Browse lesson plans

Integrating character education: A lesson on responsibility

Activity on the character trait of responsibility.

Format: lesson plan (grade K–5 Guidance)

By Cheryl Stafford.

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 6–9 Guidance)

By Linda Nelson.

Planned ignoring

This lesson introduces a part of a behavioral intervention plan which I have found to be indispensable across all subject areas with students with behavioral disabilities. It teaches specific behaviors that children need to display in order to remain on task when others around them "act out" and are disruptive.

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Guidance)

By Rita Lawrence.

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.

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)

Try to see it my way; I'll try to see it yours

This lesson includes guided class discussion and a hands-on activity demonstrating the importance of clear communication in avoiding misunderstanding and conflict. Students use wooden blocks in a building activity that allows them to actually experience the difference in their own and another student's perception and understanding of verbal building instructions.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Guidance)

By Karen Osborne-Rowland.

Who's unique?

Encourages students to examine their ideas about how they are different and similar to each other by participating in an activity and then discussing their thoughts.

Format: lesson plan (grade K–5 Guidance and Healthful Living)

Women's ACC Basketball Tournament School Day curriculum

Four collections of basketball-based units for grades K–8 teach all areas of the curriculum through the lens of the 2013 Women's ACC Basketball Tournament.

Format: activity/lesson plan

Resources on the web

Academy of Achievement

Provides an online Museum of Living History that focuses on contemporary individuals as role models and mentors. Each individual's exhibit includes a biography, an interview (often an audio version is available), and a profile. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: Academy of Achievement

Beyond the Playing Field - Jackie Robinson, Civil Rights Advocate

Instructional plan about civil rights from the perspective of Jackie Robinson, the first Negro to play baseball in the major leagues, with an emphasis on him as an informal civil rights leader. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: National Archives and Records Administration NARA

CHARACTER COUNTS!

This most widely implemented approach to character education provides a framework based on basic values called the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: Josephson Institute

Clean Sweep U.S.A.

This site provides information for kids about important environmental topics related to waste disposal, in a fun and attractive package. It also includes a section of accompanying lesson plans for educators. (Learn more)

Format: website/lesson plan

Provided by: Keep America Beautiful

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

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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