Students examine some of the author's writing traits and then make an effort to incorporate his style into their own writing. They show how richly written literature can be used as a mentor text, or model, for improving one's own writing.

Tenth graders  analyze the role of mentors, point of view, and prejudice using the texts of To Kill a Mockingbird and Maya Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. In this literature analysis lesson, 10th graders review Scout's...

High schoolers use videoconferences to consult with a professional mentor as they work on a project or experiment in their science class. They evaluate the mentor experience through a written reflection. Students are assessed based on...

Students use poetry to understand conflict in the Middle East. In this poetry lesson, students read persona poems and use the poetry  and a novel as mentor text to guide their own poem about peace in the Middle East.

“America herself is an improbable journey.” So is Deval Patrick’s journey from the South Side of Chicago to the governorship of Massachusetts. The complete text of Patrick’s inaugural speech, delivered outdoors facing Boston Common,...

Fourth graders analyze the use of transitions in text. In this transitions instructional activity, 4th graders determine how and why a transition is used at a specific time in a piece of writing. They show transitions by using movements...

Students in the grades kindergarten and 2nd grade interact with each other. They (2nd graders) faciliate one on one tutoring in the areas of reading and writing with the kindergartens. Students in the 2nd grade promote mentoring skills.

Students use the Internet to research a topic for an infomercial presentation. Using the research gathered, students design the layout of a brochure. Next, students use Microsoft Publisher to create a brochure that combines images and...

Identify examples of strong voice in popular picture books. Young authors add voice to their writing and revise their own writing. In addition, they share their writing with their peers.

Third graders analyze the importance of characters in fiction writing and performances.  In this theatre lesson, 3rd graders identify the important characteristics of a fictional character and how to portray a character through many...

Fourth graders create a calendar about their state. In this state calendar lesson, 4th graders select a state theme and create a calendar based on that theme. Students write paragraphs for each month related to the theme and design the...

Pupils create stories using powerful introductory sentences by creating something other than "Once upon a time...". In this sentences lesson plan, students read The Cross of Lead to base their introductory sentences on.

Third graders listen to directions as they perform a theatrical role.  In this vocabulary lesson, 3rd graders listen to and observe the adjectives given to them during a practice of their performance by the director.  Students...

Students examine the time period of westward expansion. In groups, they use the internet to research the reasons why people moved west during the 1800s. They write their own narratives playing the role of a member of a pioneer family...

Students research topics related to zoos and zoo animals. They compare and contrast the size of animals, make a book of facts about bears, draw snakes, and write animal stories and poetry. They complete a series of writing and creative...

Eleventh graders work in groups to choose a project/presentation from a list of approved activities to develop. They select and use appropriate software for organizing and refining their product. Groups produce a short...

Students will use the lesson will integrate WebCCAT a TAKS prep software. The software will be extensions for helping the middle school teachers prepare their students for the upcoming TAKS test.

Students explore the various societal and cultural "lenses" which color their perspectives and life experiences by reading the short story "What Means Switch" by Gish Jen. They discuss how the cultural ideas and beliefs affect the...