Virtue Project by Dr. Megan Reister

Faith

mreister1 — 2022-06-24 10:13:06 UTC

Hope

mreister1 — 2022-06-24 10:20:17 UTC

Charity

mreister1 — 2022-06-24 10:20:28 UTC

Justice

mreister1 — 2022-06-24 10:21:32 UTC

Temperance

mreister1 — 2022-06-24 10:21:44 UTC

Fortitude

mreister1 — 2022-06-24 10:21:50 UTC

START HERE: You will want to insert the name of your book in the subject line.

mreister1 — 2022-06-24 10:25:05 UTC

Give a two or three sentence brief description of Virtue Project here. You will want to provide enough information to pique the viewer's interest. It would be lovely to include the picture of the book and if desired, a readloud!

Cornstalks and Cannonballs

mreister1 — 2022-06-24 10:28:39 UTC

This historical fictional book tells the account of when a small town in Delaware outsmarted the British navy during the War of 1812. This children's book can also be used to spark a discussion on the importance of using prudence in our everyday lives during both small and big decisions we make.

Number the Stars

books4kay247 — 2022-06-30 01:43:13 UTC

This book is in the genre of historical fiction and depicts a young Danish girl who is growing up in Nazi-occupied Denmark. She is faced with the challenge of saving her Jewish friend and her parents who are being targeted by the Nazis. It shows the importance of fortitude even in the youngest of our world.

Readaloud of book

mreister1 — 2022-06-30 17:23:13 UTC

Here is my readaloud of Cornstalks and Cannonballs. It takes place in this video through the 11 min. 20 sec. mark. Enjoy!

Thérèse of Lisieux: Little Flower of Love

psimonetty001 — 2022-07-01 01:05:08 UTC

This biography tells the story of Thérèse of Lisieux who, from a very young age, placed her full belief in God and His love for her. This book can be used to spark a discussion and a digital storyboard on the importance of faith in helping people get through difficult times in life. In addition, the book can be used as a basis for a dramatic re-telling of the biography with an emphasis on the importance of faith.

The Giving Tree lesson plan

saw202228 — 2022-07-01 04:26:42 UTC

Cornstalks and Cannonballs field trip

mreister1 — 2022-07-01 14:22:43 UTC

My family and I took a "field trip" to Lewes, DE. Enjoy these images of some of the scenes and locations we read about in the story! Additionally, two articles are linked within this resource that share about Jacob Jones, who is referred to as a "hero" of War of 1812 who has been ignored in history.

The Polar Express- Walk by Faith lesson plan

emilyheff01 — 2022-07-02 01:12:59 UTC

If I Never Forever Endeavor lesson plan

2022-07-02 03:48:39 UTC

Thérèse of Lisieux: Little Flower of Love

mreister1 — 2022-07-03 18:00:04 UTC

If I Never Forever Endeavor

mreister1 — 2022-07-03 18:30:50 UTC

This animal fiction book tells a story about a bird who takes flight from its nest. This bird was afraid, but practices fortitude in learning how to fly for the very first time. This is for grades K-1, ages 4-8.

The Giving Tree

mreister1 — 2022-07-03 18:35:02 UTC

This story is about the love and sacrifice of the tree to make the boy happy. This story can be used to teach students about the virtue of charity and how to be charitable towards others in daily life.

The Gardener

mreister1 — 2022-07-03 18:36:32 UTC

The Gardener by Sarah Stewart is about a little girl named Lydia Grace who lives with her Uncle Jim thanks to his charity, who helps him in his bakery through her demonstration of charity towards him, gardens all around the neighborhood, and finds a secret place upstairs (i.e., the rooftop). Lydia Grace eventually surprises her Uncle Jim with a garden on the rooftop.

