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Analyzing Elements of a Memoir
Students analyze and identify elements of memoirs. In this literature activity students explore qualities to listen for while the teacher reads a memoir; they then break into groups and analyze a memoir independently.
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Dear Diary
Work on narrative writing with this lesson, in which middle schoolers analyze the characters from a selected piece of literature and write narrative diary pieces as the character. They work to understand the point of view of the...
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Esperanza Rising - Anticipation Guide
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...
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Reading Clinic: Use Predictions to Help Kids Think Deeply About Books
Learners learn to use prediction to think more deeply about literature. In this reading comprehension lesson, students chart predictions in order to more fully understand text.
Reed Novel Studies
Mr. Popper's Penguins: Novel Study
Antarctica is actually a desert. Using the novel study that explores Mr. Popper's Penguins, pupils find four of their own interesting facts about the amazing continent. They also practice putting words in alphabetical order and answer...
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A New Point of View
Analyze point of view and how it affects a literary work with this lesson. Middle schoolers create a written piece that focuses on point of view. They review the literary term "point of view," and explore examples of the term in text....
Novelinks
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: Picture Book Strategy
Picture books aren't just for primary learners. Your scholars compare and contrast literary themes between the novel, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, and the children's book, The Dream Tree by Winfried Wolf through...
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A Christmas Carol Exploration
Seventh graders explore the history of Christmas by researching classic literature. In this holiday lesson, 7th graders read the story A Christmas Carol and discuss the tone of Charles Dickens' classic literary work. Students answer...
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Hometown Travel Journalism
Steinbeck’s witty memoir, “Travels with Charley: In Search of America,” inspires kids to investigate their neighborhoods as local travel journalists.
John F. Kennedy Center
Folktale Theatre
Introduce your middle schoolers to a performance and movement activity that uses their favorite stories from fairytales and folklore. They practice basic acting skills, create dialogues with a partner, and then as guided practice,...
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Celebrating Maurice Sendak's Legacy
Lesson ideas that focus on the author and illustrator's contribution to children's literature.
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Author/Illustrator Heroes
Students recognize heroic authors and illustrators and create their own comic strips. In this language arts lesson, students examine characteristics of heroes and work in groups to create their own comic strips and hero books.
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Solid Waste and Our Natural Resources: Utilizing the Story THE LORAX
Learners gain an introduction to our planet's solid waste problem and our personal responsibility in curbing and solving said problem through the use of Dr. Seuss' book, The Lorax. After hearing the book, class discussion follows.
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Email Buddies
Collaborate with another class (or school) and have your learners share ideas about their reading through the use of email. Perhaps you'll create a specific question or a few questions for writers to choose from. Not only will they...
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Horror Tales: What Makes Them Spooky?
Before you jump into this lesson, be aware there is little to work with. That being said, the ideas are solid and will be brought to life with a little Halloween spirit. Learners examine horror as a sub-genre, and contemplate what makes...
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Post Reading Activities for the Novel, "Home Children" by Barbara Haworth-Attard
In this post-reading literature activity worksheet, students examine suggestions for activities to complete after reading Home Children, by Barbara Haworth-Attard. They can choose from 11 activities which include to write diary entries,...
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Literature Connections Further Reading Related Reading The Diary of Anne Frank
Students read and discuss The Diary of Anne Frank, a diary of a Jewish girl who hid from the Nazi's in Holland. The research the Holocaust and express their feelings in artwork.
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Maniac Magee Lesson Ideas
Here are ideas and activities to include in a "Maniac Magee" novel study.
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Nonfiction Lessons That Motivate
Incorporating nonfiction lessons into literature instruction can be interesting and engaging for all students.
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The Art Of War
Students analyze the military, business, and political implications of Sun Tzu's book The Art of War. In this literature instructional activity, students read and discuss the novel prior to interviewing business people about business...
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Civil Disobedience
In this online interactive literature worksheet, students respond to 10 short answer and essay questions about Henry David Thoreau's Civil Disobedience. Students may check some of their answers on the interactive worksheet.
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Out of the Dust
Learners create a poem that expresses the physical and emotional turmoil of living through the Dust Bowl. In this Out of the Dust lesson, students research facts about the time period and discuss the cause-effect patterns associated...
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Thank you Ma'm Langston Hughes-Devoloping the concept of Theme
Students complete various activities linked to several stories and movies, to reinforce the concept of theme in a story.
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Wrapping up The Stone Cutter
Pupils write a paper in which they detail the daily routine of an architect. For this The Stone Cutter lesson, students discuss the end of the novel and share journals with peers. Pupils choose a time period in which to place their...