Learners explore character traits and life lessons through folktales from various American cultures. The stories illustrate the impact of "paying a debt forward" rather than "paying it back."
Filter by subjects:
Filter by audience:
Filter by unit » issue area:
find a lesson
Unit: Generosity of Spirit Folktales
Learners analyze characters in five European folktales, particularly female characters. They analyze what small acts of kindness contribute to both the giver and receiver.
In the featured folktales, we learn the impact of misjudging the character of another, and understand that an evil act does not require a person to return evil with evil.
Unit: Stitch in Time for the Common Good
Learners explore the contributions and recommendations of Benjamin Franklin as a person who engaged in active citizenship.
Unit: Philanthropy 101 Course of The Westminster Schools
To introduce students to Andrew Carnegie as one of the outstanding early philanthropists of the United States.
Unit: Character Education: Respect (Grade 7)
This lesson focuses on another type of respect: valuing the world around you. Learners analyze a John Muir quote and discuss what they can do to show respect for the world.
Unit: Cultural Competence
In this lesson we learn the history of the Indigenous people who lived in our specific area. We learn that language matters, and there is a respectful way to talk about the heritage of a person who was first to live in an area.
Our communities may have people from many cultures and there may be many different languages spoken. Sparked by a playful video of kids teaching other kids their languages, we explore the languages represented in our communities.
In this lesson, we broaden our awareness of different cultures and how they celebrate holidays. An optional service project includes writing letters to request diverse holidays be added to the community calendar, if they aren't already observed.
Unit: Heroes and Their Impact
Jackie Robinson is a baseball player whose perseverance and strength changed racist attitudes and laws. Participants reflect on Mr. Robinson's actions and make connections to personal actions and to the people they admire today.