We Are the Gardeners

2022-07-03 19:11:55 UTC

We Are the Gardeners by Joanna Gaines is a beautiful story about a family who starts to grow plants and learns how to garden amidst challenges demonstrating fortitude. In the beginning, the children learn some difficulties with planting and that it takes a lot of practice (and hard work) eventually leading to a bountiful garden.

We Are the Gardeners lesson plan

2022-07-03 19:13:13 UTC

Are You My Mother?

clareroberts977 — 2022-07-04 04:33:29 UTC

This is a story about a baby bird falling out of its nest and going on the adventure trying to find its mother. Throughout this book, the little bird has faith it will find its mother.

Are You My Mother? Lesson Plan

clareroberts977 — 2022-07-04 04:34:13 UTC

Number the Stars lesson plan

2022-07-04 19:38:55 UTC

The Polar Express

mreister1 — 2022-07-05 14:40:58 UTC

The story of The Polar Express follows a boy who struggles to have faith in the spirit of Christmas, and that Santa is real. This book is an excellent example of how we need to have faith even in things we cannot see. For younger students, this book can teach lessons about our Catholic faith and how to trust in God.

The Rainbow Fish Lesson Plan

gfarajmusleh001 — 2022-07-07 01:14:28 UTC

The Rainbow Fish

gfarajmusleh001 — 2022-07-07 01:15:11 UTC

This is a wonderful story that engages children through beautiful illustrations and teaches children the importance and the gift of sharing with others what it means to be charitable.

Hinds' Feet on High Places

2022-07-07 03:00:07 UTC

This story deals with the many feelings people feel on a daily basis. It shows how God is with us every step of the way and how we need to put our trust in him.

The Gardener Lesson Plan

ndurso001 — 2022-07-28 22:05:45 UTC

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

mreister1 — 2022-08-12 14:05:46 UTC

If you watch the above presentation from the 6 min. 35 sec. mark to 8 min. 40 sec., you'll hear how The Very Hungry Caterpillar can be connected to prudence.

mreister1 — 2022-08-21 03:18:34 UTC

29 evidence-based reading strategies that have been aligned to Science of Reading are featured within this website database.

Perhaps you will select one of the strategies demonstrated within DataSTARS to use with a Virtue Project book and lesson plan!

We would like to thank the Ohio Deans Compact for sponsoring two years' worth of literacy grant work that resulted in creating the DataSTARS website database as a deliverable.

We hope many teachers, parents, caregivers, student teachers, pre-service teachers, and others will be able to share, teach, and apply reading strategies in their teaching!

This website provides access to many evidence-based reading strategies aligned to the Science of Reading!

mreister1 — 2022-08-21 03:19:17 UTC

The Giving Tree 5C's lesson plan

swags11312 — 2022-10-26 21:23:40 UTC

See below for demos of Scripture Reflections created by pre-service teachers as related to Science & Social Studies.

mreister1 — 2022-11-23 19:36:59 UTC

Matthew 7:24-27 ~ Strong Foundations

2022-11-25 20:37:49 UTC

Psalm 119: 105-112 ~ Free Will

2022-11-28 18:29:24 UTC

Link to Zoom recording of scripture lesson: https://youtu.be/Fo6QxxSJQ5Q

John 6:1-15 ~ Reflection

2022-12-03 05:15:40 UTC

Password: g2*+$dDu

This is a scripture reflection I wrote for a 10 minute bible study with a 6th grade student. In it I walk the student through the scripture, engaging their imagination to help them learn what this miraculous story can mean to them.

2022-12-15 14:18:55 UTC

Reflection on the Parable of the Mustard Seed

2022-12-15 14:19:44 UTC

5th Grade Guided Scripture Reflection on the Parable of the Mustard Seed

Last Stop on Market Street lesson plan

2023-05-14 04:18:28 UTC

The North Star

2023-05-14 18:24:11 UTC

This is a story about a little boy who is starting out on his journey of life. He sets out on his journey and follows the signs that are telling him where to go. He eventually learns that his path in life is different than others and has hope for the future. This book is an excellent example of how we need to be hopeful for the future and trust in God's plan for our lives.

