Virtues in Practice
Virtues in Practice (VIP) is a program designed to assist families in learning and living the virtuous life. Grades K-5 study the same virtue each month, to provide a whole-school (and, at home, whole-family) focus. The program covers 27 virtues over a three-year cycle (see program outline). These three years emphasize and are named for the three theological virtues. The year of FAITH focuses on Catholic devotions and the idea that “faith works” (Gal 5:6), by a school-wide emphasis on service projects. The year of HOPE emphasizes study skills, because in order to fulfill His plan for our lives we need to develop the talents God has given us. The year of CHARITY emphasizes community, particularly how students interact with one another, because “he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen” (1 Jn 4:20).
The lives of saints are studied each month, and the program emphasizes role-playing in the classroom so that students can practice how to act when using a particular virtue. Parents are provided with a Parent Guide and simple projects are completed each month as a family and reported upon in the classroom to foster ideas in practicing the virtues.
Pope Benedict has said “The dignity of education lies in fostering the true perfection and happiness of those to be educated.” This perfection, happiness, and true freedom can be found only in the formation of a virtuous life.
The workbooks for this program are available for download for FREE at the website for the Nashville Dominicans!