Beth Gualtieri and JoAnn Kelly’s third grade class at Sag Harbor Elementary School recently took center stage to lead a schoolwide presentation on character education. After reading a variety of books, students explored the lessons learned by each main character. For example, “The Firekeeper’s Son” by Linda Sue Park highlighted honesty, while Cynthia Rylant’s “The Relatives Came” emphasized love.

During the presentation, students shared both the dictionary definitions and their own interpretations of each core value. Together, this project promoted social-emotional development, connected literacy and life skills and fostered communication and public speaking. The event concluded on a high note with the entire school joining together to sing “LOVE” by Frank Sinatra.