‘Character Matters’ play teaches valuable lessons to summer schoolers

Delavan-Darien summer school students performed in the musical production of “Character Matters,” directed by Kirsten Andreoni.

The musical teaches kids these key concepts:

• The Golden Rule (treat others as you want them to treat you; put yourself in another’s shoes)
• Have the courage to do what you think is right
• Difference and tolerance: don’t judge a book by its cover
• Patience
• Regret and forgiveness
• Responsibility
• Role models
• Kindness and caring
• Listening
• Honesty
• Dealing with anger and bullies
• Thinking ahead

Filled with humor and fantastic songs, Character Matters is a wildly fun way to spark classroom discussion about character issues and conflicts (when, for example, should you be honest and when should you avoid hurting someone’s feelings?). And, the show helps students improve reading, vocabulary, reading comprehension, performance and music skills, class camaraderie and teamwork, and numerous social skills, all while enabling students to be part of a truly fun and creative experience they will never forget!