If we are to help children develop character, we have to go beyond offering a character education class once or twice each month. We actually have to validate character when we see it or hear about it happening. Through the use of a new strategy called "focused invitations," counselors and teachers can focus on the 36 core components of character. The results from using this technique are profound and children respond as if we were shining a positive spotlight on the inner-most core of their being. In this article, focused invitations will be described and suggestions will be offered for use in one-on-one situations. (Contains 2 tables and 1 endnote.)