You've heard of farm to table ... but what about farm in classroom? Junior agriculturalists embark upon a two-week journey into the science of growing things. Based upon the classic terrarium in a two-liter experiment, the lesson goes...

Students investigate how to communicate about themselves and each other. In this social studies and technology lesson plan, students represent their thoughts regarding themselves and others both on paper and using "Kid Pix".

First graders read "There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly" and use Kid Pix to identify characters from the story. In this character identification instructional activity, 1st graders first hear several versions of the classic tale,...

Students read the book "Blueberries for Sal" and complete various computation math activities with blueberries. In this computation lesson plan, students complete number sentences, play guessing games, and solve story problems using...

Students create their own play dough to use for art projects. In this art lesson, students measure, pour and mix the ingredients to make their own play dough. Then, students use the clay to create their own sculptures.

A quintessential resource for teaching an elementary unit on the first Thanksgiving addresses a variety of skills, including informational reading, critical thinking, comparing and contrasting facts, technology tools, and historical...

It's hard to imagine that life on Alcatraz could be dull. A series of intriguing lessons take readers through the novel Al Capone Does my Shirts. Pre-reading questions introduce the text and a range of suggestions, from comic strips to...

Jr. high learners review the basic principles of design (balance, unity, movement, rhythm, pattern, contrast and emphasis) by watching a video by Gerald Brommer. Then they provide "aerobic exercise" for the right side of their brains by...

Analyze the setting behind the Great Depression in California with Pam Munoz Ryan's Esperanza Rising. Middle schoolers assess the protagonist during her coming-of-age moments, while migrant workers manage the hardships of the...

Assess your class's understanding of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility with a fun and creative final project. Using what they have learned about the novel's characters, they create presentations featuring music and images that...

This was written for ESOL learners, but could work for any elementary class. Learners read about the American dance style known as Square Dancing. They explore its use in literature, write a friendly letter about it, and then use their...

By The Great Horn Spoon is a fantastic novel for introducing learners to life during the California Gold Rush. First, kids research and analyze American folk songs, then they connect to the text as they listen to symphonic pieces written...

Students listen to a read aloud of Mary Ann Hoberman's A House Is a House for Me before discussing the meaning of habitats and the different types of homes that people live in. Next, they pretend to be architects and design a home for...

Students brainstorm lists of places, events and relationships that define them. They search for clip art and pictures in magazines to illustrate the items on their list and create a graphic timeline of their lives.

A variation on classic Valentine's Day lessons that is sure to please, your elementary class construct heart mobiles using construction paper, string or yarn, hole punchers, foil, and pencils.

Students create a collaborative drawing. In this cooperation skills lesson, students are divided into small groups and are given art supplies. Students decide on a topic for their illustration and create the drawing on large paper....

Students explore the best approaches to reading with book buddies (younger students). Students create a student-friendly definition for "mentor" and identify traits of a success that a mentor displays. They examine literature for...

Students visit a Japanese cooking website. They locate information in a recipe, write their own recipe in Japanese, write a cooking memo in dictionary form, and create a cooking video.

Learners select a novel of their choice and complete assignments that are self-assigned. Students display responsibility in completing self-assigned projects and meet deadlines.

Upcoming chemists construct atom or molecule models out of candy. This is a classic idea that learners really enjoy; however, this lesson plan is vague. There is no instruction about the structure of atoms or molecules. Make sure you...

Students analyze the true meaning of giving in this three part lesson. First, the students make a fanciful wish for a loved one. Second, they students make hand-made presents such as stepping-stones for the school garden, Finally,...

Fifth graders investigate the significance of the keelboat in the Lewis and Clark expedition. They define the key themes of the expedition and classify them in prescribed format, an ABC book.

Students read classic children's books. In this Dr. Seuss lesson, students read the Seuss classics The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs & Ham and Horton Hears a Who. Students create models based on story characters and discuss the...

Students create Valentine's Day hearts in this variation of a classic activity for the early-elementary classroom. The "hands that touch the heart" is a great gift that can be given to family, friends, or fellow students. A materials...