Eighth graders discuss justice and fairness. In this equitable treatment of others lesson, 8th graders say the Pledge of Allegiance and read a passage from a blog. Students discuss the terms: fair, just, and equitable. 

Students discuss the attributes that a hero can have and what it takes to be a Distinguished American, and be commemorated on a stamp.  In this courage lesson plan, students research an everyday hero that they know about and create...

What makes story telling special? Young readers demonstrate how to tell a story to others. Kindergarteners, first graders, and second graders read biographies of "Building Blocks" characters and tell a story about a character to their...

What does it mean to be a hero? Who qualifies as a hero? In groups, middle and high schoolers brainstorm a list of heroes and create a list of characteristics that a person must possess in order to be a hero. Extend this lesson by having...

Character development, setting, and plot? Sounds like the makings of a good narrative story. Young authors read and analyze several narrative examples, and then they use what they know to pen an original composition. They work both in...

Out with the old and in with the new? Not so in this lesson plan, which explores the idea of writing older characters in fiction. Learners learn the value of varying their characters, exploring different perspectives, and avoiding...

Reinforce the actions, emotions, and characteristics that determine what a character is like by having your middle schoolers create a biopoem using the model presented here. You could engage them first by having them write a poem about...

Students discover how setting, props, and character-action communicate information about the characters and the story. Access to videos and a video camera are important to make this lesson a success.

Students evaluate information they are given and identify the quality of the information as fact, fiction, and point of view. In this information quality lesson plan, students also discuss how they can pick out good information verses...

Good endings are hard to find. And write. This, the final activity in a six-part series devoted to study of the ingredients of a good story, focuses on crafting endings. Class members draft ideas about what should happen to each of their...

How is Louisiana connected to the Holocaust? After reading The Diary of Anne Frank, eighth graders complete a research report about a survivor of the Holocaust who currently resides in Louisiana. Though the idea is a good way to...

Good readers visualize. And in our image-rich culture it is imperative that children are provided with opportunities to practice this important skill. A selection from Shel Silverstein’s Where the Sidewalk Ends and Bridge to Terabithia,...

It's important for young people to learn about their ancestry and the role of storytelling as a means of passing along traditions, information, and lessons. Based on what they already learned about Native American oral tradition,...

Connecting to literature and learning how to infer are two great reading strategies everyone needs to know. Here, the class will read along with the story The Miracle of the First Poinsettia, review folktales as a genre, and make...

Fourth graders research and write an author report on Roald Dahl, including books written by him, birthplace, family life, and other information on his writing. Students read aloud chapters in the book. Students create a newspaper...

Students explore the implications of dogfighting. In this animal welfare instructional activity, students participate in a game that helps them to consider the harmfulness of dogfighting.

Students research the role of Latino Philanthropists. They examine the farm labor movement which started Latino activism. They find examples of good character and civic virtue within the Latino population.

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

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

Learners examine lives that have been lived for the positive good of others. In this philanthropy instructional activity, students discuss famous philanthropists and what they have in common. Learners define philanthropy, discuss what...

Students investigate the concept of a hero. In this character education lesson, students define courage and discuss heroes they know. Students brainstorm ways to describe a hero and create an acrostic poem.

Students write a poem. In this character lesson, students read a quote about trust and friendship and discuss what they mean. Students write an acrostic poem using the letters in their name and come up with a phrase or word that...

Young scholars demonstrate the philanthropic act of caring. In this character education lesson, students brainstorm synonyms for care or caring and think of ways to demonstrate caring qualities.

Students explore courage. In this moral and character development lesson plan, students read biographical information about Jackie Robinson and identify examples of courage exemplified in his life story.