Topic: values

Mr. Brown’s Precepts

Cover of book Wonder. Illustration of face with only one eye on it and word wonder above the eye

Many 4th, 5th, and 6th graders have read the book Wonder by R.J. Palacio and will be familiar with Mr. Brown’s monthly precepts. These are inspirational sayings the teacher, Mr. Brown, puts on his board monthly for his students. For example, the precept for September is “When given a choice between being right or being Mr. Brown’s Precepts

Magic Box Activity

Photograph of a black box with a big red button in the center of it to illustrate PLATO's "Magic Box" lesson plan for elementary aged students

Students are arranged into groups of 2-4. First they formulate their answers to written questions, then they work together as a group to respond to a challenge at the end of the activity. Discussion Questions For the first few questions, think about all of the different kinds of things that you do at home, at Magic Box Activity

Choose Two

Triangle with x, y, z tabled on sides

Instructions: Facilitator performs the below: Draw/Project this diagram into a shared visible space. Prompt students to write down: 3 qualities that make a good ________.(e.g. friend) Randomly solicit students to contribute 3 different qualities. Write these where x, y, and z are shown. (Make sure they are conceptually different). Field clarifying questions about x, y, Choose Two