Article Category:
Character Education Activities
Posted: September 29, 2015
My Favorite Superhero, A Story About Sharing & Compromising at Halloween
Enjoy this read aloud of "My Favorite Superhero, The Battle for Mr. Galaxy" an original story from our Sweet Sadie Mae Character Corner® platform.
"My Favorite Superhero, The Battle for Mr. Galaxy" takes place around Halloween, and opens up the conversation about sharing and compromising. It’s part of our SSM What Would You Do?™ Volumes. Similar stories are available on our Character Corner platform. Please tell us what you think. Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.
Categories:
Activities for Kids, Books, Children’s Books, Read Aloud Books, Character Education, Character Education Activities, Character Traits for Kids, Good Character Traits for Kids, Common Core State Standards, Common Core State Standards Fifth Grade, Common Core State Standards First Grade, Common Core State Standards Fourth Grade, Grade Level, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, Riddles For Kids, Riddles For Kids : What Would You Do?, Stories for Kids, Bedtime Stories for Kids, Short Stories for Kids,
Posted: March 16, 2015
It’s Not Easy Being Teased! A Story About Bullying & Teasing.
Enjoy this read aloud of "It’s Not Easy Being Teased!" an original story from our Sweet Sadie Mae Character Corner® platform.
"It’s Not Easy Being Teased!" is a story about teasing and bullying. It’s part of our SSM What Would You Do?™ Volumes. Similar stories are available on our Character Corner platform. Please tell us what you think. Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.
Categories:
Books, Children’s Books, Read Aloud Books, Bullying, Bullying Stories, Stop Bullying, Character Education, Character Education Activities, Character Education Lesson Plans, Character Traits, Character Traits List, Positive Character Traits, Grade Level, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Riddles For Kids, Riddles For Kids : What Would You Do?, Stories for Kids, Bedtime Stories for Kids, Short Stories for Kids,
Posted: June 06, 2013
Kindness Character Traits Graphic Organizer for the Classroom Poster
Teachers feel free to use this kindness character trait graphic organizer to motivate students to show acts of kindness with the reward of displaying their name on the poster.
This character trait graphic organizer poster is designed to be printed at the smallest size of 11x17 inches and at the highest 19x27 inches.
Download the Kindness Character Trait Graphic Organizer for the Classroom
Categories:
Character Education, Character Education Activities, Character Education Lesson Plans, Character Traits, Character Traits List, Character Traits Worksheet, Good Character Traits, Positive Character Traits, Character Traits for Kids, Good Character Traits for Kids, Character Traits Graphic Organizer, List of Character Traits for Kids,
Posted: May 25, 2013
Character Education Lesson Plans & Activity Ideas for Elementary Children
We all know how important the instruction of character education is in raising our children to be moral and ethical adults.
Since children spend a large portion of their youth development in school, the bulk of their character education and reinforcement will come from teacher lesson plans.
Here are a few character education lesson plan ideas that teachers can use in their character education curriculum for elementary age children. Parents can also use these ideas as a base for the character education activities at home with their children.
Character Education Lesson Plan Idea 1: Have an Open Discussion about the Difference Between Bullying and Playful Teasing
Kids will be kids, and they will tease each other with friendly intentions, but all children don't take friendly teasing well. When children have the ability to know the difference between bullying and friendly teasing, it makes it easier for parents and teachers to take proper action in cases of bullying.
For this lesson core, have a discussion with children about the difference between bullying and playful teasing. Record discussion responses on a mind map and ask children if there are any questions they want answered about bully or playful teasing.
Character Education Lesson Plan Idea 2: Reinforce Respect for Teachers, Parents and Older Adults
Having respect for teachers, parents and caretakers is definitely an important part to a child's successful development. Without respect for these authority figures children miss out on the helpful advice that these adults give to them.
For the lesson core, focus on why it's important for children to have respect for authority figures.
Work through a scenario vs. chart, which shows two scenarios and two different outcomes:
- One where a child is in a situation where he listens to and respects an adult figure, which results in a positive outcome.
- One where the same child is faced with the same situation but disrespects the adult figure, which results in a negative outcome.
For a lesson plan activity on respect check out our teaching children respect for teachers classroom and parent and child activities.
Character Education Lesson Plan Idea 3: Show Examples of Good and Bad Character Traits
Children should understand what good and bad character traits look like. When children recognize good and bad character traits they can identify the behavior that causes them, which will help shape their overall personality and character.
For the lesson core, show children examples of good and bad character traits. Integrate cartoon clips that have characters whose behaviors demonstrate good and bad character traits.
Here are some 80's - 90's Cartoon Shows with Characters that show Good and Bad Character Traits:
- The Jetsons
- Duck Tales
- Dark Wing Duck
Summary of Character Education Lesson Plan Ideas
- Have an Open Discussion about the Difference Between Bullying and Playful Teasing
- Reinforce Respect for Teachers, Parents and Older Adults
- Show Examples of Good and Bad Character Traits
I hope these character education ideas for elementary school children help you develop full lesson plans to help children develop character. Be sure to check out our online platform Character Corner, filled with stories, biographies, facts and activities to help build children's character. Also read our showing respect for teachers activity to learn more about teaching children to show respect.
