We are committed to developing responsible citizens of strong character who care for, respect, and appreciate people, animals, and the environment.
We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a kinder world for people, animals, and the environment through engaging character education programming.
Learn MoreWe believe that character education is a vital component of a child’s psychological and social/emotional development that should be implemented thoughtfully.
Learn MoreBy including animals in hands-on, thought-provoking character education instruction, children's HEARTS are captured and learning takes root!
Learn MoreTwo by Two®'s eight core values - Fairness, Kindness, Respect, Responsibility, Empathy, Cooperation, Perseverance, and Citizenship - were carefully selected based on 21st Century education standards, specifically the skills children need to succeed in work, school, and life. Animal mascots represent each core value, which were determined according to Native American Legends. The mascots help focus attention, break down barriers, and spark fun and imaginative play.
What does being "fair" mean? The Two by Two® FAIRNESS mascot, NIABI, teaches children about how to share and care, in order to be fair! FAIRNESS is the first core value in Two by Two®'s lessons, and is the foundation to begin teaching about good character.
ODAKOTAH, our puppy mascot, represents KINDNESS! He is very loyal, faithful, protective, and of course, very kind. ODAKOTAH teaches children simple ways to be kind to all living creatures, like smile at someone, hug your pet daily, and give your plants a good drink of water. Teaching KINDNESS is for everyone, but starts socially and emotionally at the preschool level.
Our brown bear mascot named HANTAYWEE is very brave and powerful. He represents RESPECT, because he faithfully protects his baby cubs, which is a respectful thing to do! The Native Americans describe HANTAYWEE as being "patient," because he can sleep all winter. A respectful person is patient with others!
ZONTA, the bee, represents RESPONSIBILITY! The Native Americans think of a bee as very trustworthy, because bees pollinate flowering plants. By spreading pollen from one flower to another, they help flowerzzzz grow. Yes, ZONTA is very responsible and helps children be organized, productive, and very wizzzze about it!
EMPATHY is the number one trait children need to learn, as it puts a stop to bullying. The fun, loving dolphin named MAKAWEE represents EMPATHY. Dolphins care about people and even save them! So they are able to put their fin in someone else's shoes! Well, kind of!
The beaver is the best teammate ever! Since the Native American name, DEGOTOGA, means "standing together," the beaver became the perfect animal mascot to represent COOPERATION. The beaver reminds children that working together is an important part of school, work, and life!
The turtle is your slooow, patient mascot who represents PERSEVERANCE. The turtle's name is KUWANLELENTA, meaning "make beautiful surroundings," all in good time! KUWANLELENTA definitely takes his time and is very patient, which pays off in the long run. PERSEVERANCE is a must for success!
NADIE, the CITIZENSHIP mascot is definitely wise, as the eagle represents all 8 core values: Fairness, Kindness, Respect, Responsibility, Empathy, Cooperation, and Perseverance. WOW! To be a good citizen, children learn they have to have positive character traits!
A map of where our character education programs are being used. Current states with programming are shown in green!
Contact Two by Two® at info@twobytwoeducation.org to discuss possible funding avenues that work best for your educational setting!
Ways to get Funding