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, young scholars research the famous inventor by reading assigned text and answering reading comprehension questions...
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Communicating Values and History through Masks
Students create an African style mask that depicts a value or character trait that is important in their community.
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Values of Peace and Gratitude
Students engage in a instructional activity that focuses on the character trait of being grateful. Its connections to becoming a peaceful person are emphasized by reading a story that helps students to make cognitive connections to the...
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Stories of Hope: Dragonfly and Mosquito
Learners 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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Well-behaved Women [and Men] Seldom Make History
Students examine historical context. For this historical perspectives lesson, students read and discuss instructor-selected picture book biographies. Students then complete graphic organizers based on the challenges the main characters...
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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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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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Heroes Portrait
Eighth graders investigate art appreciation and Renaissance portraits through time. They create a portrait.
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Respect and Democracy
Students explore the concept of respect. In this respect and democracy lesson, students define respect and brainstorm examples of showing respect and disrespect. Students read Core Values of American Constitutional Democracy and pick out...
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Handling the Earth with Care
Eighth graders examine the characteristics of caring people. In this behavioral studies activity, 8th graders differentiate between caring and uncaring personality traits. Students view a video about personality traits, and...
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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, students study Washington's Newburgh Address and the character traits of the president. They write an...
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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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Creating Dramatic Monologues from The Grapes of Wrath
The characters in The Grapes of Wrath come to life through an activity that asks groups to craft a dramatic monologue for a character in John Steinbeck's National Book Award and Pulitzer Prize winning novel. Writers are...
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Honesty and the Common Good
Seventh graders explore the trait of honesty. In this character education lesson, 7th graders consider how to exercise good judgement when rules and expectations are not clear.
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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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Connecting Past and Present...Virtues of Military Veterans
Young scholars explore personalities of those who served as medical personnel in American Civil War, compare qualities those troops possessed to qualities shown by troops currently serving in Armed Forces, and express appreciation to...
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Mythology Study Guide
In this literature worksheet, students respond to 20 short answer and essay questions about noteworthy myths. Students may also link to an online interactive quiz on the novel at the bottom of the page.
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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, students listen to the book Thank you, Mr. Falker and identify how the main character was bullied. Students define philanthropy, and...
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Mapping the Mediasphere
Students compare/contrast the media messages they see in two different communities in their city. They list the elements of art and the principles of design in the photographs they have taken in those two different communities. They...
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Le Père Goriot by Honoré de Balzac
In this literature instructional activity, students respond to 25 short answer and essay questions about Le Pere Goriot. Students may also link to an online interactive quiz on the novel at the bottom of the page.
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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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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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What is Honesty?
Students explore the concept of honesty. In this character lesson, 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 keywords and descriptions.
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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...