Volition, or will-power, is the focus of a lesson plan that brings forth the Native symbol, the Circle of Life, to instill the importance of responsible decision-making. Scholars take part in six activities that empower them to reflect...

Scholars revisit the Circle of Life to examine positive character traits—mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional. Pupils discuss how those character traits could help them make responsible decisions and not contract HIV/AIDS. Learners...

 The Native American symbol, The Circle of Life, represents life's spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional well being. By way of deep discussion, and two games, the lesson uses the Circle of Life to explore the stages of...

Students participate in literary circles to analyze characters, critique writing, discuss events, and  story elements.  In this literary circles lesson, students take responsibility for their learning as a member of the...

A presentation walks scholars through an exercise of self-control. Using Hershey Kisses, learners listen closely and follow directions, leading them to a worksheet that looks at what they can and can't control. Pupils discuss their...

Students discover the Theatre of the Oppressed. In this diversity lesson, students practice confronting injustice as they participate in "circle sculpture" to role play performance models that deal with social justice issues. Students...

Looking for resources that use restorative practices to build a positive school community? Then check out this 92-page lesson plan guide that provides background information on restorative practices, suggestions for how to implement a...

Students participate in end of the school year activities. In this reflective lesson, students take part in a closing circle, journaling, weaving a web, and hopes and expectations activities to reflect on what they have learned.

Learners identify what they consider to be the most important dimensions of their own identity, and examine stereotypes.

By way of group discussion, reading, and role-play a series of six activities encourage scholars to make responsible decisions. Following an online introduction, pupils review the concept of volition and answer questions. Middle...

Middle schoolers delve deep into facts about HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis, and other STI's by way of discussion and a hands-on activity. Scholars ask and discuss questions anonymously using a Question Box. Two experiments showcase the...

Eliminate doubt and illuminate possibility with a clever classroom sign. A red circle slashes out the word, making your class the place where kids might try new things.

Having a strong and supportive community is key for adolescent success. Teenagers explore the circles of their own communities, including the rights and responsibilities of being in their families, peer relationships, and their country,...

When it comes to teamwork, it's best not to drop the ball. Pupils stand in a circle, tossing around a ball of yarn to one another to create a web. Next, they use teamwork skills to keep a soccer ball from falling off the web before...

Encourage scholars to express themselves with help from an engaging song. Sung to the tune of "London Bridge is Falling Down," participants sing phrases that offer tips for dealing with emotions—sad, happy, worried, proud, mad, and...

Two puppets showcase social skills while scholars decide whether their actions are positive or negative. Learners take turns with the puppets, acting out scenarios with a peer while the rest of the class decide if they're being a good...

Stress makes a mess of our minds and bodies. Like a vicious circle, stress causes our bodies to tense and makes it more difficult to get rid of the stress. Break the cycle for you and your students by practicing progressive relaxation....

What do you want to be when you grow up can be a difficult question for many young people. A career interest checklist gives high schoolers a place to consider career options that might not have occurred to them. Participants first...

A lesson looks closely at risky behavior such as teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Middle schoolers use a question box to ask questions anonymously. They role-play what life would be like if they became pregnant then...

First graders examine the character values of kindness, responsibility, and decisions making by playing circle games, listening to a read aloud of the story "Feathers," and discussing the story. They discuss the facial expressions of can...

"Fundamentals," the first lesson in a series of eight, introduces the basic concepts and strategies covered in a series of resources designed to teach high schoolers critical thinking skills. The worksheets and activities in this first...

Students participate in various activities to become more successful as a team member.  In this team building lesson, students discuss team jobs versus individual ones.  Students must work together to complete activities such...

The focus of the second lesson in the Standing Up for Democracy unit is on the power of assumptions based on a single experience or point of view. Class members begin by journaling about assumptions others make about their identity based...

Young scholars listen to a brief description of stress including an emphasis given on distress and eustress as well as a description of the emotional and physiological understanding of stress. They then get into groups of 4 or 5 standing...