Guidance — Grades 6–8

Seeds of change

This lesson plan offers middle school students an overview of the physical and emotional changes of adolescence. Students will explore emotions experienced each day and how these emotions can impact behavior. Students will examine their school behaviors and identify ways to change negative behaviors into positive behaviors.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Guidance)

Media mind control

Some research studies indicate that the common portrayal of violence on television has desensitized children towards it. The purpose of this lesson is to help students redevelop their sensitivity towards violence and develop a critical attitude towards the purpose of violence in television.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Guidance)

By Linda Nelson.

Creating community in the classroom: Part 1 (setting goals )

This series of lessons is designed to help develop a sense of classroom community. Group goal-setting, brainstorming, peer feedback, group decision-making, positive reinforcement, and positive peer pressure are used to create a safe, supportive environment for learning in the classroom.

In Part 1, students are introduced to the goal-setting process. They will practice the first step of the process as they set individual and class behavioral goals.

Format: lesson plan (grade 1–8 Guidance)

By Pat Nystrom.

Assertiveness for students

This lesson will introduce middle school students to assertive behavior as a tool for dealing with disagreements or conflicts with others.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Guidance)

By Nicki Neumann.

Resources on the web

Creating character: Introduction

Creating character contains a series of eight multi-media classroom lessons, each of which explores the importance of positive character development. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6 Guidance and Social Studies)

Provided by: USC Shoah Foundation Institute