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Character Strengths and Corresponding Behaviors

KIPP NYC focuses their efforts on the development of seven highly predictive strengths. Working with Dr. Angela Duckworth, Dr. Chris Peterson, and Dr. Martin Seligman, and in partnership with Riverdale Country School, KIPP NYC created the behaviors below to provide a roadmap for the development of each strength.

Character Strengths

ZEST -- approaching life with excitement and energy; feeling alive and activated

  • Actively participates
  • Shows enthusiasm
  • Invigorates others

SELF-CONTROL -- regulating what one feels and does; being self-disciplined

 School Work

  • Comes to class prepared
  • Pays attention and resists distractions
  • Remembers and follows directions
  • Gets to work right away rather than procrastinating

Interpersonal

  • Remains calm even when criticized or otherwise provoked
  • Allows others to speak without interruption
  • Is polite to adults and peers
  • Keeps temper in check

GRATITUDE -- being aware of and thankful for opportunities that one has and for good things that happen

  • Recognizes and shows appreciation for others
  • Recognizes and shows appreciation for his/her opportunities

CURIOSITY -- taking an interest in experience and learning new things for its own sake; finding things fascinating

  • Is eager to explore new things
  • Asks and answers questions to deepen understanding
  • Actively listens to others

OPTIMISM -- expecting the best in the future and working to achieve it

  • Gets over frustrations and setbacks quickly
  • Believes that effort will improve his or her future

GRIT -- finishing what one starts; completing something despite obstacles; a combination of persistence and resilience.

  • Finishes whatever he or she begins
  • Tries very hard even after experiencing failure
  • Works independently with focus

SOCIAL INTELLIGENCE -- being aware of motives and feelings of other people and oneself; including the ability to reason within large and small groups.

  • Able to find solutions during conflicts with others
  • Demonstrates respect for feelings of others
  • Knows when and how to include others

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