Curated OER
Using Words to Work Things Out
Students explore appropriate ways to communicate feelings. In this character development lesson, students listen to Hands are not for Hitting and several other books about expressing emotions appropriately. Students observe...
Curated OER
Sharing Beauty Through Song
Students perform a song for their school community. In this music lesson, students sing the philanthropic song See Me Beautiful by Red Grammar and reflect upon the lyrics. Students perform the song for their school community.
Curated OER
Miss Alaineus Lesson Plan
Students gain an understanding of various literary devices and strengthen their vocabulary. In this Miss Alaineus lesson plan, students read the vocabulary tale, discuss the use of literary devices and choose from 4 possible culminating...
Health Smart Virginia
Compliment a Character
Compliments are true, specific, and positive. Crafting those compliments can be a challenge. Graciously accepting a compliment can also be a challenge. The first lesson in the Health Smart series designed for sixth graders provides them...
Nemours KidsHealth
Peer Pressure: Grades 6-8
Middle schoolers practice techniques they can use to get safely out of uncomfortable situations involving peer pressure. One activity engages class members in role-playing two scenarios; the first modeling negative peer pressure, while...
Health Smart Virginia
Tinkle Times
The big idea in the last lesson in the Health Smart series is that individuals must practice emotional first aid, that just as we take care of physical injuries, we must take care of emotional injuries. Scholars watch a short video and...
The Holler
Conflict Resolution
Does your class understand the importance of peaceful conflict resolution? Middle schoolers share conflict stories, then collaborate to resolve simulated conflicts during an engaging lesson plan. The teacher's guide contains...
Curated OER
2 Cubed
Students recognize the many kinds of knowledge we all have. They develop recognition and foster self-esteem. They log on to SparkTop.org and play 2 Cubed, an online trivia game that they play one-on-one with an opponent. They identify...
Curated OER
Being Old
Students examine the characteristics of being a senior citizen in today's society. In groups, they develop a list of stereotypes associated with senior citizens. They use the internet to research their financial situtation, proper...
Curated OER
Self-esteem Activity
Students create lists of positive and negative feelings and have discussions on the power of positive thinking. In this feelings lesson plan, students dissect situations where others are being negative.
Curated OER
Social Studies: All about Me
Students collect information about themselves and their favorite things. Each month they add information in the form of reflections demonstrating growth in self esteem and self evaluation. At the end of the sachool year, students...
Curated OER
Goals, Goals, Goals
Students list the benefits of goal-setting. They describe the steps in a goal setting process. Students practice all the steps of the goal-setting process. They have an opportunity to observe how goal setting can improve performance and...
Curated OER
Relationships for Students in Middle School
Boundaries are important in relationships, no matter how close the relationship is. Middle schoolers explore the ideas of boundaries and personal space with two units about relationships. After discussing the boundaries in their own...
Overcoming Obstacles
Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses
Through a series of activities, middle schoolers learn how to celebrate their strengths, identify their weaknesses, and brainstorm strategies they can use to turn their weaknesses into strengths.
Roald Dahl
The Twits - Mrs Twit
"A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly." The second activity in an 11-part unit that accompanies The Twits by Roald Dahl uses poetry to encourage positive character traits. Mrs. Twit has ugly thoughts, but those...
Curated OER
Challenging Images
Young scholars demonstrate the meaning of self-esteem and individuality. In this character education lesson, students discuss the meaning of self-esteem and self-image. Young scholars are divided into small groups and are...
Curated OER
Understanding the Body, Day 3: Sexual Health & Hygiene
Ideal for secondary moderately disabled special ed students, this lesson focuses on personal hygiene and self-care. They discuss a case study and role-play to introduce the importance of good hygiene then discuss current appropriate...
Spreading Gratitude Rocks
Gratitude Bank
Money isn't the only type of currency that fills a piggy bank. Learners practice filling their banks with the the things that make them grateful. Pupils write about their talents, relationships, challenges, and life skills, making...
Curated OER
Books for Teaching "All About Me!"
Students learn about experiences and feelings through books. In this instructional activity, students read a variety of books to aid in their understanding of life. Through a listing and brief synopsis of twelve books, students explore...
Curated OER
Chess Lesson Plans
Students discover the game of chess. For this critical thinking lesson, students learn the rules for each chess piece and the game as a whole. Students use critical thinking, problem solving, logic, and reasoning skills to improve their...
Baylor College
Activity and Exercise
Leave it to the classic jump rope to get your class excited about physical activity! Your class will begin by discussing the benefits of jumping rope as a form of exercise and learning a few different types of jumps. Then in groups of...
Curated OER
Recognizing Strength
Students identify their individual strengths. In this values lesson plan, students create a collage to show their positive qualities as an individual. They share this to the group.
Curated OER
Who Is Who?
First graders complete the resource page Who's Who? then survey their classmates to see which phrases describe their classmates.
Curated OER
Recorder Lesson
Third graders experience creative expression and enhance self-esteem by playing the recorder. Even those students who do not know English can play the recorder and communicate in an expressive and understandable manner.