Creating a good main character is a must when writing a creative narrative or novel. Elementary aged writers create main characters for the novel they are writing. They first use themselves as a models, then create a character as a...

As a class, young writers learn how to develop a strong supporting character. They think and discuss a good friend they know, they use that friend as a basis for a potential supporting character. They create a supporting character as a...

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...

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.

Examine the differences between totalitarianism and democracy in this writing lesson. Using the same format and theme from Great Expectations, young writers work in pairs to compose their own short stories. They follow guidelines for the...

Twelfth graders read different versions of P'ansori in an attempt to gain exposure to this form of literature. They gain information in order to help understand the context of how they are part of the Korean culture.

Students explore trustworthiness. In this character development lesson, students brainstorm synonyms for trustworthiness. Students consider two communities to which they belong, and compare and contrast these communities by completing a...

Explore how the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation affected everyday individuals in the Civil War era. Learners are given the opportunity to read and evaluate primary and secondary source material, and then to compose a writing...

Upper graders investigate how the Seventh Day Adventists are objectors to the practice of war. The lesson covers the Civil War and examines the church's position about the practice of war. The research extends to modern wars and learners...

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.

Fifth graders examine excerpts from a diary of a Confederate soldier and his experiences in a Union prison camp. After receiving character cards, they write diary entries from the perspectives of their Civil War identity. As an...

Seventh graders explore the character trait of reputation. For this character education lesson, 7th graders focus on their personal reputation as they discuss positive character traits and reflect on character quotations in journal entries.

Seventh graders explore psychology by writing reflections about quotations. In this human behavior lesson plan, 7th graders read a list of famous quotes about trust by men such as Benjamin Franklin and William Shakespeare. Students...

Seventh graders read about two pioneers from Texas and learn how they became well trusted people. In this trust lesson, 7th graders read essays about two Texas pioneers. They learn vocabulary such as loyalty, honesty, good reputation,...

Students read essays.  In this character education activity, students read about two Texans, answer question about them and discuss their contributions.

Fifth graders read Dear Mr. Henshaw and identify the character trait of self-respect as exhibited by Leigh throughout the story. They evaluate the author's use of letters to tell the story and discuss how the story would be different if...

Students read the series of books called The Freddy the Pig Series by Walter R. Brooks and complete activities with them. For this The Freddy the Pig Series lesson plan, students write poetry, create drama, write in journals, do...

Students read texts, view film and video and conduct research in an analysis and comparison of Shakespeare's "Hamlet" and the Kabuki piece "Chushingura". They focus their analysis on the theme of revenge.

Middle schoolers read literature based on family heroes. They discuss the concepts of friendship, loyalty and death. They write their own stories of courage and post them to a webpage.

Students examine Gertrude's (in Hamlet) behavior, lines and thoughts for what it reveals about Ophelia's madness. They synthesize what they know about Gertrude to perform her character in a scene. They write stage directions and discuss...

Fifth graders read the selection Black Cowboy, Wild Horses and identify characteristics of self-discipline shown by story's main character, Bob Lemmons. Students then identify some of their own traits of self-discipline and reflect upon...

Fifth graders read the story of "Katie's Trunk". They identify the traits of integrity and fairness in the characters John Warren and Katie. Students explore how people can experience the same event but interpret it differently. They...

Students explore the REpublican Era and the writing of the constitution and Billof Rights through various links and activities included in this collection.

Twelfth graders explain the concept of dharma and appreciate differences in moral reasoning. They relate the Ramayana to their own experiences.