Guidance — Grades 6–8

Respecting differences

This guidance and drama unit offers students the opportunity to identify prejudices and understand how certain character traits such as tolerance, respect, and kindness affect their choice of behavior. Since this lesson addresses sensitive issues, teachers should avoid situations that could be hurtful to individuals or groups. This unit can be adapted to almost any age group or ability level.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 English Language Development, Guidance, and Theater Arts Education)

By Daryl Walker and Judy Peele.

Bio-Poem introductions

Bio-Poems can be used at the beginning of school as an opening activity for the first week of school. They can also be used anytime throughout the year when introductions are necessary (e.g. change of semester class, new students, etc.). In this lesson students will use the writing process as well as computer word processing skills. This activity ensures success and builds self-esteem.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 English Language Arts and Guidance)

By Linda Taylor.

Resources on the web

Would you have helped out?

Students will investigate the dangers faced by escaping slaves and their helpers on the Underground Railroad. Students consider whether they would have helped the escaping slaves. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 English Language Arts, Guidance, Information Skills, and Social Studies)

Provided by: National Geographic

Creating character: Justice and Fairness

In this lesson, students examine the differences between justice and fairness and are encouraged to confront discrimination in the classroom and reflect upon their own prejudices. Students contrast the accounts of Alex Stern, a witness in a war crimes trial;... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6 English Language Arts, Guidance, and Social Studies)

Provided by: USC Shoah Foundation Institute

Creating character: Courage

In this lesson, students explore the concept of "courage", in one of six online activities presented by the Shoah Foundation Institute of the University of Southern California. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6 English Language Arts, Guidance, and Social Studies)

Provided by: USC Shoah Foundation Institute

Creating character: Responsibility

In this lesson, students explore the concept of "responsibility," by watching video archives from the Shoah Foundation Institute, which focuses on Holocaust survivors. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6 English Language Arts, Guidance, and Social Studies)

Provided by: USC Shoah Foundation Institute

Creating character: Respect

In this lesson, students explore the concept of "respect" by listening and viewing testimonials from Holocaust survivors. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6 English Language Arts, Guidance, and Social Studies)

Provided by: USC Shoah Foundation Institute

Creating character: Perseverance

In this lesson, students listen to the perspectives of three women who discuss the character trait of perseverance. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6 English Language Arts, Guidance, and Social Studies)

Provided by: USC Shoah Foundation Institute

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

Creating character: Concluding lesson

In this concluding lesson, students evaluate and synthesize concepts of character education they learned in previous lessons. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6 English Language Arts, Guidance, and Social Studies)

Provided by: USC Shoah Foundation Institute

Creating character: Citizenship

In this lesson from the Shoah Foundation Institute, students explore the concept of citizenship while listening to the perspectives of Holocaust survivors. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6 English Language Arts, Guidance, and Social Studies)

Provided by: USC Shoah Foundation Institute