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Today's Objective: To cultivate the positive character trait of loyalty.

Essential Questions/Topic Starters:
Amercian Humorist Josh Billings said, “A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” Whether you agree or disagree, discuss what you think Billings meant about a dog's character.
Class Format: Journalizing, Whole-group discussion

Time Allotment: One 15-Minute Session

Today's Suggested Activities:
  • 1 minute
    • Define Loyalty (and write or display definition on the board). Definition: The quality of being faithful to another person in the performance of duty or adhering to a contract with another person.
  • 5 minutes
    • Discuss the Essential Question: What do you think humorist Josh Billings meant about a dog's character when he said, "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself."
  • 2 minutes
    • In your journal, rewrite Josh Billlings quote by replacing key words to make the quote more meaningful to you. For example, "A mother is the only person on earth who loves you more than she loves herself."
  • Remaining Session:
    • Whole Group Discussion: Add to your previous discussion by sharing your rewritten quote. Could your rewrite this quote for more than one person? Explain how a person's actions might prove the quote to be true. Share personal experiences where you and other have shown loyalty. Finish your discussion by sharing or writing in your journal why loyalty is important.
  • Homework: Show others that you are faithful and dependable when you have a commitment to them.

Key Terms: Loyalty, Faithful, Commitment
Quote:"Loyalty mean nothing unless it has at it's heart the absolute principle of self-sacrifice." - Woodrow T. Wilson, 28th US President

Resources: Martin J. Marrazo, Quotations by ThinkExist

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