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US Institute of Peace
Mediating Conflict
Two's a negotiation, but three's a mediation! Demonstrate the differences between the two processes through a role-playing lesson. The activity familiarizes pupils with the role of a mediator and examines the types of situations that...
Curated OER
Elf Entrance
Learners read the book, The Elves and the Shoemaker by the Brothers Grimm. They discuss helping others and create a paper door to let "elves" into their classroom.
Curated OER
Meeting Our Daily Needs
Students investigate the concept of basic needs. In this philanthropy lesson plan, students define the term "philanthropy" and brainstorm ways to help others who don't get their basic needs met. Students analyze and sort acts of...
Curated OER
Would You Stick Your Neck Out?
Learners examine personal qualities of individuals who have been able to help others through selfless actions, and develop short skits about heroes who have stuck their necks out to help others.
Roald Dahl
Matilda - The First Miracle
As the story unfolds, readers discover Matilda has a superpower. Take part in an activity that has learners talking about what superpower they would have, how they would use it, and how it could help others. Then, after reading the...
Curated OER
Helping Those In Trouble
Learners explore the importance of helping others. After reading a story about being helpful, students discuss times when they assisted others and then sing a song. In groups, learners mime situations where they portray a good...
Curated OER
Avoiding Reality
Eighth graders examine the trait of perseverance. In this character education lesson, 8th graders discuss how to deal with reality. Students consider how to help others facing difficult situations.
Curated OER
Helping My Friends Stay on Track
Good friends help each other stay on track to meet their personal goals. HIgh schoolers discuss how they can be or use co-pilots (friends) to reach their career and education goals. Activities and several worksheets are included.
Overcoming Obstacles
Blowin' in the Wind
Working together isn't as easy as it looks! Small groups of classmates try to keep a balloon in the air using only a straw, their breath, and team communication.
Curated OER
Create a Volunteer Spirit
Students evaluate how volunteering helps others. In this philanthropy lesson, students define what a volunteer is and brainstorm a group volunteer project to implement in the school. Students write an essay describing how volunteering...
Curated OER
Coping With Loss: Exploring Ways To Turn Grief Into Hope
Young scholars discuss how personal experiences of loss and grief can affect survivors, discuss various ways to cope with loss and grief, ways to help others cope with loss and grief, and specifically, with the aftermath of violence.
Curated OER
Domestic Violence and Teen Dating
It is important for students to have a safe place to discuss domestic violence, dating, and abuse. This discussion-based lesson provides upper graders with a list of warning signs for abuse, community resources, and ways they can help...
University of Arkansas
Individuals Making a Difference
The focus of this, the third in a five-activity unit study of human rights, is on individuals who made a difference. Billy Bowlegs, Dr. Sun Yat Sen, Fannie Lou Hamer, Michi Weglyn, and Yuri Koshiyama are some of the people class members...
Curated OER
Dear Young Philanthropist
Students research the lives of philanthropists from history and role-play as them. They write letters to students explaining their motivations for helping others. They prepare visual presentations of their chosen philanthropists.
Curated OER
Tikkun Olam: Charting Your Course
Students explore the concept of Tikkun Olam in relation to Hurricane Katrina and efforts to help others. They read documents related to the Jewish response to Hurricane Katrina and discuss ways they can help rebuild. Working in small...
US Institute of Peace
Responding to Conflict: Mediation
What happens when two parties can't come to agreement? Scholars explore the role of a mediator through part 10 of a 15-part series of peacebuilding lessons. Through individual work and role play, pupils brainstorm solutions until they...
Common Sense Media
Super Digital Citizen
Teach your charges how to become responsible digital citizens with superheroes! Start out with a brief class discussion about what acting safely, responsibly, and respectfully looks like. Next, have each pupil create their own digital...
Curated OER
Young Adults Who Give and Receive Help
Students analyze how young adults view and experience the social impact of giving and receiving help. For this behavior analysis lesson, students discuss acts of kindness and motivations behind the acts. Students examine all aspects of...
Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools
PSE Character Education: Respect
Every healthy classroom community is built on a foundation of respect. Through whole group discussions, shared readings, and collaborative activities this lesson teaches children how to be respectful of one another, making for a much...
Curated OER
Advocacy, Recognition, Prevention Through Art and Health
Students analyze how the environment and family history impacts personal health. In this personal health activity, students discuss cancer and survey the school community about the disease. Students create a bulletin board about...
Curated OER
200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons
Upper graders explore pop culture and pop music as a forum for female role models. They explore women who have currently contributed to our pop world and why they could be considered role models. They each interview a woman in their...
Curated OER
AIDS Child Activist Dies
Students read an article on AIDS child activist Nkosi Johnson, and examine the extraordinary difficulties faced by students who have AIDS. They write reflection papers on Nkosi Johnson and how his example can help people in their own lives.
Curated OER
What's Integrity?
Students read a letter by Steve Williams to determine why self-discipline and integrity are important attributes for peace corps volunteers. They apply these concepts to their own lives.
Curated OER
The Good Samaritan
Students consider the good in helping those in need. For this stewardship lesson, student listen to the Biblical story of the "Good Samaritan," and then discuss a scenario that resembles the story. Students liken the story to the mission...