This lesson will be implemented as part of a character education unit on respect for self, property, others and the environment, an essential quality of good character. Students will apply research skills, open-ended discussions, keyboarding skills, digital photography, and cooperative learning experiences to investigate and internalize the meaning of respect. This lesson will also aid students in understanding how respect is viewed in other cultures.

Students will need teacher-created sheets (see attachments), 12" X 12" poster board for each student; markers; glue; gold glitter

Computer(s) with drawing software such as Microsoft Kids - Paint It!, Windows Accessories - Paint, or Microsoft Word, digital camera, diskette, printer, and photo paper

Students will need to be trained in how to use digital cameras safely. Students should also be familiar with basic computer operations and software.

1.)Warm Up: Teacher may share the following thoughts with students: Showing respect for yourself, for others, for property, and for the world at large are ways of practicing good manners. An integral part of developing good character is showing respect to others and having respect for oneself.

2.)To assess students' prior knowledge of the word respect, the teacher will begin by asking if anyone has ever heard of the "The Golden Rule." Say: "We are going to discuss the different variations of this saying that have been found all over the world, and how they relate to respect. We should show respect to everyone, especially parents, elders, and teachers. Several ways to show respect to adults are saying "Yes, Sir" and "Yes, Ma'am,", doing chores without grumbling, helping others by opening doors or assisting with heavy packages, or accepting "no" without complaining. The environment, animals, and natural resources also deserve respect. Students can respect the homes of wild animals by not littering or destroying nature. Also, respect for the environment can be shown by not wasting valuable resources." The teacher can ask students to share other ideas.

3.)Teacher will continue the discussion on respect by having students form small collaborative groups. Teacher will give each group the eight "Golden Rules Around the World" list (see attachment). Students will be encouraged throughout the lesson to take digital pictures of their peers as they complete both the group work and the project.

4.)Each student selects one or two "rules" from "Golden Rules Around the World" sheet.

5.)Allow students a few minutes to read and think about their rules, and write any ideas they have about their rules on the backs of their papers.

6.)Each student can read his/her rules aloud and explain to the group what he/she thinks it means.

7.)Have students complete the follow-up sheet "Golden Rules Around the World" (see attachment).

8.)Students should take turns reading the follow-up sheet aloud and discuss each question and response.

9.)To illustrate people living by the golden rule, have students make their own signs displaying the Golden Rule. Students will be given the opportunity to work on the computer to design their own ruler. See the attachment -- "Making own Golden Ruler" to see how to make your own golden ruler on the computer. Use drawing software such as Microsoft Kids - Paint It!, Windows Accessories - Paint, or Microsoft Word.

10.)Students should type, "Golden Rule - Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" onto their golden ruler or choose one of the other seven "Golden Rules Around the World."

11.)After students have printed out their golden rulers, they should squeeze a thin line of glue around the outside edge of their ruler so that it resembles a picture frame.

12.)Have students sprinkle gold glitter on top of the glue. After a few moments, students gently shake their picture over a trash can to remove any excess glitter. Allow the glue to dry and then encourage the students to take their posters home and display them.

13.)Be sure to make a classroom copy of "The Golden Rule" as a reminder for respectful behavior at school. The students will print out the digital pictures of their friends and add them to the classroom copy of "The Golden Rule."

14.)The teacher may find the following websites valuable resources for additional useful information on the topic of character education.
(Character Education)
This site includes teaching guides with discussion questions, writing assignments, and student activities for character education for elementary, middle, and high school students.

15.)Another good website on character development: The WiseSkills K-12 character education program has innovative and exciting activities that are conveniently organized around monthly Character Themes such as Character Education, Curriculum Integration, Community Service-Learning, Conflict Resolution, Career Awareness, Media Issues, and Parent/Community Involvement.
(WiseSkills Character Education)
The WiseSkills K-12 character education program is a teacher-friendly and inter-disciplinary way to build the character of young people.

To assess students' understanding of this lesson, they will complete the "Self Assessment Worksheet" (see attachment). Digital pictures will be taken of the discussion groups and of each student as they participate in the oral discussion. Digital pictures will be taken of each student's completed project. The pictures should be displayed in the classroom under the class "Golden Rule" poster.

Instead of glitter, sand or salt, colored with food dye, can be used to frame the pictures.
The teacher could also incorporate literature into the lesson. Some selections are: Badger's Bring Something Party by Hiawyn Oram (Lothrop, Lee & Shepard, 1995); I Like Me by Nancy Carlson (Viking Press, 1988); The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry (Harcourt Brace, 1990) or The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Andersen (Andrews and McMeel Publishers, 1992).
Additional Resource: Character Education Partnership. (800) 988-8081. The Character Education Partnership is a clearinghouse for information about character education programs used in public schools.