Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary
Benjamin Franklin: Master Diplomat for One Last Time
At 81, Benjamin Franklin was the oldest delegate to the 1787 Constitutional Convention, where he exercised significant influence in shaping key elements of how the United States operates. The class examines his role, using “The Scene at...
Curated OER
End-of-Year Practice Test (Grade 4 ELA/Literacy)
The time has come to find out what your fourth grade readers have learned after another year of hard work. This Common Core-designed practice assessment provides two reading passages, one narrative and one expository, that children must...
Overcoming Obstacles
Integrity
A lesson showcases the character trait of integrity. Scholars define the term, discuss how having integrity means being trustworthy, that one can choose to have integrity, and the significance of looking at situations from other...
Curated OER
Character and Citizenship Education
Students identify two or three specific actions he or she can accomplish to practice good citizenship.They research and agree to accomplish one social health action before the end of the week
Curated OER
Cooperative Jigsaw Expert Report of Fables
Young scholars research literary elements of fables. In this literature lesson plan, students analyze literary elements of fables. Young scholars work collaboratively using a jigsaw strategy to analyze literary elements.
Curated OER
Theatre Lesson Plan: Finding Your Way
Second graders identify story elements in familiar stories from their lives. In this story elements lesson plan, 2nd graders act out familiar activities  by following directions. Students read a story and discuss the story elements....
Curated OER
Seedfolks
Students explore sequencing. In this sequencing lesson, students sequence events to analyze character actions as cause and effect or the plot of the story. Students discuss character actions and list them on a chart.
Curated OER
A Friend Is...
Students investigate characteristics of friendship through literature and interviews then share their ideas through posters. They role play scenarios related to friends and problems they might have. This lesson reflects cross curricular...
Novelinks
Touching Spirit Bear: The Literary Mandala
Even someone with a dark side can make a good decision—and vice versa. Readers explore Cole's traits and decisions in Ben Mikaelson's Touching Spirit Bear and analyze his sunside and...
Curated OER
The Tell-Tale Heart
Bring Edgar Allan Poe's spooky story to life! After reading the short story "The Tell-Tale Heart," middle and high schoolers identify the theme, character traits, irony, and other story concepts. During pre-reading, they take notes,...
Learning for Life
Character and Habits
Part of growing up is differentiating between good and bad habits; developing the positive and eliminating the negative. This resource on  life skills can be adapted to almost any age group. Class members participate in multiple...
Curated OER
Getting along With Others
Students examine character traits to find the most positive behaviors.  In this getting along lesson plan, students identify behaviors that are beneficial to getting along.  Students evaluate their own behaviors and target...
Curated OER
Famous Women in American History: Rose Freedman
Fourth graders read about Rose Freedman, a famous American woman. In this famous women in American history lesson plan, 4th graders read a story about Rose Freedman, answer comprehension questions, and complete an associated worksheet....
Curated OER
Character Education Courage
Students listen to a Mariah Carey song and chose words that explain courage. In this courage lesson, students explore the traits that make a hero. Students pair share what traits make someone a hero and then discuss their results with...
Curated OER
Spookley the Square Pumpkin
Students complete activities with the story Spookley the Square Pumpkin. In this holiday instructional activity, students listen to the story and create their own Spookley pumpkin with Popsicle sticks and paints. They use their character...
Curated OER
Understanding Core Values Using the Frayer Model
Students complete the Frayer Model. In this literature instructional activity, students review the concept of theme in literature. Students identify major themes in books they've read. Students learn the attributes of the Frayer Model...
Curated OER
A Fine Feathered Flock
Students role play different situations. In this respect lesson, students read Mr. Lincoln's Way, identify the story elements and answer comprehension questions. Students discuss how they can always treat others with respect and role...
Missouri Department of Elementary
Keep Finding the Positive
Group members take on roles to create a positive classroom community. Learners perform their role—leader, recorder, presenter, timekeeper, encourager, and collector—in preparation for a formal presentation of their positive thinking...
Missouri Department of Elementary
Are You Balanced?
Balance scales create a strong visual of how an individual prioritizes one's self alongside their commitments to the community, school, and home. Scholars complete a graphic organizer then discuss their findings with their peers. A...
Equality and Human Rights Commission
Learning area 2: Challenging Stereotypes and Discrimination
Six powerful and eyeopening lessons provide scholars with activities designed to challenge stereotypes and discrimination. The unit provides reading material with which pupils read and discuss. Grand conversations lead to physically...
Curated OER
LETTER FROM ONE CHARACTER TO ANOTHER
Fourth graders read stories and pick one with characters they find interesting. Then students create a dialogue of writing a letter from one character to another. The letter must relate to the original story in some way that can easily...
Curated OER
Lesson 22: As constant as the Northern Star: Examining Static and Dynamic Characters in Julius Caesar
Students examine the play Julius Caesar.  In this literature analysis lesson, students work in groups to identify changes in various characters from the story.  They examine various aspects of the character's personality and...
Curated OER
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...
Curated OER
Traits that Foster Success
Students generate list of traits that facilitate success (tolerance, respect, integrity, etc.), and identify traits portrayed by characters in literature.