'Cook-up' sensational sentences with your class. They expand sentences by adding more descriptive words. Then discuss the importance of using appropriate grade level language in daily speaking and writing.

What mood does this story evoke? How are setting and mood linked? Young novelists explore the different emotions brought about by writing, starting by journaling things that inspire their own feelings. Examine the word mood, looking into...

Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address," which is available online, is used in the language lesson plan presented here. Middle schoolers read through the text for comprehension. Then, they reread the first paragraph and identify all the words...

Young scholars study the history and significance of the Great Wall of China. They examine the topography of the Chinese landscape before building a model of the Wall. Over the course of the school year, they use art supplies to build a...

Young scholars experiment with color mixing and differentiate between primary and secondary colors. They use their observational skills in visual experiments with complementary colors to gain an understanding of the interrelationships of...

Learners write a list of words that are associated with scary creatures that they imagine now or in their younger days. They read books that share ideas for dealing with scary experiences. Finally, they use a variety of art materials to...

Students practice their cursive writing skills in a large format. They create reversed prints of their names or initials, and then draw an imaginary animals incorporating the shapes of the prints. Students improve their confidence in...

Students determine the signs of mistreated animals and why it is important to keep animals healthy and safe. Next, they investigate which local agency to call to get help for mistreated animals. Finally, using art supplies, they make a...

Students examine information about mural art by researching the artwork of Diego Rivera, the "Neighborhood Quilts" of Faith Ringgold, and Pablo Picasso's "Guernica". They note many images in this artwork, each having its own story. They...

Students research a number of theories about how Valentine's Day originated. They examine the styles and designs of Valentine's from the Victorian Era before they reproduce the style by creating a Victorian style Valentine's. They use...

Students imagine they have discovered the ruins of the spectacular lost city-nation of Atlantis during a submarine voyage. They merge legend and facts that they discover in books and videos. They then experiment with art techniques to...

Learners explore kamishibai stories, Japanese stories told through illustrated picture cards, and become familiar with their form. Afterward, they develop their own illustrated kamishibai story. Students discuss the process of drawing,...

Middle schoolers who are about to read the chilling tale, The Lottery, do some writing beforehand. They are asked to write how their lives would change if they won a huge lottery jackpot. Then, they read the short story, and will be...

Young writers will literally step into art and creative writing as they become the figures featured in the sculpture Mud Woman Rolls On. Begin by showing your class a picture of the sculpture and having a discussion about its most...

Students recognize flags as a symbol through writing and imagery. In this artifact lesson plan, students investigate Tibetan prayer flags and their significance. Students create personal prayer flags and write about their life experience...

"The Hare and the Water," a Tanzanian folk tale, lends a global perspective to literary analysis. Learners spend the first two days reading and storyboarding. On day three, they examine folk tale elements (worksheet included), and design...

Students examine the use of imagery to hold a reader's attention in an excerpt from John Deever's memoir "Mr. John and the Day of Knowledge". They are introduced to background information about the Ukraine and create original imagery.

Learn about Mexican culture while simultaneously strengthening reading, writing and computer skills. In order to get the most out of Esperanza Rising, pupils should have prior knowledge of Mexican culture. Therefore, there are links to a...

Readers of all ages can work together in groups to create original poetry on the theme of "Imagine," inspired by John Lennon's classic song. They also create a mural to illustrate their poetry. A beautiful instructional activity,...

Examine the genre of historical fiction while reading A Light in the Storm. They extract events in chronological order to make a timeline. Then, they use information in the book important to the characters to create a presentation of an...

Invite your class to investigate racism and civil rights by analyzing the great Dr. Martin Luther King's speech. Your learners will read the words from the "I Have a Dream" speech and analyze the political and racial overtones. They will...

Talk about technology in the classroom. This plan has all the resources needed to create a non-linear or branching story. Included is a step-by-step tutorial that walks middle schoolers through the project description, a model of a...

Here are two great lessons that work together and are inspired by the Stephen Sondheim musical Into the Woods. Young writers and actors will retell the story of "The Frog Prince" through games, improvisational script writing, and...

An excellent lesson plan on the classic book, Where the Red Fern Grows. Learners view the W. Wilson Rawls website and engage in a series of activities generated by the website. They write in their reflective journals, watch a video, and...