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Understanding Core Values Using the Frayer Model
Students complete the Frayer Model. In this literature lesson, students review the concept of theme in literature. Students identify major themes in books they've read. Students learn the attributes of the Frayer Model and then complete...
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Heroes
Students explore reading comprehension strategies. In this character development and reading comprehension lesson, students brainstorm common traits of "heroes." Students read Heroes, then identify the personal conflicts the story...
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Lyddie
Students investigate the character trait of perseverance and how it is used to help a girl gain independence in a fictional story. The story also has them think about the value of relationships and then write reflectively about...
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Washington's Newburgh Address
Students write a persuasive essay that compares George Washington to someone overcoming an obstacle. In this American History lesson plan, students study Washington's Newburgh Address and the character traits of the president. They write...
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Moving West!
Students explore, explain and experience the importance of good character traits in everyday life by assessing the challenging journeys traveled on the Oregon Trail. They study the daily accounts of perseverance and courage along the trail.
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A Monument to Value
Students build a monument to represent trustworthiness. In this trustworthiness lesson plan, students discuss traits related to trustworthiness, suggest images that represent trustworthiness, and build a monument with those images.
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Compliments can Change the World
Students explore the definition of philanthropy as it relates to bullying. In this moral values lesson plan, students listen to the book Thank you, Mr. Falker and identify how the main character was bullied. Students define philanthropy,...
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How to Write a Biography
Looking for a great lesson on how to write a biography? Here, middle schoolers draw from magazine articles, novels, historical figures, and current events to choose a person, or character to write about in a biography. They follow a...
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Endeavor: Preparing Ourselves for Future Destinations
Middle schoolers define the word endeavor and then practice the art of self-discipline. They create character trait charts and discuss how strong character traits help students meet their future destinations.
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Lesson One: Characterizing Philanthropic People
Familiarize your class with philanthropy and involve individuals in philanthropic activities. First, determine the traits of philanthropic people. Class members attach sticky notes with character traits written on them to each side of at...
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What is Honesty?
Young scholars explore the concept of honesty. In this character instructional activity, students work in groups to brainstorm and discuss what it means to be honest. Each group shares their ideas with the class and they keep a list of...
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What Will I Be When I Get Big
Pupils research a famous person, consider what character values make this person a good role model and write a personal vision statement that maps out how to build similar character traits in their own lives.
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Humility
Students explore the character trait of being humble. They read the story of "The Hare and the Tortoise" and discuss the hare's character. Afterward, students read, "The Sailor Man." They compare and contrast "The Hare and The Tortoise"...
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Developing A Balanced Lifestyle
Students engage in a study of the character trait of peace and how it is useful to becoming part of a lifestyle. The instructional activity asks students to read a story that illustrates the concept that is followed by targeted questions...
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Optimism
Students engage in a lesson to build the character trait of optimism. They use two quotations to begin the class discussion. Students brainstorm to come up with a definition of optimism. Then they read a story that is used as an...
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Power to the People
Students work together to research leaders of disadvantaged groups. They identify how these people use the nonprofit sector to make positive changes. They discuss how the leader uses the democratic core values and present the information...
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Full Esteem Ahead
Young learners who feel good about themselves will fare better in the long run than those who do not have a high level of self-esteem. Introduce youngsters to what it means to like themselves. Discuss positive characteristics and...
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Handling the Earth with Care
Eighth graders examine the characteristics of caring people. In this behavioral studies instructional activity, 8th graders differentiate between caring and uncaring personality traits. Students view a video about personality traits,...
Spreading Gratitude Rocks
Generation of Respect
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Learners find out what it means to them. Scholars write sentences, do a word sort, and list what makes them grateful. Additionally, pupils learn how to be more respectful by completing worksheets that would make Aretha...
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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Fourth graders research and write an author report on Roald Dahl, including books written by him, birthplace, family life, and other information on his writing. Students read aloud chapters in the book. Students create a newspaper...
Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary
Benjamin and the Way to A Good Life
Young scholars explore American history by reading biographical text in class. In this Benjamin Franklin lesson, students research the famous inventor by reading assigned text and answering reading comprehension questions afterwards....
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The Butcher, The Baker, and the Candlestick Maker
Students research and investigate an occupation and determine if it is right for them. They discover important character traits about themselves and what they need to do in order to prepare for the future.
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Stories of Hope: Dragonfly and Mosquito
Students identify and interpret the value of the dragonfly as a predator of the mosquito. They create their own folktales using the dragonfly or a creature of their choice to solve the malaria problem or another issue. Students also...
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Service Learning
Students explore the value in helping others. In this ethics lesson, students use videos, worksheets, Internet articles and group discussion to develop a personal perspective on what it means to help others.