The North Star and Hope Virtue Lesson Plan

2023-05-14 18:28:02 UTC

The Hiding Place

2023-05-15 02:01:02 UTC

This book entails the story of a family whose faith allows them to persevere during the Nazi invasions of the Holocaust. In attempting to hide Jewish friends in their small watch shop, the family is apprehended and separated. The main character, Corrie, tells of her journey through prisons as she learns the power of hope and forgiveness.

The Hiding Place & Hope Virtue Lesson Plan

2023-05-15 02:02:52 UTC

When We March lesson plan

gihabet — 2023-05-15 14:49:58 UTC

Princess Academy Palace of Stone lesson plan

mariarbay3 — 2023-05-15 15:09:11 UTC

The Tale of Peter Rabbit lesson plan

2023-05-15 21:56:56 UTC

The Ugly Duckling

2023-05-15 22:07:33 UTC

The Ugly Duckling is an inspiring tale about a young, misfit duckling who undergoes many trials but remains strong and hopeful in the face of it all, discovering a destiny that is beyond his wildest dreams. This book teaches children to press on in hope for a glorious future despite the present sufferings. For Christians, this future is heaven, our eternal home, a joy beyond imagination.

The Ugly Duckling as a Representation of Hope in Life (Virtue Project)

2023-05-15 22:10:00 UTC

When We March

mreister1 — 2023-05-15 23:41:23 UTC

When We March shares the story of a young boy preparing to march in a campaign and what that looks like. This trade book is a great text to teach the topic of justice because it shows and speaks about the courageousness of the little boy which is something from which all children can seek encouragement. This lesson plan is planned out in a way that includes activities that show how justice can be practiced through simple activities in a child's day-to-day life.

Princess Academy Palace of Stone

mreister1 — 2023-05-15 23:44:01 UTC

Princess Academy Palace of Stone is a book about a girl named Miri who has to help a revolution in her country while protecting her friend, the prince's fiancé, who is the main target of the revolution. I chose this book because it shows a complicated view of morality and helps children understand the complexity and importance of justice.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit

mreister1 — 2023-05-15 23:47:05 UTC

This lesson plan was created to help children make practical connections in their life between the virtue of temperance and making good choices with food using the book The Tale of Peter Rabbit.

Last Stop on Market Street

mreister1 — 2023-05-15 23:49:58 UTC

Last Stop on Market Street is a wonderful text for children in the elementary grades. It features colorful

illustrations, a relatable character, diverse cultures, and positive messages that apply to universal

experiences. This charming realistic fiction book teaches young readers to appreciate the overlooked

joys of their lives. Children learn to be patient and grateful for what they have, and to value community

and connection above material possessions and unneeded luxury.

Chrysanthemum

2023-05-17 17:46:17 UTC

This book by Kevin Henkes demonstrates the virtue of Fortitude as applied to the 5-9yr. age group. The main character, Chrysanthemum, is bullied for her name, but does not retaliate with rudeness. Instead, she becomes secure in her identity with help and models the kindness she wants to receive.

Lesson Plan for Chrysanthemum

2023-05-17 17:47:40 UTC

2023-06-06 13:46:58 UTC

Magnanimity is a daughter virtue of Fortitude, and I made it the theme for my text set in Content Area Reading.

5C Lesson Plan incorporating Data Stars Strategy

2023-06-06 13:49:16 UTC

The Lesson Incorporates the Frayer Model from DataStars and focuses on Catholic Social Teaching as well

The Giver

2023-07-03 13:43:02 UTC

The Giver by Lois Lowry describes the life of Jonas. Jonas lives in a community where everything is the same and everyone is equal. When Jonas receives his assignment, however, he discovers how his community, with its emphasis on equality, prevents the people from truly experiencing human life, with all of its joys and sorrows.

