Lesson Plans
Here are 25 lesson plans that can be used in a classroom, club, or gathering of any sort. Consider them activities that will enhance working in teams, getting to know each other, and finding the strengths of everyone including yourself.
These lessons are free to print and use
These lessons were inspired by the Golden Rule, and satisfy Core Learning requirements in many states, especially in Utah.
All Aboard!
Age: 5-9 years old
Time required: 35 minutes
Number of participants: 5 participants per group, however many groups are needed
Materials needed: Long jump ropes and duct tape
Art in Motion
Age: 8-14 years old
Time required: 2-3 class periods
Number of participants: 4-7 participants per group, however many groups are needed
Materials needed: Access to internet or a library
Balloon hacky Sack
Age: 5-12 years old
Time required: 30-40 minutes
Number of participants: Groups of 5 or so, however many groups are needed
Materials needed: No Materials, best done at a Gym or open space
Build The Sculpture
Age: 9-18 years old
Time required: 35 minutes
Number of participants: Groups of at least 4, no more than 7; As many groups as needed
Materials needed: No materials needed, a large space works best
Color COnversations
Age: 11-16 years old
Time required: 1 to 2 class periods
Number of participants: A classroom
Materials needed: Paper, pens, copies of the Golden Rule, poems, songs, and paintings that depict color
Communication Chaos
Age: 9-18 years old
Time required: 20-45 minutes plus reflection time
Number of participants: 20+
Materials needed: 20-40 feet tape, or chalk can also be used if playing outdoors on blacktop, a timer/stopwatch/or clock. A poster of the variations of the Golden Rule is helpful to have close by
Finding the Moment
Age: 9-12 years old
Time required: 20-30 minutes the first time. After the students learn, it takes 10-15
Number of participants: 15-20 people works best
Materials needed: Space for everyone to have their space
Getting to Know You
Age: 11-15 years old
Time required: A class period
Number of participants: A classroom
Materials needed: Paper and pencil
Golden Rule Found Poem
Age: 11-13 years old
Time required: 1 hour
Number of participants: A classroom
Materials needed: Copies of formulations of the Golden Rule (Find those under Formulations in the main menu), pens, highlighters, different papers, etc.
Grid Walk
Age group: 10-17
Time required: 30-45 minutes with reflection
Number of participants: A classroom
Materials needed: 1 full roll yellow duct tape or masking tape (approximately 100 feet) (Chalk or cones can also be substituted in some instances). Clip board, a few sheets of blank paper, a clock/ timer or watch.
Hop the Fence
Age group: 5-17
Time required: 5-15 minutes with reflection time
Number of participants: 4-40
Materials needed: 20 feet masking tape, yellow duct tape, chalk, or Golden Rule Ribbon (if available) 2-3 sharpie markers. A poster of the variations of The Golden Rule is helpful to have in sight
HuMAN kNOTS
Age group: 5-8
Time required: 30 minutes
Number of participants: Three or four groups of 4-6
Materials needed: Space and time
Lunch Table Trouble
Age group: 9-17
Time required: 20-60 minutes
Number of participants: 5-10
Materials needed: 2 rolls of yellow duct tape, 5-10 strips of fabric each 2 feet long (optional), 5-10 sharpie markers. Tip: A poster of the variations of The Golden Rule is helpful to have.
Make a PSA
Age group: 9-12
Time required: 1 or 2 class periods
Number of participants: Individual or in groups
Materials needed: Whatever the students chooses to use to create a PSA. Photoshop, Word, Illustrator, paper, collages, paint, etc.
Making Connections
Age group: 9-10
Time required: 20-40 minutes
Number of participants: Small groups of 4-5
Materials needed: Copies of Golden Rule Formulations, Highlighters
Mindfulness in High School
Age group: 13-17
Time required: 15-60 minutes
Number of participants: Groups of up to 25
Materials needed: Yoga mats if available, if not, some cushions on the floor, and comfortable clothing
Mini Mindfulness
Age group: 5-8
Time required: 10-40 minutes
Number of participants: Groups of up to 25
Materials needed: Yoga mats if available, if not, some cushions on the floor, and comfortable clothing
One and Only One Word
Age group: 9-15
Time required: About 15 minutes
Number of participants: A Classroom
Materials needed: Dry Erase Board or Overhead
The Machine
Age group: 14-17
Time required: 20-60 minutes with reflection time
Number of participants: Groups of 5-6
Materials needed: Space
The Perilous journey
Age group: 13-17
Time required: 30+ minutes
Number of participants: Groups of 5-7
Materials needed: 1ft x 1ft mats (Tiles that snap together, samples of linoleum, carpet squares, or art foam)
The PUzzler
Age group: 6-15
Time required: 30 minutes
Number of participants: Groups of 3, no more than 5
Materials needed: Puzzles – For younger groups, choose a puzzle with less than 10 pieces. For older groups, larger puzzles with up to 20 or so pieces work well. There are many free computer programs that can make a puzzle out of any picture; facilitators can use photos, diagrams, or other images that relate to the activity.
Trust Table
Age group: 13-17
Time required: 30+ minutes
Number of participants: Groups of 5-7
Materials needed: One small table, strong enough for someone to stand on, at the front of the room, with space around the tables for students to stand
Wave Stretching
Age group: 9-13
Time required: 15+ minutes
Number of participants: 15-20
Materials needed: Space
Who Started The Motion
Age group: 9-13
Time required: 20-45 minutes
Number of participants: Groups of 8-10
Materials needed: Space
