(K-3) Week-Long Lesson Plan – Franklin’s Fantastic Civic Virtues

Lesson Plan. Franklin, Virtue, Community. A multi-day lesson where students read a mini-book, learn a Civic Virtue Song, and rotate through hands-on stations. Activities include role play, sorting, and primary sources, with an optional assessment at the end.

Objectives:

• Students will. . .
  • Define and identify civic virtues.
  • Describe how Benjamin Franklin practiced civic virtues.
  • Demonstrate understanding of civic virtues through discussion, art, and roleplay.

Facilitation Notes

• This lesson is intended to be implemented over several days or class periods. 3-5 days is likely, flex the activities to fit your class time. For example:
  • Day 1: Anticipate and Engage
  • Day 2: Explore
  • Day 3: Apply and Assess
• This lesson is intended for younger learners, from kindergarten to 3rd grade. Several modifications, such as different levels of texts and scaffolding notes, are available to span this large range of ages and developments.
• This lesson requires advance preparation, including collecting and printing materials. See the Teacher and Student Materials list.
• Virtue can be understood in many ways and often reflects individual and family values. While personal virtue shapes character, this lesson emphasizes civic virtue—the qualities and behaviors that support the common good. Civic virtue is best understood in relation to others within families, communities, schools, workplaces, and civic roles.

Teacher Materials 

• Civic Virtue Songs
  • MP3 Song
• Anchor Chart Materials
• Poster or chart paper, markers
• Franklin’s Fantastic Civic Virtues Stations Materials
  • Station 1: Local Government Roleplay Cards
    • Materials: Role cards, problem cards, civic virtue cards, props like stuffed animals, mayor sash, city worker uniforms, or name tags with the names of roles in civil society
  • Station 2: Cut and Paste Handout
    • Materials: Handouts (printed), scissors, glue, pencils
  • Station 3: Read-to-Self
    • Materials: Franklin’s Fantastic Civic Virtues Mini-books, Library center or selection of books at student reading levels
  • Station 4: Primary Source Investigation
    • Materials: Franklin’s Fantastic Civic Virtues Primary Source Set and Find It! Cards (printed, laminated, and cut), magnifying glasses, pencils
• Teacher Observation Sheet

Student Materials

Two versions of the mini-book are available based on the lexile level of your learners. Option A features clear, simple sentences, large easy‑to-read print, and a dedicated reflective writing page. With fewer total pages, it’s an ideal choice for younger learners or those who benefit from a streamlined, accessible format. Option B features more complex sentence structures and a longer page format. Skills boxes appear throughout to reinforce key literacy concepts including phonic spelling patterns (sounds), Fluency and Vocabulary practice words, and targeted phonemic awareness skills. This option offers a more robust challenge for developing readers who are ready for increased rigor.

• Franklin’s Fantastic Civic Virtues Mini-book
  • Two versions of the mini-book are available based on the lexile level of your learners.
    • Option A (K-1)
      • To create: Print single-sided, staple on left side where indicated, then cut on the dotted line to create books.
    • Print-Ready Option B (2-3)
      • Print double-sided, along short edge. Fold along center line and staple to create a book.
    • Digital Option B (2-3) – meant to be accessed via a device
• Group Assessment
  • Two options of the assessment are available to choose from based on the needs of your learners.
    • Option A (K-1)
    • Option B (2-3)