Return to Teacher Activities

 

VALUES – Who needs them?

 

LESSON PLAN -- CHARACTER

 

 (3 to 5 class periods)

1.     Grade Level Designation:  Junior High School

2.     Instructional objectives:

Upon completion of this unit on “character” the students will be able to:

Ø      Define the qualities of a person of good character using correct vocabulary terms relevant to such a person.

Ø      Define the qualities of a person of poor character using correct vocabulary terms relevant to such a person.

Ø      Demonstrate an understanding that a person’s character is formed through many actions repeated consistently over a long period of time.

Ø      Demonstrate an understanding that only a person of good character can achieve true happiness and success.

 

3.     Anticipatory Set:

Read the opening poem about character.  Inform students that in this lesson we are going to learn about the basic ingredients of a person’s character; and that as the poem states, they are forming their own character through their thoughts, actions, and habits.

 

4.     Instruction:

1. Brainstorm a short list of superheroes and a short list of supervillains.
2. Quickwrite:  (1/2 of students)  Select one superhero and write about the characteristics you admire, exclusive of super-powers.

Quickwrite:  (1/2 of students)  Select one supervillain and write about the characteristics that identify him/her as a villain.  (Again exclude special powers.)

3. In groups of 4 (2 from each quickwrite) make a list of 5 to 7 traits that are common to superheroes, and 5 to 7 traits that are common to villains.
4. Each group gives feedback to the class to compile two lists of traits:  One list relevant to a hero and one list relevant to a villain.
5. Have students take turns reading the material about character.

Ø      Discuss opportunities in Jimmy’s life in a gang.  Out of a gang.

Ø      What is Henry Ford trying to tell us in his quotation:  “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.”

Ø      Discuss the statement:  What you do far outweighs what you say!

Ø      What caused Sean to fail?  What does he have to do to succeed?

6. Students complete the quiz about character.

 

5.      Closure:

Again read the opening poem.  Emphasize the concept that his/her character predetermines a person’s destiny.

 

6.      Evaluation:

Ø      Collect a newspaper article demonstrating actions reflecting good character.

Ø      Collect a newspaper article demonstrating actions reflecting poor character.

Ø      Complete the simulation writing assignments from the Student Workbook on character.

 

Back to top