Orange County Department of Education
My Character Odyssey
Young scholars explore and analyze how the trials of life can develop one's character and values of respect, responsibility and compassion. Then, while reading and evaluating The Odyssey, they reflect on their own hero journey and write...
Curated OER
Defining Character, With Help from History
In a single, soundly-designed class period, high schoolers define good character, think-pair-share about thought-provoking quotes on character (More options would enhance the discussion, worth searching online for other quotes to add.),...
Curated OER
Integrating Character Education into Lesson Plans
Students select a favorite lesson and list character traits from that lesson to serve as indicators on various questions under review. Character traits included are honesty, compassion, strong work ethnic and respect for the environment.
Orange County Department of Education
Poppa's New Pants
Angela Shelf Medearis' Poppa's New Pants provides third graders with an opportunity to stitch together their own narrative filled with sensory details. After reading the story and noting the sensory and concrete details in the tale that...
Curated OER
Cultivating Caring - Filling Buckets of Caring Carrots
Students practice compassion. In this character education lesson, student read Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud. Students discuss the book as well as ways to demonstrate they care for one another. Students fill buckets...
Curated OER
Owen and Mzee
Students examine the trait of compassion. In this character education lesson plan, students read Owen and Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship by Isabella Hatkoff. Students discuss the theme of the story as well as what it...
Curated OER
Character... My Foundation
Students participate in a lesson examining the concept of character and how it is the foundation of lasting human relationships. They examine character traits that are considered positive and then define the differences between...
Curated OER
Math with Character
Pupils write math sentences to fit a given story. They recognize number families and discuss the character traits of a sharing and relate their feeelings and experience with sharing. The Doorbell Rang story is read and the students...
Curated OER
Character Ambassadors
Students act as ambassadors. In this character education instructional activity, students take on the roles of ambassadors of the character traits listed. Students write essays regarding the character traits they select.
Curated OER
Defining Character Traits
Students read and analyze an extended definition in preparation for writing an extended definition of a CHARACTER TRAIT. They use analogy as a definition strategy to tailor writing to a particular audience. Finally, students SHARE...
Curated OER
Pandora Puppy's Caring Circle
Students are introduced to the concept of compassion. As a class, they read a story together about Pandora Puppy's caring circles and identify the main points. They complete a worksheet and take a test to review how compassion is...
Curated OER
Someones Else's Shoes
Build a caring and empathetic classroom community. This presentation provides several scenarios to discuss. It focuses on how each scene makes a person feel, then how someone else might feel. A great way to start a discussion or to build...
Curated OER
Defining Caring
Eighth graders define caring. In this character education lesson, 8th graders examine the attributes of compassion as they discuss altruism, empathy, and selflessness.
Curated OER
Belonging
Students examine their personal feelings regarding exclusive groups. For this character education lesson, students conduct mini-debates as they discuss how they relate to one another regarding exclusive social groups.
Missouri Department of Elementary
I’m A Star!
A lesson encourages scholars to be star community members. Pupils take part in a class discussion that challenges them to brainstorm at least two ways to show responsibility within one's community. Small groups play a game in which...
Curated OER
Caring and Compassion
In this caring and compassion learning exercise, students read a set of guidelines on how to be a caring person, then complete a set of discussion questions based on a referenced video. Suggestions for writing assignments and activities...
Curated OER
Class With Character
Third graders participate in a variety of activities in order to promote the concept of being a good citizen. The foundation of this unit is found in the character trait of respect for self and others in society.
Curated OER
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Students explore the concept of self-respect. In this character education lesson, students listen to the original "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" story and listen to the song. Students discuss the meaning of the word underdog and the...
August House
The Great Smelly, Slobbery, Small-Tooth Dog
Read the story The Great Smelly, Slobbery, Small-Tooth Dog: A Folktale from Great Britain by Margaret Read MacDonald and choose from multiple activities to learn about the tale's theme—kindness. With so many options, your kind kids will...
Possibilities
Disability Awareness Activity Packet
When you have an inclusive classroom it is important to help your general education students understand their peers with disabilities. This packet provides information and activities to assist elementary-aged children in building a...
Curated OER
Character Traits Word Search
In this character traits word search learning exercise, students seek 25 words that relate to traits such as patience, sportsmanship, friendliness, compassion, and courtesy.
Missouri Department of Elementary
How Do I Act Like a Friend?
Familiar puppets set the stage for a thoughtful discussion about friendship. To show what they know, scholars role-play scenarios. Peers offer a thumbs up when they view positive character traits exhibit good friend behavior.
Curated OER
Whoever You Are
Students examine cultures, traditions, and feeling throughout cultures. In this cultural instructional activity, students use literature, maps, and cultural information to examine how people have universal feelings despite their...
Curated OER
Caring Makes a Difference
Young scholars define caring. In this character education lesson, students examine the attributes of compassion as they read a folktale and discuss plans to help those less fortunate than themselves.