Project Wisdom Logo

Messages and Plans: Currently Featured

Secondary


Here are your currently featured materials for April, May and June.


There are several ways you can implement this content:

  • Take 10 minutes to read the message (either on the PA system, in-house television system or as a class read-aloud), and then follow up with the discussion generators.
  • Take 20 minutes and ask students to complete the worksheet.
  • Take 30 minutes or more and choose one of the outstanding follow-up activities written for each academic area.

. . . The choice is yours.

You’re going to discover that these plans follow a consistent, easy-to-follow format that provokes meaningful reflection and dialogue about issues that really matter.

"Students seem to relate to the material. In Junior High, a favorite question is 'Why do we have to learn this?' With these topics, that's a no-brainer!"

Mary, Middle School Teacher - Pennsylvania

April

  • Etiquette Netiquette
    Etiquette on the Internet is called Netiquette. These rules are especially important for young people as their lives and their world become more connected through technology. When they treat themselves and others with mutual respect, they avoid the negative consequences that inevitably come with disrespectful online behaviors, and avoid a negative and permanent digital record they may otherwise leave behind.
    Key Ideas: Etiquette online - Netiquette - Golden Rule - 21st century skills
    Character Traits: Respect of self and others - Responsibility - Civility
    Message and Lesson Plan*

  • Life Condensed
    When our emotions and thoughts are condensed into words chosen for their sound, rhyme, or rhythm, the result is poetry. Reading, writing, and sharing poetry can help us gain self-awareness, as well as increase our awareness of how others think and feel. Through this process, we can discover amazing things about ourselves, our purpose, and our character.
    Key Idea: Poetry as a means of gaining a better understanding of ourselves and others
    Character Traits: Respect - Empathy - Understanding - Self-awareness
    Message and Lesson Plan*

  • Respecting the Land
    Amazingly, there are 566 Native American tribes in the United States. This message and corresponding lesson plan focus on the reverence and respect that Native Americans have for the earth, the concept of a "web of life," and making decisions with future generations in mind.
    Key Ideas: Environmental protection - Enjoying and respecting nature
    Character Traits: Respect - Responsibility
    Note: This message and lesson plan work well for Native American History Month.
    Message and Lesson Plan*

  • Clean and Bright
    We view the world through many windows, one of which is our conscience. When we make caring, honest, and responsible choices, our conscience is clear and we are better able to navigate our way to a more successful life. Students explore the meaning of the word "conscience" and the benefits of a clear conscience.
    Key Idea: A clear conscience allows us to see things more clearly and to make wiser choices.
    Character Traits: Caring - Honesty - Responsibility
    Message and Lesson Plan*
May

  • Wisdom of the Ages
    All we have to do is turn on the television to see that our society all too often celebrates youth and ignores the experience and wisdom that older Americans can provide us. This plan provides an excellent opportunity for young people to reflect on the valuable contributions that older Americans make to our homes, our communities, and our nation.
    Key Ideas: Honoring our elders - Looking beyond appearances - Ageism
    Character Traits: Respect - Responsibility - Wisdom
    Message and Lesson Plan*
  • More than Personality
    Young people often get snared in the notion that what's important is having a cool personality. Our personalities are what make us special and unique, but our personalities will only take us so far. What really matters - and what will ultimately determine any true success in life - is the content of our character.
    Key Ideas: Your personality will only take you so far - One's character can open doors
    Character Traits: Integrity - Trustworthiness - Strong work ethic
    Message and Lesson Plan*
  • Brown versus Board of Education
    May 17th is the anniversary of one of the most important Supreme Court decisions ever made. Students explore the meaning and the impact of Brown versus the Board of Education and how they can apply the lessons of this landmark case to their own lives.
    Key Ideas: Anniversary of Brown versus the Board of Education (May 17) - Recognizing kindness - Golden Rule
    Character Traits: Kindness - Compassion - Humanity - Fairness - Self-respect
    Message and Lesson Plan*
  • Endings and Beginnings
    Students consider the successes they enjoyed in elementary school, while also thinking about poor choices they may have made. Remembering some of their personal strengths and learning from their mistakes may help them move into the next phase of their lives with more wisdom and confidence.
    Key Ideas: Elementary promotion - Learning from past mistakes - New beginnings - Graduation - Transition
    Character Traits: Self-Respect - Self-Responsibility - Wisdom - Confidence
    Message and Lesson Plan*
  • Fallen Heroes
    Monday, May 27th is Memorial Day, which is much more than just a three-day holiday or the beginning of the summer season. This national holiday is an important reminder of the sacrifices made by brave men and women in uniform who lost their lives in service to our nation. Students discuss the meaning of the Memorial Day holiday and how they can honor our fallen heroes.
    Key Ideas: Memorial Day - Gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy as Americans
    Character Traits: Respect - Gratitude
    Message and Lesson Plan*
June

  • Safe or Sorry
    Every day, young people are injured unnecessarily. They break bones, injure eyes, become permanently disabled, or even lose their lives because some safety precaution wasn't taken. Students explore the benefits of taking safety precautions and the consequences to themselves and others when they don't observe safety rules.
    Key Ideas: Staying safe during outdoor activities - Safety rules
    Character Traits: Responsibility - Respect - Citizenship
    Message and Lesson Plan*
  • Make it Simple
    Students are challenged to make healthier food choices and learn to cook simple, healthy meals over their summer vacation. They will consider that they can also develop valuable life skills such as self-discipline and responsibility while learning to help cook for their family. Students will also take a look at related issues including access to fresh foods and health problems caused by poor diet.
    Key Ideas: Eating healthy - Learning life lessons in the kitchen
    Character Traits: Self-responsibility - Self-discipline
    Message and Lesson Plan*
Plan Ahead

> Learn More

Additional Messages with Lesson Plans

> Calendar Events
> Life Skills/Pressing Issues

* In order to access these materials, your school must be a paid subscriber. Order Now!

spacer spacer