Penguin Books
An Educator's Guide to the Works of Laurie Halse Anderson
Laurie Halse Anderson tackles challenging topics for teens. An educator's guide shares activities for many of her novels such as Prom, Shout, and Wintergirls. Questions, perfect to use as either discussion or as essay prompts, accompany...
General Motors Corporation
Jazz
Over the history of the world, music has been at the heart of some of the greatest social and political movements. Scholars discover their musical roots as they dive into the sounds and emotions of renowned jazz players. They see how...
Overcoming Obstacles
Gathering Information
Before making important decisions, gathering as much information as possible is best. That's the take-away from the second lesson in the Decision-Making module of the Overcoming Obstacles course. Middle schoolers engage in a series of...
Curated OER
Character Education: Perseverance
Students analyze and define the word perseverance as it applies to Martin Luther King, Jr. In this Martin Luther King, Jr. lesson plan, students discuss the book 'I Have a Dream: The Story of Martin Luther King.' Students analyze the...
Curated OER
Building Communities
Students examine the ADL's Pyramid of Hate and use it to identify bullying instances they are aware of. In this character education activity, students discuss their findings and design activities or programs to combat bullying in their...
Curated OER
A Straightforward Approach
Middle schoolers explore the concept of philanthropy. In this character education lesson, students discuss the value of honesty and consider honesty towards self, family, friends, and the community as they write a reflection.
Curated OER
Social Effects of WWII
Fifth graders study the social effects of World War II on America. In this WWII effects lesson, 5th graders read paragraphs about the history of World War II. Students watch a video about the period and formulate questions for Veterans...
Curated OER
Social Effects of WWII on South Carolina
Young scholars study the history of South Carolina and the impact World War II had on the state. In this WWII history lesson, students research the social effects incurred from WWII on the people of South Carolina. Young scholars develop...
Curated OER
Trustworthy Reputation
Seventh graders explore the character trait of reputation. In this character education instructional activity, 7th graders focus on their personal reputation as they discuss positive character traits and reflect on character quotations...
Curated OER
Let Your Motto Be Resistance: African American Portraits: Grades 3-5
Students explore the contributions of African Americans of the 20th century. In this African American history lesson, students examine portraits of Muhammad Ali, Romare Bearden, Lorraine Hansberry, Judith Jamison, and Leontyne Price in...
Curated OER
Dishonesty
Young scholars explore religion and ethics. In this character education lesson plan, students compare dishonesty and honesty as they consider the ethics of lying. Young scholars consider whether certain lies are more acceptable than...
Curated OER
Jewish Heroes Congress
Students explore Jewish heroes throughout history. In this character development and history lesson, students work in groups to research a Jewish hero. A life-size model of the hero is constructed. Students participate in a Jewish Heroes...
Curated OER
Learning About Emotions
Students participate in a series of activities about identifying different feelings and emotions. In these oral language and discussion lessons, students use pictures and photographs to get them involved in oral storytelling activities....
Facing History and Ourselves
Emmett Till: Confronting the Murder
The 1955 murder of Emmett Till is often regarded as the catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement of the 20th century. Learn more about the brutal crime—and, as many believe, the miscarriage of justice—that began a national conversation...
Curated OER
Hero Portrait done in Micrography
Learners discuss heroes, choose hero of their choice, write short biographies, and create drawings of heroes.
Curated OER
'No Cussing' Clubs Catching on with Kids
Students read a news article about a boy in California who wants to encourage his peers to use good language. In this current events lesson, the teacher introduces the article with a short rap, discussion, and vocabulary activity, then...
Curated OER
Courage in the Movies
Students examine the decisions and behaviors of movie characters to encourage awareness of their own ethical decision making. In this character education instructional activity, students discuss integrity and watch one of the listed...
Curated OER
What is Framing?
Students practice framing issues. In this writing skills lesson, students participate in a classroom activity that requires them to look at specific topical issues by framing them. Students then create collages on current issues and...
Curated OER
Michelle Kwan: Heart of a Champion
Who is a champion to your class? Elementary and middle schoolers think of a role-model from their lives. Then, in their journals, they write evidence of that person's perseverance. They identify the character trait of perseverance with...
Media Education Lab
Understanding Viral Messages
Imagine advertising for a product but not being paid to do so. Welcome to the world of Viral Messaging. Class members first view a T-Mobile flash mob video that went viral and has been seen by over 14 million viewers. After analyzing the...
Curated OER
Rates of Puberty Change: Lesson 2
The class fills in a handout - How Appearances Change During Puberty. They then discuss the changes that both boys and girls go through and make some comparisons of the differences between boys and girls . Hopefully this class is a safe...
Curated OER
Changes of Puberty
Examine the growth and development that takes place during the pre-teen and teen years. Middle schoolers discuss puberty and then research specific changes that occur during puberty. The class performs skits based on the changes they...
Curated OER
Discrimination and Media: Focus on Mental Health
Students explore discrimination by the media. In this media awareness lesson plan, students examine stigmas concerning mental illnesses as they are portrayed in the media.
Classics for Kids
Listen to the Music
Different pieces of music can elicit different emotions from audience members. A quick tempo can make you feel happy, while a largo piece may bring out a melancholy temperament. Elementary musicians learn more about the instruments and...