Teaching Inclusion, Acceptance, and Responsibility Through Character Development with Kristin Woodward-Vaassen and Icle Freeland

Character education can happen in many forms. Today’s episode highlights a unique program that is fun, effective, and quickly growing in popularity. What child doesn’t love taking care of a pet? Join us to hear more from our two guests.

Kristin Woodward-Vaassen founded Two by Two Character Development in 2005. The program fosters positive character traits in thousands of youth and families across the nation. It has grown from its beginnings in Dubuque, Iowa, to 36 states and several other countries. Kristin spent many years as a 3rd-grade teacher and noticed that kids’ socio-emotional needs were not being met, so she started this innovative program in an effort to make a real difference.

Icle Freeland is the Community Outreach Director at Two by Two. From his initial background as a 2nd-grade teacher, he has worked in character education with elementary through college students. He works with schools to help implement the Two by Two program. 

Show Highlights:

• Highlights of the programming offered by Two by Two for all grade levels
• The basis of Kindhearted Kids, which uses ten lessons about kindness, empathy, responsibility, and more to grow productive citizens
• “Pet ownership” opens the door for connections with students.
• Encouraging and supporting inclusion and acceptance in classrooms
• Real-life results of Kindhearted Kids
• The components of Kindhearted Kids are important in building many real-life skills in versatile ways. 
• The impact of using pets to break down barriers, address challenges with communication and expression, and teach responsibility

Links/Resources:

Connect with Kristin, Icle, and Two by Two: Website and Email

Contact us on social media or through our website for more information on the IEP Learning Center: www.inclusiveeducationproject.org   

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