Curated OER
First Impressions
Eighth graders explore first impressions. In this character education lesson plan, 8th graders discuss criteria that are used to form first impressions.
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A Long Walk
Seventh graders identify ways people persevere in a difficult situation. In this character education lesson, 7th graders watch a video about a man with cerebral palsy and discuss ways he perseveres.
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Feed Just One
Students reflect on the life of Mother Teresa. In this character education lesson, students are introduced to Mother Teresa and how she exemplified caring for others. Students read a short biography about her and answer questions about...
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Playing By The Rules
Students investigate the meaning of honesty. In this character education lesson, students brainstorm school experiences where they have the choice of being honest. Students illustrate and describe actions related to honesty in a journal.
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Make a Difference
Seventh graders examine the trait of kindness. In this character education lesson, 7th graders discuss pro-social behavior and design personal plans to share kindness.
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Integrity - Stanton Style
Students explore the contributions of Elizabeth Cady Stanton. For this character education lesson, students read a handout regarding Stanton's life. Students respond to discussion questions regarding her philanthropic work.
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Honesty and the Common Good
Seventh graders explore the trait of honesty. For this character education lesson, 7th graders consider how to exercise good judgement when rules and expectations are not clear.
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Issues to Stand By
Students explore the concept of courage. In this character education lesson, students consider how to have the courage to stand up and fight for community issues.
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Bullying
Seventh graders investigate bullying. In this character education lesson, 7th graders participate in a class discussion on how to make the school a more respectful place. Students brainstorm ideas and develop a plan to create a...
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Defining Respect
Students examine what respect is and isn't. In this character education lesson, students create a t-chart of what respect looks like and doesn't look like. The teacher adds the words bias, prejudice, stereotype and racism to the chart....
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Take Responsibility
Students examine the importance of responsibility. In this character education lesson, students participate in a group discussion to explore and define responsibility.
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Sticking Together: Sharing Our Stories, Our Differences, and Our Similarities
Students create a classroom community. In this character education lesson, students discuss the functions of communities and then work in small groups to write stories to be shared with their classmates.
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"The Golden Ball"-Drama Lesson
Young scholars read "The Golden Ball" and discuss plot and story elements. In this drama lesson, students review script vs. story writing and presentation. Young scholars take turns reading parts of the play and discuss, make paper...
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MLK Eggs
Learners examine brown and white eggs to represent how people are all the same on the inside. For this character education lesson, students view two kinds of eggs and examine them closely to determine if one egg is the "better" egg....
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Character Education-Honesty
First graders learn the importance of honesty as they practice problem solving, listening, and sequencing skills. The lesson uses the story, " Too Many Tamales."
Missouri Department of Elementary
I’m Thumbody!
Positive and negative thinking is the focus of a lesson that boost self-awareness. Beginning with a whole-class discussion, scholars brainstorm what positive thinking looks and sounds like then compares and contrast the two types of...
Missouri Department of Elementary
How Do I Act Like a Friend?
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.
Curated OER
A High-Interest Novel Helps Struggling Readers Confront Bullying in Schools
Bully, bullied, or bystander? Paul Langan's The Bully is the anchor text in a unit that examines bullying and violence. After a close reading of the text, readers imagine themselves as the characters and consider how they would react in...
Missouri Department of Elementary
Fly Your Kite
Encourage scholars to become a productive community member with a kite-themed lesson. Following a review and discussion, learners complete a Venn diagram that displays the connection between character traits needed to make a home and...
Advocates for Human Rights
All about Me!
Celebrate the uniqueness of your students with this character building lesson series. In order to learn about and appreciate diversity and individuality, children create All About Me books by cutting out and drawing pictures...
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Don't Mess with Mercury (Lesson C)
The health effects of mercury exposure if the focus of the first of three activities about the properties of metals. Pairs research mercury to write, prepare, and share posters, articles, or PSAs with the class.
Curated OER
Stone Soup Lesson Plans
With "Stone Soup" lesson plans students can learn about cooperation, and have a delicious meal, all at the same time.
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God's Dream
Students create a "handprint rainbow" to show that together people can make beautiful things. In this character education lesson plan, students are read the book, "God's Dream," and discuss the emotions of themselves and the characters....
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Happy Faces
Learners demonstrate empathy. In this character education lesson plan, students read the book Alexander and the Horrible No Good Very Bad Day and discuss examples of bad days they have experienced. Learners are given happy face cut-outs...