If you have any character education lesson plan ideas that you want to share, please list them in the comments.
Thank you,
Categories:
Activities for Kids, Activities for Kids on Respect, Character Education, Character Education Activities, Character Education Lesson Plans, Character Traits, Character Traits List, Good Character Traits, Positive Character Traits, Character Traits for Kids, Good Character Traits for Kids, Lesson Plans,
Posted: March 10, 2013
Dolores Huerta: Civil Rights Activist: Women are Extraordinary: Women’s History Fact
Dolores Huerta, Civil Rights Activist: Women are Extraordinary: Women's History Fact
Did you know in 1965 Dolores Huerta, a civil rights activist and a leader in labor rights, organized a boycott to protest the dangers of pesticides to grape pickers in California?
The boycott resulted in improved wages and conditions for farm workers in the grape industry.
Before Dolores became an activist, she was a grammar school teacher.
Posted: March 08, 2013
Helen Keller: Author, Women’s Rights Leader, Supporter of People with Disabilities: Women’s History
Helen Keller: Women are Extraordinary: Women's History Fact
Did you know even though Helen Keller was blinded by an illness when she was a child, she grew up to become a best-selling author, a leader in the Women’s Rights Movement, and a supporter for people with disabilities?
Helen Keller helped the world realize that people with disabilities are intelligent and can make great contributions to society.
Posted: March 04, 2013
Women are Extraordinary, Celebrating Women’s History: Women’s History Month Fact 1
Celebrating Women’s History: Women are Extraordinary
Did you know the original idea of celebrating Women’s History was created in 1981 when Congress passed Public Law 97-28., which requested the president to create a week of celebrating Women’s History?
It wasn’t until one year later that the first celebration of Women’s History took place.
Posted: February 28, 2013
Dr. Charles R. Drew: Black History Month Fact 19
BLACK HISTORY MONTH FACT #19
Did you know that African American surgeon Dr. Charles R. Drew is responsible for creating, organizing and directing the first large-scale blood banking program?
Dr. Drew was also responsible for developing a new technique that helped preserve blood longer for future transfusions.
Source: Library of Congress
Posted: February 27, 2013
James Baldwin: Writer, Poet and Activist: Black History Month Fact 18
BLACK HISTORY MONTH FACT #18
Did you know that famous writer, poet and activist James Baldwin was inspired at a young age by African American artist Beauford Delaney?
Beauford Delaney inspired James by showing him that African Americans can be artists.
Source: Library of Congress
Posted: February 27, 2013
Marcus Garvey: Writer, Publisher, Political Leader: Black History Month Fact 17
BLACK HISTORY MONTH FACT #17
Did you know that Marcus Garvey, a successful writer, publisher, business man and political leader, began his love of reading as a child?
Marcus' dad had a large library of books, so he took advantage by reading all he could.
Marcus' love of reading helped him become successful in writing, publishing and business.
Source: Library of Congress
Posted: February 27, 2013
Sojourner Truth: Black History Month Fact 16
BLACK HISTORY MONTH FACT #16
Did you know even though Sojourner Truth was born a slave and had no formal education, she became a historical leader in the fight against slavery and women's rights?
In 1851, Sojourner delivered her famous speech, "Ain’t I A Woman" in support for equality and women's rights.
Source: Library of Congress
Posted: February 22, 2013
President Barack Obama: Education and Civil Rights: Black History Month Fact 15
BLACK HISTORY MONTH FACT #15
Did you know President Obama is a graduate of Harvard Law School and Columbia University?
After law school, President Obama worked as a civil rights attorney helping people protect their rights.
President Obama believes in protecting citizens’ civil rights and granting them equal opportunities.
Source: The White House
Posted: February 22, 2013
President Barack Obama Before He Became President: Black History Month Fact 14
BLACK HISTORY MONTH FACT #14
Did you know President Barack Obama, the first African American President, used to teach constitutional law at the University of Chicago?
Before he became president, President Obama also worked with churches to rebuild communities affected by job loss.
President Obama believes that people have the strength to achieve any goal by working together.
Source: The White House
Posted: February 20, 2013
Civil Rights Act & Voting Rights Act Dr. Martin Luther King: Black History Month Fact 13
BLACK HISTORY MONTH FACT #13
Did you know that even after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed, Dr. Martin Luther King continued to fight for equal voting rights?
The Civil Rights Act made it illegal to treat people differently because of the color of their skin, but there were still voting laws that made it difficult for black people to vote.
Dr. King and others used non-violent protests, walks and speeches to fight against these unfair voting laws. In 1965 the Voting Rights Act was passed, which outlawed unfair voting practices.
Dr. King’s and other protestors’ non-violent actions contributed to the passing of the Voting Rights Act.
