Character Education

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Poster: Life Skills - Appreciation (stick figure)
Comprehension: Manners (upper elementary/middle)

The review questions with this reading comprehension (one page each of "Bloom's Taxonomy") are helpful for critical thinking development.
Writing Prompt: Breaking Rules

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses breaking rules to help someone who might be in trouble.
Writing Prompt: Admitting a Mistake

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses admitting to a mistake.
Writing Prompt: Helping

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses helping others.
Poster: Life Skills - Citizenship (stick figure)
Teaching Idea: Peace Circle

Thoughts about starting a peace circle.
Word Search: Character Counts

[member-created document] This sample was made with the abcteach word search puzzle tool. From "caring" to "trustworthy".
Writing Prompt: Admitting a Mistake (elementary)

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses admitting to a mistake. Common Core: W.3.1, W.4.1
Fable: Aesop and Fitting In (primary)

This unit uses the story of the miller, his son, and their donkey as a foundation for talking about fitting in. With imaginative writing and drawing prompts (and a word search!), as well as comprehension questions, this is a fun introduction to Aesop AND a solid lesson on character education and critical thinking skills. Available at four levels. Common Core: RL.3.2
Poster: Life Skills - Common Sense (stick figure)
Values: Courage (elem/upper elem)

"He thinks about it all the time. He even has bad dreams about it!" A fictional reading comprehension designed to help teach students character education. Reflective short answer questions can be used for discussion or writing practice.
Teaching Idea: Peace Circle Experience

A report of one school's Peace Circle.
Writing Prompt: New Friend

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses making friends in a new school.
Poster: Life Skills - Conflict Resolution (stick figure)
Writing Prompt: Dealing with a Teaser

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses the complexity of teasing.
Poster: Life Skills - Caring (stick figure)
Writing Prompt: The Berated Waitress (elementary, middle school)

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses misdirected anger.
Worksheet: How to Answer Moral Questions (upper elem/middle)

This short lesson doesn't provide answers, but provides the vocabulary for discussing ethical questions.
Writing Prompt: Breaking Rules (larger)

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses breaking rules to help someone who might be in trouble. Common Core: W.3.1, W.4.1
Teaching Idea: Peace Circle Suggestions

List and description of peace circle activities.
Word Search: Character Traits

[member-created document] This sample was made with the abcteach word search puzzle tool.
Writing Prompt: Stealing (primary/elementary)

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses petty theft.
Writing Prompt: Teasing and Guilt

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses guilty feelings after teasing someone unfairly.
Writing Prompt: Shyness

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses speaking up when you need help.
Writing Prompt: Sharing Answers

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses copying answers.
Comparing Stories: Playing Sports (elem/ upper elem)

Meredith and Alexis both play sports, but their styles and attitudes couldn't be more different. Compare the two girls and the adults in their lives using charts and outlines. A good character education lesson. Common Core: ELA: Reading Literature: RL.5.3
Values: Sporstmanship (elem/ upper elem)

"Carrie's teammates don't always like playing soccer with her..." A fictional reading comprehension designed to help teach students character education. Reflective short answer questions can be used for discussion or writing practice.
Values: Punctuality (elem/ upper elem)

"Jen was still tired when her alarm clock rang, so she slept a little longer..." A fictional reading comprehension designed to help teach students character education. Reflective short answer questions can be used for discussion or writing practice.
Writing Prompt: Finders Keepers? (primary/elementary)

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses returning found money.
Comparing Stories: Baking Cookies (elem/ upper elem)

Nancy and Angela both want a snack; both girls decide to bake cookies. But there the stories diverge. Compare the two stories using charts; answer short questions; make predictions about the future. A good character education lesson. Common Core: ELA: Reading Literature: RL.5.3
Writing Prompt: Judging Others

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses judging people based on race or national origin.
Writing Prompt: Fighting (larger)

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses fighting at school.
Writing Prompt: Fighting

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses fighting at school.
Writing Prompt: Whisperers... or Cheaters?

