Your browser does not support JavaScript!
Skip to main content

Grades 5-6

Grade Trait Literature Title and Summary
5 Self-Discipline Black Cowboy, Wild Horses (Houghton Mifflin Grade 5) Black Cowboy, Wild Horses    
After reading the selection “Black Cowboy, Wild Horses”, students will identify characteristics of self-discipline shown by story’s main character Bob Lemmons. Then students will identify some of their own traits of self-discipline and reflect upon areas to improve and make a commitment to act. They will brainstorm ways to become more disciplined, and share their ideas with the class. (45-60 minutes)
5 Self-Respect Dear Mr. Henshaw (excerpt in Houghton Mifflin Grade 5) Dear Mr. Henshaw    
Students will read an excerpt from the novel Dear Mr. Henshaw and identify Leigh’s demonstration of the trait of self-respect. By examining the main character’s series of letters to Mr. Henshaw, students will analyze changes in Leigh’s feelings throughout the story and understand how the author uses letters to reflect the character’s growth and development. Students write letters to Leigh, and to themselves, regarding issues of self-respect. (Two or three 45-50 minute lessons)
5 Integrity A Boy Called Slow (Houghton Mifflin Grade 5) Integrity and a Boy Called Slow    
After reading the story "A Boy Called Slow," students will take part in a discussion on how the main character felt about his given name, what he did to earn a new name, and how he showed integrity. Students will take the perspective of a Native American, think of a new name they would like to earn, and propose a plan to earn the new name. (45-60 minutes)
5 Integrity and Fairness Katie's Trunk (Houghton Mifflin Grade 5) Katie's Trunk    
Students will identify the traits of integrity and fairness in the characters John Warren and Katie, and understand how different people can experience the same event but interpret it differently depending on who they are and why they are in the situation. Students will practice considering others’ points of view. (Two or three 45-60 minute sessions)
4-5 Perseverance Michelle Kwan: Heart of a Champion (Houghton Mifflin Grade 5) Michelle Kwan: Heart of a Champion    
Students will read “Michelle Kwan Heart of a Champion”, and identify the character trait of perseverance. Students discuss Michelle’s perseverance toward her goal of becoming a senior skater. Students identify the trait of perseverance in their own lives, create storyboards to illustrate the steps they took to achieve their goal, and use the storyboards to compose a personal narrative essay describing how they reached the goal. (Two 45-60 minute lessons)