How do you introduce the topic of slavery to your youngest learners? The Sneetches, by Dr. Suess, is a great introduction to the idea of being different. Read the story to your class, and discuss desegregation in...

In this unit, the students explore basic ecology concepts and scientific processes using spiders as model organisms. They capture spiders, observe and care for them, and use them to answer their own questions about spider behavior....

Students create a bookmark with reminders of simple acts of kindness. In this character education lesson plan, students participate in a mini-lesson plan that serves as a great introduction to a service project. Students first brainstorm...

Eighth graders examine the characteristics of caring people.  In this behavioral studies lesson, 8th graders differentiate between caring and uncaring personality traits.  Students view a video about personality traits, and...

Students explore the concept of caring. For this character education lesson, students consider how to show others they care about them as they brainstorm and discuss acts of caring.

Students examine lives that have been lived for the positive good of others. In this philanthropy lesson, students discuss famous philanthropists and what they have in common. Students define philanthropy, discuss what caring means and...

Scholars find Earth won't support humans much longer and need to identify a planet with water to inhabit. They test four unknown samples and determine which is the closest to water. Then they explain and defend their results.

Teens and tweens are invited to become changemakers in a five-lesson unit, asking them to investigate and share what they have learned about exemplary, contemporary Native Americans. They gather facts about their research subject, record...

Lois Weber has been forgotten. So have Dorothy Davenport Reid, Gene Gauntier, and many others. High school sleuths use advanced search engines to investigate these women and discover clues to their disappearance from filmography and...

Students help create a Health Wheel: a personal, inspirationally based, self-care plan for preventing or managing diabetes in daily life. They (student or client) researches the causes of diabetes, and creates a "health wheel" that...

In this reading for information worksheet, students read a one page passage from the Mayo Clinic about taking care of the common cold. Students answer 8 multiple choice questions about the information.

Students hear the story, "The Sand Castle" and answer a given set of questions. They discuss their answers and then perform a skit of the story, "The Sand Castle." Students practice and sing a new song about sharing and caring.

Students examine the trait of compassion. In this character education lesson, students read Owen and Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship by Isabella Hatkoff. Students discuss the theme of the story as well as what it means to...

High schoolers write a letter of encouragement to a classmate to encourage each other and practice writing skills.

How does a change in pH affect the ocean ecosystem? Scholars explore the idea by making an acid-base indicator in part seven of the 10-installment Discover Your Changing World series. First, they explore impacts of carbon dioxide in...

Every healthy classroom community is built on a foundation of respect. Through whole group discussions, shared readings, and collaborative activities this lesson teaches children how to be respectful of one another, making for a much...

Middle schoolers determine how they are included in "Circles of Strength." For this character activity, students reflect on how they are part of "Circles of Strength" in the "Circle of Life." They make an individual circle that includes...

Parents are an invaluable asset when it comes to getting to know the kids in your class. Ask them to fill out a short worksheet with questions about their children, including their strengths and weaknesses, how their child handles...

The grass may be greener on the other side, but a instructional activity about proverbs and adages is sure to help readers of all levels master figurative language. Kids match the idioms in the first column to their literal meanings in...

An eye-catching hook makes a smart analogy between ingredients for a food recipe and ingredients for quality relationships. Scholars discuss and list qualities they feel contribute to positive interactions. Pupils create a recipe card...

Familiar puppets set the stage for a thoughtful discussion about friendship. To show what they know, scholars role-play scenarios. Peers offer a thumbs up when they view positive character traits exhibit good friend behavior.  

Celebrate Black History Month with the help of 10 ideas that delve deep into the history, major events, contributions, famous African Americans, and sheds light on how scholars today can take a proactive stance on current civil rights...

Filter young teenagers' opinions and perspectives with a classic fishbowl discussion. Given any topic relevant to your curriculum, a group of class members engage in discussion for their peers to observe.

What does empathy look like? Encourage your pupils to put themselves in another person's shoes with several writing and discussion activities that relate to a featured short film. Over the course of the lesson, individuals collaborate...