Character traits lesson plans are not readily available, and because of that, we who have our plates full trying to teach other courses often decide simply to make do. Oh, I have found basic outlines. You have probably seen them. They have the teacher trying to draw out this or that character trait from a book written for another purpose. We let students read Harry Potter's latest adventure and try to find the good things (?) Harry did. We let them teach themselves. Easy!

Character traits lesson plans should begin, as every good lesson plan does, with a clear goal. Choose a trait such as respect, honesty, responsibility, or self-control. Or choose one that is less understood, such as submissiveness. Study it yourself so that you have deep wells of understanding from which to draw. Assess their present learning of the trait. How many students can define submissiveness? How many can list synonyms, related words, antonyms, and contrasting words? Is submissiveness the same as obedience? How do they differ? Why is it good to be submissive? To whom? Set a goal for the level of understanding students will acquire. Set a goal for change that shows character in action in their lives. Purchase quality books and materials that are age-appropriate, written specifically to teach submissiveness, and based on objective standards. Finally, add supplementary materials such as character education activities and crafts that will help you permeate the day with references to submissiveness.