Curated OER
Folktale Quilt
Students read several selections of folktales from different historic periods and different cultures. Then they incorporate a folktale theme into a modern day story, using elements that parallel those from the original version.
Curated OER
A Fine, Fine Reader
Students practice reading more fluently by giving them experience reading various character parts in a story and expressing the attitude of their character. They interact with the book, "A Fine, Fine School," by Sharon Creech as well as...
Curated OER
Bronte and Rhys' Portrayal of Bertha
Students, while reading and discussing the two texts by Charlotte Bronte and Jean Rhys, compare/contrast the two main characters and juxtapose them as the same character told from two different points of view. They gain insight of how to...
Curated OER
Colonial Writing Project
Fourth graders write from the perspective of a child in the colonial period. In this writing lesson, 4th graders create a fictional character living in the colonial period and write about daily life from their perspective.
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...
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Animals Matter
Students explore philanthropy. For this character education lesson, students define and give examples of philanthropy. Students listen to the story A Symphony of Whales and describe how the characters helped the whales. Students discuss...
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Transforming Fairy Tales
Learners use technology to write original fairy tales. In this fairy tale instructional activity, students write their version of famous fairy tales using Alphasmart or computers. Learners illustrate their stories.
Curated OER
Heroes
Learners explore reading comprehension strategies. In this character development and reading comprehension lesson, students brainstorm common traits of "heroes." Learners read Heroes, then identify the personal conflicts the story...
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Rotten Ralph's Rules
Start by predicting what kind of character Ralph must be in the book Rotten Ralph. Then, read the book with your youngsters. After reading, provide each learner with the attached handout, having them write two rules to help Ralph be...
Curated OER
Narrative Writing--The Hobbit
Hobbits, dwarfs, wizards, trolls, and goblins. Readers track these fantastic creatures through J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit noting passages of character description and habitats. Using specific passages from the novel, class...
Curated OER
Write, Right
This resource provides the beginning ideas for a lesson on writing a narrative. Learners watch a video, identify story elements, including plot and setting, and then write their own stories. If augmented, this lesson could provide a...
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Stick Your Neck Out
Students research stories of teens who care using a website embedded in the lesson. In this character education lesson, students read about students who performed philanthropic acts and discuss the projects that most influenced them.
Orange County Department of Education
Dear Mr. Henshaw
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...
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What Is a Promise?
Students brainstorm the definition of honesty. In this honesty lesson plan, students read Ostrich Egg Wife and discuss events in the story relating to honesty and breaking a promise. Students explore ways the main character showed he was...
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Caring Makes a Difference
Learners define caring. For this character education lesson, students examine the attributes of compassion as they read a folktale and discuss plans to help those less fortunate than themselves.
Curated OER
Types of Literature
Explore a short piece of French literature with intermediate French scholars. Either assign readers to each character, or divide the class into groups to give the story some life. There's a student task sheet included as well, although...
Curated OER
Trustworthiness
Sixth graders evaluate trustworthiness in others. In this character education lesson plan, 6th graders brainstorm items that are trustworthy, and then list attributes of trustworthy friends. Then students read a story to evaluate the...
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Bigger than Life
Students explore courage. In this moral and character development lesson, students read biographical information about Jackie Robinson and identify examples of courage exemplified in his life story.
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Refusing to Budge
Middle schoolers explore fair play. For this character education lesson, students examine being fair in decision-making as they participate in role plays and read The Zax.
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How My Parents Learned to Eat
Students identify popular foods in Japan. In this social studies lesson plan, students read the story How My Parents Learned to Eat and discuss ways that the Japanese eat their food. Students research popular foods in Japan.
Curated OER
Everyday Courage
Sixth graders compare scenarios about courage. In this character education lesson plan, 6th graders discover what it means to be brave. Students analyze scenarios and determine if courage was necessary.
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A Loyal Friend
Students examine the attributes of trust. In this character education lesson plan, students read the Irish folktale "Beth Gellert". Students discuss the folktale and how they can earn the trust of others.
Curated OER
Seeing the Other Side
Middle schoolers examine the concept of justice. In this fairness lesson, students explore just and unjust activities they have observed in the world. Middle schoolers attempt to look at both sides of stories.
Syracuse City School District
Reading Comprehension Unit Plan
A unit plan uses short texts to teach literary elements such as theme and characterization. Included are passages by authors such as Walter Dean Myers and Sandra Cisneros. Activities include quick writes, filling in graphic organizers,...