I've put Mary Ann Budnik on my wishlist and am looking forward to reading it.
Thanks again for your time and insight!
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Theresa from OK
Married to Bill(92), 4 children: ds(94), ds(97), ds(00) & dd(06).
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JennGM
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Theresa H wrote:
Thank you both so much for answering my question and giving your insight! (Thanks for fixing the links too!)
Jennifer (JennGM) - As I read more about "The Virtue Project" I had the same impressions: secular, alot of tweaking to include catholic view, and some questionable statements. I have used the P.A.C.E. program and liked it very much, but was hoping to find something similar with different virtues to discuss with my children. |
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Why did P.A.C.E. totally slip my mind? Thanks for the reminder!
Theresa H wrote:
I have heard both Mary Ann Budnik and James Stenson speak and they have great information. Although I have James Stenson's book "Upbringing", I have yet to read it. (Now's the time.) I did find in my searches an article of his titled "An Overview of the Virtues" found at this site. http://www.columbia.edu/cu/augustine/arch/virtues.html
I think I'll be using this article and the information from his book to guide my virtue studies this next year. I've also put several of your book suggestions on my wishlist - David Isaacs book especially looks helpful. |
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Thanks for the link! Very helpful!
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Jennifer G. Miller
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Family in Feast and Feria
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Theresa H
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I found a catholic website with additional virtue information that includes activities and recommended picture & chapter books. It looks promising for what I'm wanting to include this next year!
That Resource Site - Virtue resources How To
ETA: Has anyone used the resources from this site?
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Theresa from OK
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Mackfam
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| Posted: May 19 2010 at 4:29pm | IP Logged
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Fixed your link, Theresa! 
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Jen Mackintosh
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Amazing_Grace
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Theresa-
Here is some info about virtues that you might find useful:
Lesson Plan- (Pre K - K) Virtues
Virtues
Amazing_Grace
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Theresa H
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Jen - Thanks for fixing the link! I have it on my list to learn in the near future.
Amazing Grace - WOW! You have put together a wonderful resource for virtue studies!! Thank you so much for posting! "The Catholic Toolbox" blog has been added to my favorites list. 
This will be a real blessing for my family - Thank you for taking the time to post. And welcome, I see you have joined just a few days ago.
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Theresa from OK
Married to Bill(92), 4 children: ds(94), ds(97), ds(00) & dd(06).
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Amazing_Grace
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Theresa-
You're welcome. I hope you find what you need.
Amazing_Grace
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Thought of you when I saw this, Theresa...
Becoming a Holy Family Through the Cardinal Virtues
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Jen Mackintosh
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Theresa H
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Thanks Jen! This looks like a great resource.
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Theresa from OK
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JennGM
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| Posted: May 29 2010 at 9:55am | IP Logged
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Just to keep things together, I found this old thread Virtues of Saints
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Jennifer G. Miller
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Family in Feast and Feria
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pilotswife
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Theresa H wrote:
I found a catholic website with additional virtue information that includes activities and recommended picture & chapter books. It looks promising for what I'm wanting to include this next year!
That Resource Site - Virtue resources How To
ETA: Has anyone used the resources from this site? |
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Theresa,
We have used the materials on this website and have found them useful, especially the printables that list both good and bad examples of the virtue. We combined the virtue study with the "stairway to heaven" (or maybe it is a ladder to heaven?). So as we practice that month's particular virtue, and refresh the previous month's, we move up and down the ladder through good an bad behavior associated only with the virutes we've done. When they get to the top, they get special mom or dad time (like the movies or ice cream outing). I only found this a couple of months ago, so we have only done Consideration (A huge issue in our house!) and Responsibility. I think it has helped us focus on an achievable goal.
My only complaint is that they recently changed the format/layout of the website, and some of the links don't work right. They might have fixed that in the past month however.
Good luck and I would be interested to hear of any other resources you find!
Jennifer
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Topic: Virtues - question about info