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses whether to tell on people who might be cheating.
Writing Prompt: The Wrong Change (upper elem/middle)

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses honesty when someone makes a mistake in your favor.
Writing Prompt: False Accusations

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses what to do when accused of something you didn't do.
Writing Prompt: Sharing Credit

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses sharing the credit... but not sharing the workload.
Booklet: Manners (multi-age)

Booklet for reviewing some manners basics: answering a phone, being a guest or a host, and more.
Writing Prompt: Sharing Answers (larger)

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses sharing answers in class.
Certificate: Character Ed. - Honesty, Initiative

Awards for honesty and initiative.
Writing Prompt: Judging Others (larger)

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses judging others.
Writing Prompt: Stealing & Confessing (larger)

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses theft and honesty.
Writing Prompt: Did She Steal It? (larger)

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses suspecting a friend of wrongdoing.
Writing Prompt: Teasing and Guilt (larger)

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses teasing.
Writing Prompt: Whisperers... or Cheaters? (larger)

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses whether or not to turn in friends one suspects of cheating.
Writing Prompt: Sharing Credit (larger)

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses sharing credit but not sharing work.
Values: Trustworthiness (elem/ upper elem)

"She looked at the spelling test quickly and then hid it in her desk." A fictional reading comprehension designed to help teach students character education. Reflective short answer questions can be used for discussion or writing practice.
Writing Prompt: New Friend (larger)

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses friendship and social issues.
Writing Prompt: Empathy (upper elem/middle)

In pairs, students work on basic skills required for empathy.
Writing Prompt: Stealing and Confessing

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses stealing and confessing.
Comparing Stories: Bike Riding (elem/ upper elem)

Jason and Malcolm both wake up wanting a bike ride, but the boys have very different ways of doing what they want. Compare the two stories using charts; answer short questions; make predictions about the future. A good character education lesson. Common Core: ELA: Reading Literature: RL.5.3
Unit: Setting & Achieving Goals (upper elem/ middle)

This is a great way of involving parents and students in goal-setting. Starting with a letter to parents and ending with a form for helping students achieve self-set goals, measure their own progress, and learn the sense of accomplishment that comes with achievement!
Writing Prompt: Parents' Divorce (larger)

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses divorce.
Writing Prompt: False Accusations (larger)

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses what to do when accused of something you didn't do.
Writing Prompt: Parents' Divorce

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses learning a friend's secret.
Writing Prompt: Defending Friends (larger)

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses defending a friend who is being mocked.
Values: Cooperation (elem/ upper elem)

"John doesn't want to work with Mark." A fictional reading comprehension designed to help teach students character education. Reflective short answer questions can be used for discussion or writing practice.
Poster: Life Skills - Flexibility (stick figure)
Values: Forgiveness (elem/ upper elem)

A fictional reading comprehension designed to help teach students character education. Reflective short answer questions can be used for discussion or writing practice.
Writing Prompt: Dealing with a Teaser (larger)

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" With larger lines for younger writers.
Writing Prompt: Did She Steal the Money?

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses suspecting a friend of wrongdoing.
Writing Prompt: Shyness (larger)

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses shyness.
Poster: Life Skills - Decision Making (stick figure)
Poster: Life Skills - Curiosity (stick figure)
Writing Prompt: The Long Line (primary/elementary)

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses patience and lying to get ahead.
Poster: Life Skills - Courage (stick figure)
Poster: Life Skills - Cooperation (stick figure)
Poster: Life Skills - Effort (stick figure)
Poster: Life Skills - Empathy (stick figure)
Writing Prompt: A Sad Recess (primary/elementary)

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses helping a schoolmate after a death in the family.
Poster: Life Skills - Forgiving (stick figure)
Poster: Life Skills - Teamwork (stick figure)
Writing Prompt: Grandpa Joe (primary/elementary)

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses spending time with older relatives.
Writing Prompt: Defending Friends

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses defending a friend who is being mocked.
Poster: Life Skills - Justice (stick figure)
Poster: Life Skills - Kindness (stick figure)
Values: Responsibility (elem/ upper elem)

"Alejandro wanted a dog." A fictional reading comprehension designed to help teach students character education. Reflective short answer questions can be used for discussion or writing practice.
Writing Prompt: Revenge?

