Language arts learners don't need a lecture about poetry; they listen to poetry every day on the radio! Apply skills from literary analysis to famous songs and beautiful lyrics with a lesson about literary devices. As...

Once upon a time are four words most children are familiar with when reading a fairy tale. But do they know that fairy tales are a great way to learn the literary elements of reading and writing? Use a thorough fairy tale unit...

Is it crazy to fall in love with your own work, or is that the purest love of all? Compare two renditions of the classic Greek myth Pygmalion and Galatea with a literary analysis exercise. After students compare the similarities and...

Students compare versions of Cinderella and draw conclusions based on the story elements identified. For this literacy comprehension and story elements lesson, students read several versions of Cinderella, complete a "Comparing Folklore"...

Students use the story 'On the Sidewalk Bleeding' to analyze the various conflict types found in literature. In this conflict lesson, students view a PowerPoint about the story and identify the four types of conflict. Students identify...

Fourth graders describe the importance of recognizing and forecasting conflict and taking steps to solving it. They analyze conflict situations, follow the steps for solving conflict, and provide solutions involving compromise.

Bring Edgar Allan Poe's spooky story to life! After reading the short story "The Tell-Tale Heart," middle and high schoolers identify the theme, character traits, irony, and other story concepts. During pre-reading, they take notes,...

Learners explore ways to handle conflict. In this mental health lesson, students investigate ways to tell others how they feel and discover that identifying their emotions can help them resolve conflict.

Learners study situations where rights are in conflict. In this conflict in rights instructional activity, students review a conflict situation and the Supreme Court ruling for the issue. Learners review the Bill of Rights and then...

The tale of "Lon Po Po" is a Chinese story, very similar to the European tale of "Little Red Riding Hood." Learners make cross cultural comparisons between the two tales, focusing on themes common to both. They review story elements such...

An activity boosts reading comprehension by challenging scholars to answer questions about a narrative tale detailing elements—plot, characters, setting, theme, problem, and solution.

Learners outline the action in their narrative writing assignments by brainstorming about conflict. In this conflict analysis lesson, students define conflict and discuss the different types of conflict. Learners brainstorm about a...

Seventh graders identify story elements utilizing a plot summary organizer. In this story elements lesson, 7th graders discuss the elements of a good story. Students use The Three Little Pigs to practice finding the plot elements....

Students complete story frames to demonstrate understanding of plot development and conflict resolution.

Students explore the concepts of narrative writing. They identify the basic elements in narrative writing such as the setting description, characters, conflict, climax and resolution. Using five adjectives from a previous spelling unit,...

Middle schoolers create booklets to provide information on elements of a novel, including plot, setting, character, major and minor conflicts and theme.

Students explore empathy and fairness. They examine the importance of being able to empathize with people who are different from themselves. Students explore ways of resolving conflict and they recognize the concerns of others.

Students explore conflict resolution techniques. They develop strong conflict resolution techniques and create a peaceful classroom environment that promotes learning. Students teach others in the community about how to create peace.

Students read "The Gift of the Magi" and review the elements and theme in the story. In groups, students sketch another students' outline on butcher paper. They use the body parts to relate the characteristics of Della and Jim. ...

Students read a book.  In this story elements lesson, students share their favorite food, predict what the story will be about and discuss how they would feel if they got to eat their favorite food everyday.  Students read the...

Learners read Hansel and Gretel, and discuss the conflict in the story, while determining who the protagonist and the antagonist are.  In this fiction instructional activity, students chart the conflict in the story they have just...

This discussion guide accompanies the fiction book Midnight Magic written by Avi, enforces story elements, inferences, and theme/plot. Have the class work on it over time, it will engage even your reluctant readers. 

Tenth graders differentiate between positions, interests, and values.  In this current events lesson, 10th graders analyze, in a response to literature, the failure of a fictional negotiation.  Students demonstrate the ability...

The world is a stage, and so is your classroom! Hone the skills of the next generation of Tony® award winners with a set of exercises, reference pages, writing prompts, and excerpts from famous plays.