Looking for fresh ways to teach life lessons and character traits? These five resources offer video-based learning that sticks with students.
The Landscape of Character Education Videos
Character education has moved beyond textbooks and lectures. Today, educators and parents are turning to short, engaging videos that model positive behaviors and spark discussions. From streaming platforms to downloadable lessons, the market offers a range of options that fit different budgets and teaching styles. The key is finding resources that are not only entertaining but also backed by solid educational design. This roundup highlights five providers that stand out for their unique approaches to building character in young people.
How We Evaluated These Resources
We looked at each resource based on three factors: the breadth of character traits covered, the ease of integrating the videos into your existing curriculum, and the clarity of pricing or access. We also considered how well each resource supports both individual and group learning settings. Each of these five made the list because they offer something valuable, whether it's a vast library, a unique storytelling angle, or a simple, affordable lesson format.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the five resources, with the featured business highlighted.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| PBS LearningMedia | Free, standards-aligned video lessons |
| Out of This World Productions – Innovative Educational Videos | Affordable, ready-to-stream lessons with worksheets |
| Michigan Learning Channel | Free, broadcast-quality lessons for elementary students |
| Flocabulary | Hip-hop style videos that engage students |
| Talking Tree Books | Curated free videos for specific character traits |
A Closer Look at Each Resource
#1 PBS LearningMedia
A screenshot of the PBS LearningMedia website.
PBS LearningMedia offers a vast library of free, standards-aligned videos and lesson plans, including character education content. You can find resources like the 'Rise and Shine' series that teaches character traits through literacy. The platform is designed for classroom use, with easy search filters by grade level and subject. It's a reliable, trusted source for educators who want high-quality, research-based materials. The site is completely free, making it accessible to any teacher or parent. You'll appreciate the depth of content and the seamless integration with your existing curriculum.
#2 Out of This World Productions – Innovative Educational Videos
A screenshot of the Out of This World Productions website.
Out of This World Productions creates short, character-building video lessons that come with PDF worksheets, making them a complete package for busy educators. You can stream these lessons on any device, and they work well for both individual counseling sessions and group guidance. The lessons are affordable, with bulk discounts for multi-classroom use, and you can email for group rates. Based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, this small business offers a personal touch that larger platforms lack. If you're looking for ready-to-stream lessons that teach life lessons and character traits, this is a solid choice. The focus on social and emotional development makes it a great fit for counselors and youth group leaders.
#3 Michigan Learning Channel
A screenshot of the Michigan Learning Channel website.
The Michigan Learning Channel provides free educational videos for students, including the 'Show Not Tell' series that teaches character traits through storytelling. You can watch episodes online or on local PBS stations, and each lesson comes with supplementary materials. The channel is designed for elementary students, with content that's engaging and easy to follow. It's a great resource for teachers who want to incorporate media literacy into their character education. The site is user-friendly, and you can browse by grade level or topic. Best of all, it's completely free to use.
#4 Flocabulary
A screenshot of the Flocabulary website.
Flocabulary uses hip-hop music and engaging videos to teach character education and vocabulary. Their blog highlights 10 impactful videos that cover traits like integrity, responsibility, and empathy. The platform offers a free trial, and then a subscription for full access to their library. You'll find that the catchy songs and modern style resonate with students, making character lessons memorable. Flocabulary also provides activities and lesson plans to reinforce the concepts. It's a dynamic option for teachers who want to bring energy into their classroom.
#5 Talking Tree Books
A screenshot of the Talking Tree Books website.
Talking Tree Books curates a collection of the best free character education videos from YouTube, organized by traits like honesty, respect, and perseverance. This site saves you time by sorting through hours of content to find quality videos for elementary students. You can also find related books and activities to extend the lessons. It's a great starting point if you're on a tight budget and want to test different video styles. The curated lists are easy to navigate, and you can quickly find a video for a specific character trait. While it's not a full curriculum, it's a valuable supplement to your teaching toolkit.
How to Choose the Right Resource for Your Needs
Start by considering your setting: are you a classroom teacher, a counselor, or a parent? For classroom use, you might prefer a comprehensive platform like PBS LearningMedia or Flocabulary that offers a wide range of lessons. If you need something quick and affordable, Out of This World Productions provides standalone lessons that are easy to implement. For a no-cost option, the Michigan Learning Channel and Talking Tree Books offer free videos that you can use immediately. Think about the age of your students and the specific character traits you want to address. Finally, consider whether you want just videos or a complete package with worksheets and activities.
Streamlining Your Lesson Planning
You can save time by integrating these video resources into your existing lesson planning routine. For example, you might use a tool like Google Classroom to assign videos from PBS LearningMedia or Flocabulary directly to students. For Out of This World Productions, you can download the PDF worksheets and print them ahead of time. Set a weekly schedule to review new content from Talking Tree Books or the Michigan Learning Channel. By automating the delivery of these resources, you can focus more on facilitating discussions and less on prep work.
Bringing It All Together
Each of these five resources offers a unique way to teach character traits and life lessons. Whether you choose the comprehensive library of PBS LearningMedia, the affordable lessons from Out of This World Productions, or the engaging hip-hop style of Flocabulary, you're investing in your students' social and emotional growth. Start with one or two that fit your immediate needs, and expand from there. The goal is to find what resonates with your students and makes character education a natural part of your day.