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses whether it's right to get back at a bully.
Certificate: Character Ed. - Caring, Citizenship

Awards for caring and citizenship.
Certificate: Character Ed. - Cooperation, Effort

Awards for cooperation and effort.
Certificate: Character Ed. - Friendship, Fairness

Awards for friendship and fairness.
Writing Prompt: Creativity

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses the conflict between doing what is expected, and doing what is creative.
Certificate: Character Ed. - Participation, Problem Solving

Awards for participation and problem solving.
Certificate: Character Ed. - Teamwork, Trustworthy

Awards for teamwork, trustworthiness
Poetry Comprehension: Kipling's "If" (middle/high school)

Read Kipling's poem on adulthood, and fill in the missing verbs. Then match the lines to their modern-day equivalents. Finally, discussion (or essay) questions to address the themes of the poem: adulthood, coming of age, etc. This lesson is adaptable to a variety of levels.
Worksheet: Manners - Identifying Best Behaviors (upper elem/middle)

"Which of the following is a way to show respect for your elders?" 18 multiple choice questions.
Worksheet: Manners - Identifying Reasons (upper elem/middle)

"Why should you open the door for another person?" 18 multiple choice questions
Writing: Problem Analysis Concerning Safety Issues at Zoo Facilities (middle/high)

Paragraph and essay writing assignment for middle school, junior high and high school students. Satisfy your curiosity and write your own ideas about an assigned topic. This activity asks students to consider a zoo safety issue and offer a solution. One of many focused and fun creative writing offerings available in the Zoo Theme Unit.
Writing: Position Paper for or Against Zoo Facilities (middle/high)

Paragraph and essay writing assignment for middle school, junior high and high school students. Satisfy your curiosity and write your own ideas about an assigned topic. This activity helps students explore opposing viewpoints and strengthens the ability to research topics and empathize with others. Argue for or against the existence of zoos. One of many focused and fun creative writing offerings available in the Zoo Theme Unit.
Writing: Case Study of a Human and Animal Bond (middle/high)

Paragraph and essay writing assignment for middle school, junior high and high school students. A case study requires that you investigate and describe the experiences of one or a few in a way that helps your reader understand that there are many others in similar circumstances. Develop an understanding of the postive personal relationships between humans and animals. One of many focused and fun creative writing offerings based on the Animal Kingdom PowerPoint presentation found in the Living on Planet Earth Series.
Writing: Define the Concept Reptilian Brain (middle/high)

Paragraph and essay writing assignment for middle school, junior high and high school students. Satisfy your curiosity and write your own ideas about an assigned topic. The term �Reptilian Brain� can be clearly understood as you bring the concept into focus with your communicated meaning. One of many focused and fun creative writing offerings based on the Reptiles of the Animal Kingdom PowerPoint presentation found in the Living on Planet Earth Series.
Writing: Create a Promotional Flyer for Feeding Wildlife (middle/high)

Creating a powerful, single-paged sales or informational flyer is a fast and affordable way to get information out to the public. This assignment encourages a deeper understanding of how feeding wildlife can help or hurt species. One of many focused and fun creative writing offerings based on the Mammals of the Animal Kingdom PowerPoint presentation found in the Living on Planet Earth Series.
Writing Prompt: Stealing

Part of the abcteach character-education series, which introduces children to challenging life skills decisions and asks them, "What would you do if this happened to you?" This one addresses petty theft.

Poster: Life Skills - Appreciation (stick figure)

Comprehension: Manners (upper elementary/middle)

Writing Prompt: Breaking Rules

Writing Prompt: Admitting a Mistake

Writing Prompt: Helping

Poster: Life Skills - Citizenship (stick figure)

Teaching Idea: Peace Circle

Word Search: Character Counts

Writing Prompt: Admitting a Mistake (elementary)

Fable: Aesop and Fitting In (primary)

Poster: Life Skills - Common Sense (stick figure)

Values: Courage (elem/upper elem)

Teaching Idea: Peace Circle Experience

Writing Prompt: New Friend

Poster: Life Skills - Conflict Resolution (stick figure)

