“Responsibility” is the character trait that gets discussed in character chat at my son’s school during the month of October.

Last week I visited his class to discuss “Responsibility” with him and his classmates.  We talked about what it means, read a book, and I asked questions to get them sharing their ideas on the topic.

I started by asking them what they thought responsibility means.  Several of them volunteered to share in their own words what they thought it means.  They talked about picking up after yourself, listening to the teacher, and doing your school work just to name a few.

After hearing their ideas I shared the definition that is in the dictionary.

Responsibility – the state, fact, or position of being accountable to somebody or for something.

I then read them the book “The Pal Patrol.” It’s a short story with a few of the characters from the Lion King.

At the beginning of the story Timon and Pumba are waiting for Simba at Pride Rock for a fun and relaxing day.  Simba is an hour late though.  While they are waiting they start to discuss how he rarely has time for them since becoming the king.

Eventually Simba shows up and apologizes for being late.  Something came up that he had to take care of.  After explaining why he was late they decide to enjoy the rest of the afternoon relaxing together and having fun.  Practicing Hakuna Matata, meaning “No Worries.”

Unfortunately their time together is cut short because Zazu brings him news that some cubs are in need of his help.  Simba apologizes to his friends and lets them know he will not be able to spend the afternoon with them after all.

Timon asks him if he likes being the king since it means he now has so many responsibilities.

Simba tells him that he enjoys being responsible for keeping everyone safe and having so much responsibilities.  It makes him feel as if he is doing something that matters.

After parting ways Timon and Pumba state they are glad they don’t have responsibilities that tie them down.  They go about their day practicing Hakuna Matata.

While gathering their afternoon snack they came upon across a fire.  They quickly realize if something is not done soon it could mean disaster for all of the Pride Lands and it’s occupants.

Unfortunately they are incapable of putting out the fire themselves and no one else is around to help.  Their initial thought is to go find Simba but there is no time.  Instead Timon goes off to the local water hole to see if there is someone there that can help.  While he is gone Pumba stays to look over the fire to make sure no one gets close enough to get hurt.

While waiting for help Pumba notices a herd of Zebra’s approaching the fire.  He quickly got between them and the fire and stopped them before they got close enough to get hurt.

Soon after Timon shows up with a group of elephants all carrying water in their trunks.  The elephants emptied their trunks on the fire putting it out and preventing any further damage.

During that time Simba had heard about the fire and came to investigate it.  When he arrives he tells his friends that he came as quickly as he could but it looks like they have already taken care of the situation and saved the Pride Lands.

Timon and Pumba realize what a great deed they had done and immediately felt proud of themselves.  They had never known how good it felt to have responsibilities before.

Simba asks his two friends if they would help him by being responsible for the safety of the Pride Lands and it’s occupants by being the official fire patrol.  They agreed to help by taking on the responsibility if he agreed to relax more.

After finishing the book and reiterating the messages with the kids I asked them some questions to get them thinking and engaged.

I asked them if they could give me an example of someone who has responsibilities.  They said parents, teachers, police officers, mayor, themselves, everyone, and several other great examples.

I told them all of their responses were correct.  I also highlighted the two that I liked the best.  I let them know that I liked how someone said themself and that someone recognized the fact that everyone has responsibilities.

I explained that each and every one of us have responsibilities regardless of our age or the roles that we have in life.  Whether it be at home, school, work, or in the community.

I then went around the room and asked each student to give me an example of a responsibility they have.  They talked about listening in class, cleaning their rooms, doing homework, taking care of their younger siblings, and many others.

When they were done I challenged each of them to come up with 3 different things they will be responsible for by the end of the week.  I let them know the activities can be at school, home, or in their neighborhoods.

My hope is that they will remember that each and every one of us have responsibilities in all areas of our lives and often they have an impact on others.  I also want them to know how great it feels when you realize something you did has had a positive impact on someone else.