Source: Library of Congress
Posted: February 19, 2013
1964 Nobel Peace Prize Winner Dr. Martin Luther King: Black History Month Fact 12
BLACK HISTORY MONTH FACT #12
Did you know Dr. Martin Luther King, the most important voice in the fight for equal rights, won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1964?
Dr. King traveled over six million miles and spoke over twenty-five hundred times to stand up for injustices and inequality.
In 1964, Dr. King was the youngest man to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
Source: Nobel Prize Web
Posted: February 15, 2013
Mathematician and Astronomer Benjamin Banneke: Black History Month Fact 11
BLACK HISTORY MONTH FACT #11
Did you know Benjamin Banneker a mathematician, and astronomer, taught himself mathematics through textbooks he borrowed?
As an adult, Benjamin used mathematics and astronomy to predict the weather and write his own almanac, which was used by farmers.
Benjamin’s work was so impressive that Thomas Jefferson recommended him to join the survey team that mapped out Washington, D.C.
Source: Library of Congress
Posted: February 15, 2013
The Will of Wilma Rudolph: Black History Month Fact 10
BLACK HISTORY MONTH FACT #10
Did you know Wilma Rudolph, the first American woman to win three Gold Track & Field medals in one Olympics didn’t walk without support-braces until she was 9 years old.
Due to a childhood illness, Wilma’s left leg was twisted, but she didn’t let that stop her. Wilma went on to play basketball in high-school, win four Olympic medals, set world records, and start the Wilma Rudolph Foundation to help young athletes.
Source: WhiteHouse Kids
Posted: February 13, 2013
First Lady Michelle Obama’s Careers: Black History Month Fact #9
BLACK HISTORY MONTH FACT #9
Did you know while working as a lawyer First Lady Michelle Obama decided to switch careers, because she wanted a job where she could help people make their community and neighborhoods better?
After her law career, First Lady Obama worked at the University of Chicago where she developed the university’s first community service program and helped increase volunteerism.
Source: WhiteHouse.Gov
Posted: February 13, 2013
First Lady Michelle Obama’s Education: Black History Month Fact #8
BLACK HISTORY MONTH FACT #8
Did you know First Lady Michelle Obama is not only the wife of President Obama, and the mother of Malia and Sasha, she’s also a Harvard Law School graduate?
Before obtaining her law degree from Harvard, the First Lady attended Princeton University, where she received degrees in sociology and African-American studies.
Source: WhiteHouse.Gov and America.Gov
Posted: February 11, 2013
The Many Roles of Harriet Tubman: Black History Month Fact #7
BLACK HISTORY MONTH FACT #7
Did you know even though Harriet Tubman was born a slave, she grew up to accomplish extraordinary things?
Harriet lead hundreds of slaves to freedom in the North, became a leader in the movement against slavery and a spy for the Union Army during the Civil War.
In addition to these accomplishments, Harriet Tubman also saved lives as a nurse during the Civil War.
Source: The Library Of Congress
Posted: February 08, 2013
Frederick Douglass Supported the Women’s Movement: Black History Month Fact #6
BLACK HISTORY MONTH FACT #6
Did you know Frederick Douglass was not only a contributor to the abolishment of slavery, but also supported the women's rights movement?
Douglass believed that women should have the same rights as men, such as voting and holding positions in government.
Source: National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior
Posted: February 07, 2013
Frederick Douglas: Black History Month Fact #5
BLACK HISTORY MONTH FACT #5
Did you know even though Frederick Douglass was born a slave he went on to write books about his life, became a major contributor to end slavery, and an advisor for President Abraham Lincoln?
In 1863, during the Civil War, Frederick Douglas advised President Lincoln on the proper treatment of black soldiers.
Source: Library of Congress
Posted: February 06, 2013
Dr. Patricia E. Bath Doctor & Inventor: Black History Month Fact #4
BLACK HISTORY MONTH FACT #4
Did you know Dr. Patricia E. Bath, an African American doctor and inventor, invented the Laserphaco Probe that helps treat cataracts, a common cause of blindness?
Dr. Bath is also the co-founder of the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness, which has the goal of preventing blindness and restoring eyesight worldwide.
Source: United States National Library of Medicine
Posted: February 05, 2013
Dr. Carter G. Woodson: Black History Month Fact #3
BLACK HISTORY MONTH FACT #3
Did you know Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the main founder of Black History Month, didn’t start school until he was 19 years old?
Dr. Woodson wasn’t able to afford school so he taught himself his ABCs and math. He also worked in the coalmines until he had enough money to go to school.
At a young age, Dr. Woodson understood he would need a formal education to achieve his dreams. That’s why he did everything possible to receive an education.
Source: America.gov Archive
http://www.america.gov
Posted: February 04, 2013
Original Celebration Length of Black History: Black History Month Fact #2
Black History Month Fact #2
Did you know from 1926 to 1976, Black History was celebrated for only one week in February?
In 1976, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History extended the celebration of Black History to one full month.
And that’s why we have Black History Month today.
Source: Association for the Study of African American Life and History http://www.asalh.org