Writing Prompt: Dealing with a Teaser

Poster: Life Skills - Caring (stick figure)

Writing Prompt: The Berated Waitress (elementary, middle school)

Worksheet: How to Answer Moral Questions (upper elem/middle)

Writing Prompt: Breaking Rules (larger)

Teaching Idea: Peace Circle Suggestions

Word Search: Character Traits

Writing Prompt: Stealing (primary/elementary)

Writing Prompt: Teasing and Guilt

Writing Prompt: Shyness

Writing Prompt: Sharing Answers

Comparing Stories: Playing Sports (elem/ upper elem)

Values: Sporstmanship (elem/ upper elem)

Values: Punctuality (elem/ upper elem)

Writing Prompt: Finders Keepers? (primary/elementary)

Comparing Stories: Baking Cookies (elem/ upper elem)

Writing Prompt: Judging Others

Writing Prompt: Fighting (larger)

Writing Prompt: Fighting

Writing Prompt: Whisperers... or Cheaters?

Writing Prompt: The Wrong Change (upper elem/middle)

Writing Prompt: False Accusations

Writing Prompt: Sharing Credit

Booklet: Manners (multi-age)

Writing Prompt: Sharing Answers (larger)

Certificate: Character Ed. - Honesty, Initiative

Writing Prompt: Judging Others (larger)

Writing Prompt: Stealing & Confessing (larger)

Writing Prompt: Did She Steal It? (larger)

Writing Prompt: Teasing and Guilt (larger)

Writing Prompt: Whisperers... or Cheaters? (larger)

Writing Prompt: Sharing Credit (larger)

Values: Trustworthiness (elem/ upper elem)

Writing Prompt: New Friend (larger)

Writing Prompt: Empathy (upper elem/middle)

Writing Prompt: Stealing and Confessing

Comparing Stories: Bike Riding (elem/ upper elem)

Unit: Setting & Achieving Goals (upper elem/ middle)

Writing Prompt: Parents' Divorce (larger)

Writing Prompt: False Accusations (larger)

Writing Prompt: Parents' Divorce

Writing Prompt: Defending Friends (larger)

Values: Cooperation (elem/ upper elem)

Poster: Life Skills - Flexibility (stick figure)

Values: Forgiveness (elem/ upper elem)

Writing Prompt: Dealing with a Teaser (larger)

Writing Prompt: Did She Steal the Money?

Writing Prompt: Shyness (larger)

Poster: Life Skills - Decision Making (stick figure)

Poster: Life Skills - Curiosity (stick figure)

Writing Prompt: The Long Line (primary/elementary)

Poster: Life Skills - Courage (stick figure)

Poster: Life Skills - Cooperation (stick figure)

Poster: Life Skills - Effort (stick figure)

Poster: Life Skills - Empathy (stick figure)

Writing Prompt: A Sad Recess (primary/elementary)

Poster: Life Skills - Forgiving (stick figure)

Poster: Life Skills - Teamwork (stick figure)

Writing Prompt: Grandpa Joe (primary/elementary)

Writing Prompt: Defending Friends

Poster: Life Skills - Justice (stick figure)

Poster: Life Skills - Kindness (stick figure)

Values: Responsibility (elem/ upper elem)

Writing Prompt: Revenge?

Certificate: Character Ed. - Caring, Citizenship

Certificate: Character Ed. - Cooperation, Effort

Certificate: Character Ed. - Friendship, Fairness

Writing Prompt: Creativity

Certificate: Character Ed. - Participation, Problem Solving

Certificate: Character Ed. - Teamwork, Trustworthy

Poetry Comprehension: Kipling's "If" (middle/high school)

Worksheet: Manners - Identifying Best Behaviors (upper elem/middle)

Worksheet: Manners - Identifying Reasons (upper elem/middle)

Writing: Problem Analysis Concerning Safety Issues at Zoo Facilities (middle/high)

Writing: Position Paper for or Against Zoo Facilities (middle/high)

Writing: Case Study of a Human and Animal Bond (middle/high)

Writing: Define the Concept Reptilian Brain (middle/high)

Writing: Create a Promotional Flyer for Feeding Wildlife (middle/high)

Writing Prompt: Stealing