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Character Quest!

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Lesson Plan

Character Quest

Students will be able to identify key character traits and understand their importance in real-life situations. They will also practice applying these traits through a group activity.

Developing strong character is essential for students to build positive relationships, make responsible decisions, and contribute positively to their communities. This lesson helps students actively think about and internalize these important qualities.

Audience

5th and 6th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive game and guided discussion to identify and apply character traits.

Materials

Small whiteboards or paper for each group, Markers or pencils, Character Trait Challenge Game Cards, Warm Up: Character Clues, and Cool Down: My Character Compass

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm Up: Character Clues

5 minutes

  1. Distribute the Warm Up: Character Clues to each student.
  2. Ask students to silently complete the warm-up, trying to guess the character trait based on the clues.
  3. Briefly discuss their answers as a group, clarifying any misunderstandings about the traits. (e.g., "What did you guess for the first one? Why?")

Step 2

Introduction to Character

5 minutes

  1. Begin by asking students: "What does it mean to have good character?" Allow a few students to share their thoughts.
  2. Explain that character is about the inner qualities that guide our actions and choices.
  3. Introduce the idea that character can be developed and strengthened, just like a muscle.

Step 3

Character Trait Challenge Game

15 minutes

  1. Divide students into small groups (2-3 students per group).
  2. Explain the Character Trait Challenge Game:
    • Each group will receive a set of Character Trait Challenge Game Cards.
    • On each card, there will be a scenario.
    • Groups must discuss and decide which character trait is best demonstrated or needed in that scenario.
    • They should also briefly explain why they chose that trait.
  3. Distribute the Character Trait Challenge Game Cards and allow groups to play.
  4. Circulate among the groups, listening to their discussions and providing guidance as needed. Ask probing questions like: "Why do you think honesty is important in this situation?" or "What would happen if someone wasn't respectful here?"
  5. After about 10 minutes, bring the groups back together and have each group share one or two scenarios and their chosen character traits, explaining their reasoning. Facilitate a brief whole-group discussion.

Step 4

Cool Down: My Character Compass

5 minutes

  1. Distribute the Cool Down: My Character Compass to each student.
  2. Ask students to reflect on one character trait they want to work on or strengthen and explain how they plan to do so.
  3. Collect the cool-down slips as an exit ticket.
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Slide Deck

Welcome to Character Quest!

What does it mean to have good character?

Welcome students and introduce the day's lesson. Briefly explain what 'character' means in simple terms.

Warm Up: Character Clues

Guess the character trait from the clues!

(Complete your Warm Up: Character Clues worksheet)

Introduce the Warm-Up activity. Ensure students understand they are guessing character traits from clues. Give them a few minutes to work independently.

What is Character?

Character is about the inner qualities that guide our actions and choices. It's like a muscle you can strengthen!

Discuss the warm-up answers. Define character as inner qualities guiding actions and choices. Emphasize that character can be developed like a muscle.

Character Trait Challenge Game

Work in small groups.

Read the scenario on each card.

Decide which character trait is best!

Be ready to explain WHY you chose it.

Explain the game rules clearly. Emphasize discussion within groups and choosing the best trait. Provide examples if necessary.

Sharing Our Character Choices

What scenarios did your group discuss?

Which traits did you choose and why?

Facilitate a brief discussion where groups share their chosen scenarios and traits. Encourage active listening and respectful disagreement.

Cool Down: My Character Compass

Reflect on today's lesson.

What character trait do YOU want to work on?

How will you strengthen it?

(Complete your Cool Down: My Character Compass worksheet)

Introduce the Cool Down. Students reflect on a trait to work on. Collect slips as an exit ticket.

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Warm Up

Character Clues Warm Up

Instructions: Read each clue and guess which character trait is being described. Write your answer in the space provided.

  1. Clues:

    • You always tell the truth, even when it's hard.
    • You don't cheat on tests.
    • People trust what you say.

    Character Trait:


  1. Clues:

    • You listen carefully when someone is speaking.
    • You use good manners and are polite.
    • You treat everyone with kindness, regardless of their differences.

    Character Trait:


  1. Clues:

    • You finish your homework on time.
    • You keep your promises.
    • You take care of your belongings.

    Character Trait:


  1. Clues:

    • You don't give up when something is difficult.
    • You keep trying, even after making mistakes.
    • You stick with a task until it's done.

    Character Trait:


  1. Clues:

    • You think about how your actions affect others.
    • You say "please" and "thank you."
    • You offer to help others without being asked.

    Character Trait:


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Game

Character Trait Challenge Game Cards

Instructions: In your groups, read each scenario. Discuss which character trait is best demonstrated or needed in that situation. Be ready to explain your reasoning to the class.

Card 1: The Group Project

Your group has a big project due next week. One of your teammates hasn't done their part and is falling behind. What character trait would help you handle this situation best, and why?












Card 2: Finding a Lost Item

You find a wallet on the playground with money and an ID inside. No one is around. What character trait should guide your actions, and what should you do?












Card 3: New Kid in Class

A new student joins your class and seems a little shy and lonely at lunch. What character trait would help you make them feel welcome, and what could you do?












Card 4: Losing a Game

You and your friends are playing a board game, and you are about to lose. You really wanted to win! What character trait is important to show, and how would you act?












Card 5: Making a Mistake

You accidentally spill paint on your classmate's drawing during art class. It was a complete accident, but their drawing is now ruined. What character trait should you display, and what should you do?












Card 6: Sharing Supplies

Your teacher asks everyone to share their art supplies for a class activity, but you have your favorite colored pencils that you don't want to share. What character trait would encourage you to share, and why is it important?












Card 7: Standing Up for Others

You see a classmate being teased by others for something they can't control. What character trait would help you in this situation, and how could you help your classmate?












Card 8: Doing Your Chores

It's your turn to do the dishes at home, but you really want to play video games instead. What character trait reminds you to do your responsibilities, and why is it important to follow through?












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Cool Down

My Character Compass Cool Down

Instructions: Reflect on today's lesson. Think about the character traits we discussed. In the space below, write about one character trait you want to work on or strengthen in yourself. Then, explain how you plan to practice or develop that trait in your daily life.

The character trait I want to work on is:


This trait is important because:





Here's how I plan to practice or strengthen this trait:











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Warm Up

Character Clues Warm Up

Instructions: Read each clue and guess which character trait is being described. Write your answer in the space provided.

  1. Clues:

    • You always tell the truth, even when it's hard.
    • You don't cheat on tests.
    • People trust what you say.

    Character Trait:


  1. Clues:

    • You listen carefully when someone is speaking.
    • You use good manners and are polite.
    • You treat everyone with kindness, regardless of their differences.

    Character Trait:


  1. Clues:

    • You finish your homework on time.
    • You keep your promises.
    • You take care of your belongings.

    Character Trait:


  1. Clues:

    • You don't give up when something is difficult.
    • You keep trying, even after making mistakes.
    • You stick with a task until it's done.

    Character Trait:


  1. Clues:
    • You think about how your actions affect others.
    • You say
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