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, Healthful Living, 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 6–7 Guidance)

By Linda Taylor.

Resources on the web

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 6–12 Guidance and Social Studies)

Provided by: USC Shoah Foundation Institute

Creating character: Courage

In this lesson, students examine how people develop and define “courage”. Students watch visual history testimony clips given by three people involved in the Holocaust in different roles. The activities in this lesson include small-group work,... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–12 Guidance and Social Studies)

Provided by: USC Shoah Foundation Institute

Creating character: Responsibility

In this lesson, students identify people, organizations, and ideals for which they feel responsible. By viewing visual history testimonies from Bent Lerno, Marianne Cooper, and Hedy Epstein, who are Jewish survivors of the Holocaust, they explore examples... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–12 Guidance and Social Studies)

Provided by: USC Shoah Foundation Institute

Creating character: Respect

In this lesson, students work in pairs to examine the ways that they demonstrate respect – and disrespect – to the people and institutions around them. During this activity, students watch testimonies from Felix Sparks, a liberator who believes in racial... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–12 Guidance and Social Studies)

Provided by: USC Shoah Foundation Institute

Creating character: Perseverance

In this lesson, students explore the concept of perseverance and discuss their own personal experiences with hard work, inspiration, and accomplishment. Students view testimonies of people affected by discriminatory laws against Jews and Jehovah’s Witnesses.... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–12 Guidance and Social Studies)

Provided by: USC Shoah Foundation Institute

Creating character: Introduction

This introductory lesson begins with an interview of Elena Nightengale, Jewish Survivor of the Holocaust, who discusses the importance of respecting all human beings regardless of differences. Nightengale also discusses integrity and honesty and the power... (Learn more)

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

Provided by: USC Shoah Foundation Institute

Creating character: Concluding lesson

In this final lesson, students synthesize the concepts they explored in previous lessons. Students assemble a “Treasure Box” of items such as collages, writings, and more, all organized around Courage, Responsibility, Respect, Citizenship, Justice... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–12 Guidance and Social Studies)

Provided by: USC Shoah Foundation Institute

Creating character: Citizenship

In this lesson, while participating in whole class discussion and collaborative group work, students explore the concept of citizenship. During the activities, students watch visual history testimonies of Dina Gottliebova-Babbit, Robert Mendler, and Henry... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–12 Guidance and Social Studies)

Provided by: USC Shoah Foundation Institute