The Giver Lesson Plan

2023-07-03 13:44:28 UTC

In this lesson plan, students have the opportunity to see how the virtue of justice is, or is not, present in Jonas' community.

The North Star and Hope Virtue Lesson Plan (5 C's Technology Project)

2023-11-03 19:02:36 UTC

mreister1 — 2024-01-12 02:47:36 UTC

These integrated units connect language arts, math, and science lessons that have been aligned to a Social Studies topic/standard and also to a Religion topic/standard. These units are steeped in active learning principles including use of a gizmo (an interactive device that brings to life some educational concept)!

The Trinity Unit (3rd / 4th grades)

mreister1 — 2024-01-12 02:52:15 UTC

Above is the infomercial that was created for the Trinity Unit. Below is the link to the Unit by way of Google Docs.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/19-y4h504g1nisVfcA_wgXVmkuVgzJmsteGlFyhuawiI/edit?usp=sharing

Genesis 1: 21-24 - Animals

mreister1 — 2024-01-12 14:25:20 UTC

This is a scripture reflection that was created for an Integrated Social Studies/Religion Unit that focused on animals.

Scatterplot Lesson Plan

2024-03-19 00:33:41 UTC

This is a lesson plan using an Algebra I textbook which teaches scatterplots and applies them to the virtue of temperance. It uses the 5C's Framework and utilizes technology all throughout the lesson.

The Ugly Duckling and Hope (5Cs Technology Lesson)

cgignoux001 — 2024-03-19 13:34:53 UTC

This lesson plan utilizes the 5Cs framework and incorporates the use of technology throughout the lesson. It helps students apply their understanding of the virtue of hope through the story of the Ugly Duckling.

Adapted "We are the Gardeners" 5Cs Technology-infused Lesson Plan

2024-03-24 21:29:10 UTC

The Graceful Geometry of Glass Lesson Plan

2024-05-07 19:12:37 UTC

This geometry lesson plan can be used to teach the virtue of Magnificence which falls under Fortitude. Magnificence is using our gifts for the glory of God. By teaching students that math and art can be combined to make stained glass, we help them see how our gifts can bring glory to God.

The Graceful Geometry of Glass

2024-05-07 19:13:51 UTC

Sr. Daniel Albert's connection to magnificence using her Big Book

mreister1 — 2024-05-12 21:12:17 UTC

The Giving Tree

mreister1 — 2024-05-16 13:29:01 UTC

Throughout the lesson, students are encouraged to relate The Giving Tree to personal experiences of having very little to give. Analyzing the story through an economic lens allows the students to identify instances of scarcity and encourages critical thinking on how the aspects of economics influences the characters’ relationships. The interdisciplinary connections will be integrated through connecting economics, literature, and its connection to the virtue of temperance.

Lesson Plan for The Giving Tree

mreister1 — 2024-05-16 13:29:47 UTC

The Giver, 7th Grade

jthomason15 — 2024-10-27 03:13:09 UTC

This is an analysis (to the lesson below for The Giver) and a post analysis after I submitted my own edited version of the lesson into a tech infused lesson based on the 5Cs framework.

Revised: The Giver for 7th grade

jthomason15 — 2024-10-27 03:14:44 UTC

While the lesson plan done in the Virtue Tradition is lovely, this is a revamped version based on the 5Cs framework and infused with technology throughout.

The Oregon Trail 5C's LP

michmayers11 — 2024-11-10 02:57:08 UTC

This lesson plan incorporates history, technology, creativity, and virtue. Students "travel" the Oregon Trail on the web game, write a Point of View Guide (POVG) to reflect on prudent choices, and upload it to a Padlet.

Prudence

2024-12-06 18:41:51 UTC

Local Resources Google Doc

mreister1 — 2025-02-23 22:47:08 UTC

This is a collaborative effort that was started in Fall 2014 by pre-service teachers who investigated possible field trip locations, restaurant options, and other multisensory active learning experiences separated by city in alphabetical order. Have fun browsing these resources and we hope you might be able to take part in some of these experiential educational endeavors!

