The Heartwood Ethics Curriculum uses read-aloud children’s books to convey seven universal ethical attributes directly and effectively. Cognitive science research confirms that our minds and hearts respond to and remember good stories. But the curriculum is far more than a collection of books. It is a comprehensive program that includes varied materials for guiding teachers’ efforts and recommends discussions and activities that encourage critical thinking, writing, story making, cooperative learning, and exploration of the world (see Design of a Heartwood Lesson). The process stimulates children to grapple with profound choices, share their own experiences, and make personal connections with the story characters and ideas. Children learn how to apply the attributes in their daily lives and carry home activities to involve their families. Heartwood stays with a child forever.

Created by successful teachers, the curriculum is packaged in convenient, affordable classroom kits supported by numerous professional development and web resources (see Teaching Heartwood). Heartwood Institute continues to improve its approach and products through ongoing research. Only proven instructional practices and professional development methods are used, leading to positive changes in classrooms. Over 2,000 schools in 40 states have tried the Heartwood approach (see case studies for examples). Isn’t it time for your teachers, students, and families to take this step?