Curated OER
Fair Use and Music
Students examine fair use. In this character education lesson, students discover copyright and fair use laws regarding media. Students discuss the ethics of movie and music sharing.
Curated OER
Small Actions with Big Purpose
Seventh graders examine the trait of perseverance. For this character education lesson, 7th graders discuss community causes they care about and make plans to contribute their time and energy to overcome their personally-selected issues.
Curated OER
Education Reform
Students identify problems and potential improvements for U.S. public school education. They research and debate the pros and cons of the "No Child Left Behind Act".
MENSA Education & Research Foundation
It’s Greek to Me: Greek Mythology
It's no myth: this packet on Greek mythology is an excellent addition to your social studies curriculum. With writing activities, such as short answer responses and biopoems, and reading activities, which include creation stories and...
Curated OER
Kids for Character Pledge
Students discuss character and values and discuss what it means to be a good citizen. In this character lesson plan, students also sign the Kids for Character pledge and pledge to be good citizens.
Curated OER
Portraits That Capture Character
Students analyze two of Dorothea Lange's portraits and create their own portraits of classmates. In this portrait analysis lesson, students define portrait and discuss two images of Lange's. Students interview a classmate and use Lange's...
Curated OER
Character Building - Brick Wall
High schoolers build a wall of kindness. In this character education lesson, students design a character trait bulletin board that features noteworthy student acts of kindness.
Curated OER
Character Ambassadors
Students act as ambassadors. In this character education instructional activity, students take on the roles of ambassadors of the character traits listed. Students write essays regarding the character traits they select.
Curated OER
Meet Danitra Brown Lesson on Friendship
Students discover the qualities of friends. In this character education lesson, students read the poem "Coke-bottle Brown" by Nikki Grimes. Students then discuss the Golden Rule and how it applies to friendships.
J. Paul Getty Trust
Portraits That Capture Character
One of the great things about technology is that it lets youngsters visit museums that may be many miles away. With this resource, middle and high schoolers can visit the portrait galleries at J. Paul Getty Museum, located in Los...
US Institute of Peace
Organizations Working for Peace
From helping refugees to negotiating peace treaties, the peacekeepers of the world keep busy! Introduce young activists to the many individuals and organizations throughout the world that work daily toward peace. 14th in a series of 15...
J. Paul Getty Trust
Ambitious Women Artists at Work
Ambition is the keyword of a lesson that focuses on the contributions made by famous female artists. Specifically looking at European artists, Luisa Roldan and Elisabeth Louise Vigee Le Brun, scholars examine a piece of their work then...
US Institute of Peace
Perspectives on Peace
Much like a garden, once the seeds of peace are planted, they need to be tended! How can humankind make and keep peace? The second installment in a series of 15 peacebuilding activities focuses on different perceptions of peace. The...
Stanford University
Ruby Bridges
A two-part lesson features Civil Rights hero, Ruby Bridges. Part one focuses on the heroic actions of Ruby Bridges then challenges scholars to complete a Venn diagram in order to compare themselves to her. Part two begins with a...
Curated OER
Avoiding Reality
Eighth graders examine the trait of perseverance. In this character education lesson, 8th graders discuss how to deal with reality. Students consider how to help others facing difficult situations.
Curated OER
Belonging
Students examine their personal feelings regarding exclusive groups. In this character education lesson, students conduct mini-debates as they discuss how they relate to one another regarding exclusive social groups.
Curated OER
A Straightforward Approach
Middle schoolers discuss the importance of honesty. In this character education lesson, students discuss being honest. Middle schoolers explore the question, "How is our community and world improved and strengthened when people are...
University of Wisconsin
Teaching Things Fall Apart in Wisconsin: A Resource Guide for Educators
“There is no story that is not true, . . .” And uncovering the truths in Things Fall Apart is the focus of a 68-page resource packet designed to provide instructors with a wealth of materials that enhance understanding of Chinua Achebe’s...
Roald Dahl
The Twits - The Furniture Goes Up
Work gets done faster when people work as a team. The ninth installment of an 11-instructional activity unit designed to accompany The Twits by Roald Dahl combines character education with research skills and creative writing activities....
Curated OER
The Empty Pot: A Lesson About Integrity
Learners discuss whether honesty really is the best policy with a lesson on "The Empty Pot," a Chinese fable about integrity. After reading the story, class members answer several comprehension and reflection questions about what they...
Curated OER
Franklin Says I Love You
Students consider the importance of giving as they read "Franklin Says I Love You". In this character education instructional activity, students engage in discussion about the importance of sharing and giving. They relate to the story by...
Curated OER
Cyberbullying:What is It? What Can We Do About It?
High schoolers examine the prevalence of cyberbullying. In this character education activity, students read articles about cyberbullying and its implications. High schoolers respond to discussion questions.
Curated OER
Dishonesty
Learners explore religion and ethics. In this character education lesson, students compare dishonesty and honesty as they consider the ethics of lying. Learners consider whether certain lies are more acceptable than others and compare...
Curated OER
The Search for Character!
Fifth graders define character words, look for real-life examples of the traits "in action," and write an acrostic poem based on one of these qualities.