Factoring Polynomials lesson plan

2025-04-05 18:21:38 UTC

This is a lesson plan using an Algebra 2 textbook which teaches about factoring polynomials and fortitude in problem solving. There are also connections to historical mathematicians and the Catholic liturgy. The lesson uses the 5C's framework and incorporates technology throughout the lesson. The 5C's analysis can be found at the end of the lesson plan.

I'd like to highlight the book Math Through the Ages: A Gentle History for Teachers and Others by Berlinghoff and Gouvêa, which contains stories about people who discovered various mathematical concepts. These stories can be shared (with possible modification) with students of all ages to foster student engagement through building connections to material and creating conceptual conflict.

Wordly Wise

2025-04-07 16:15:49 UTC

This is a vocabulary lesson that incorporates a DataSTARS strategy as well as technology. Charity is incorporated through the implementation of student collaboration and discussion.

The textbook that is used is a homeschooling resource from childhood.

5C's Tech Infused Lesson Plan: Chrysanthemum

2025-04-07 16:21:15 UTC

This is an updated version of the Chrysanthemum lesson on fortitude with additional technology utilized and a DataSTARS strategy (Story Impression).

2025-04-08 13:49:54 UTC

This list contains 240+ titles categorized by genre for consideration when lesson planning!

mreister1 — 2025-05-05 17:12:50 UTC

Polio Epidemic Unit (5th grade)

2025-05-06 16:15:17 UTC

This unit on the Polio Epidemic in the USA can be used to complement the virtue of Faith by examining how we can have faith in God through difficult times and trusting in His providence.

Book Critique featuring the Virtue of generosity

mgignoux001 — 2025-06-16 14:18:27 UTC

This is a book critique that I completed for Children's Literature. I focused on the book Stone Soup by Marcia Brown. I propose some lesson ideas for this book. One of the lesson ideas includes thinking about the virtue of generosity in the context of this book. I also looked at the book Blueberries for Sal in this video.

Balloons over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade

mreister1 — 2025-06-25 12:25:09 UTC

This is a readaloud created by two pre-service teachers.

Kitten's First Full Moon-Read Aloud

2025-06-30 16:10:00 UTC

I hope you enjoy watching this Read Aloud that looks at persistence (which could also point to fortitude) as much as I enjoyed making it! God bless!

Below are two articles about what it was like to live in Lewes, DE at the time of Cornstalks & Cannonballs.

mreister1 — 2025-09-16 13:44:26 UTC

mreister1 — 2025-09-16 13:45:07 UTC

5C's Tech Infused Lesson: Updated from Virtue Project: Peter Rabbit

2025-11-08 19:46:21 UTC

Revised: The Giver for 9th grade

2025-11-24 23:20:24 UTC

5 C's Pre and Post Analysis for 9th grade

2025-11-24 23:21:57 UTC

Frog and Toad Together: The Garden

pclaire924 — 2026-04-29 18:00:56 UTC

Frog and Toad are best friends who go through everyday adventures together. In the story “The Garden,” Frog helps Toad learn how to grow a garden. Toad becomes frustrated because he expects the seeds to grow instantly, but Frog teaches him that plants take time, patience, and care. Throughout the story, Toad learns to be patient and responsible while taking care of his garden. Their friendship shows how they support and encourage each other through challenges.

Frog and Toad edTPA Lesson Plan

pclaire924 — 2026-04-29 18:01:49 UTC

Our lesson plan centers around a literature lesson with science, Catholic, and art interdisciplinary connections. Our Read-Aloud and other lesson activities, such as the Digital Class Garden, are linked in the resources section. We hope you enjoy exploring our lesson plan!

Frog and Toad Teaching & Assessment Resources

pclaire924 — 2026-04-29 18:03:14 UTC