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*
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