Three apples—green, red, and rotten—exemplify character traits, negative and positive. Following a discussion about the classroom community, scholars complete an apple-themed worksheet that challenges them to read each trait, color it accordingly, then place it on a classroom tree. A final discussion reviews whether certain character traits help or harm the classroom community.  

Concepts

classroom community, building community, education community, school community, character traits, character development, social awareness, social-emotional learning, apples

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Instead of bringing in actual apples, display pictures of the three types of apples
• Post the classroom community tree next to the classroom jobs board to remind learners of which behaviors benefit the class the most 
• Brainstorm additional character traits that could be added to the tree 

Classroom Considerations

• The first of three lessons examining character traits that makeup a strong classroom community 
• Copies and coloring tools are required

Pros

• The tree creates a strong visual
• Falls in line with social and emotional learning device—self-awareness

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.3.1.b SL.3.1.c SL.3.1.d SL.3.3 SL.3.4 SL.3.6