Engage your class in a series of activities, each related to the use or analysis of symbols used to convey patriotic or national concepts. They identify different national symbols and explain their meanings, discussing the importance of...

Combine visual and performing art in this creative lesson. Young filmmakers first choose a piece of art, along with music that matches the feel of the art, and write dialogue to go with the scene. They research the artist and record...

Wrap up the unit in one final design. Pairs use their knowledge of aviation to design new flying machines and record how their designs take into consideration the forces that act upon airplanes. The pupils determine whether their designs...

What will flying look like in the future? The 21st lesson in a 22-part unit on aviation reviews the major aspects of the lesson. Pupils brainstorm ideas of a future flying machine.

Batten down the hatches, there's a storm brewing. Young writers learn how to brainstorm ideas for a personal narrative in the second lesson of this writing series. Watch the video and follow along with the instructor as she explains her...

How do you choose a topic for an argumentative essay? Support your young writers through this vital first step in crafting an argumentative essay as they construct a list of possible topics, free write, and then work to choose the topic...

This video is sure to convince your class of the importance of including strong evidence to support a thesis statement! Young writers learn what type of information is needed to convince a reader, where to attain such information, and...

Do your learners really understand brainstorming? Here’s a presentation that covers the ground rules, procedures, and phases of this thought-provoking design tool.

Prepare your class for writing an argumentative essay. In order to get ready to write their essays, which will focus on The Giver by Lois Lowry, class members complete a think-pair-share about character decisions. They also list and...

Design your own video game, engineer accident-proof highways, or even develop a new phone app! The Engineering Design Model can be used with all ages and in all subject areas to create a product, system or service. The resource explains...

An introductory lesson shows learners how pervasive and influential advertising is in our culture; particularly, how teenagers are actively targeted by advertisers. As teenagers, your students already have all the information they need...

A series of activities help middle- and high-schoolers identify and explore gender stereotypes and how they can lead to violence and abuse. Use think-pair-share to activate whole class brainstorming about what it means to "be a man" and...

Let your writers take a break from formal writing and experiment with undirected freewriting. First they'll discuss the difference between directed and undirected freewriting. Then they'll put their knowledge to work and create some...

Take the classic "group-written story" and apply it to the computer. Instead of passing around a sheet of paper for learners to continue writing where another person left off, have individuals move from computer to computer, continuing...

Briefly start writers off right with directions on creating effective topic sentences and cohesive paragraphs. Some examples of topic sentences are given so that scholars can decipher their effectiveness. 

Who wants a hamburger? Scholarly thinkers examine jobs in the fast food industry. Small groups discuss the jobs available in a fast food restaurant, research one of the jobs and gather information about salary, educational needs, and...

First graders examine compound words and what they look like.  In this compound word lesson, 1st graders read the book, My Baseball Book, and compile a list of compound words from their reading. 

Use this brainstorming organizer to help writers organize their song ideas. Starting with the name of the song, they will use bubbles to brainstorm various elements of a song from lyrics to meaning.

The writing process can be daunting for many young learners. This presentation breaks it down into seven manageable steps, including examples that clearly model the process for young writers. Present this resource to your class in the...

Lead your learners through the different stages of the writing process. Show them this presentation as they work through a writing assignment, breaking it up over several days of work. You might also post this on a class website as a...

Students practice the skills of reflection and evaluation. In this reflection activity, students are grouped together and asked to brainstorm what they have learned during a particular unit. Students decide what they want to share with...

Start by clicking on the icon that says, "Download the Activity." The format is much easier to read and understand here! Then, encourage your class to write about some of their favorite things through a three-paragraph essay. Examples...

Are you planning to have a guest speaker talk to your class? Prepare in advance and help your class transform into an engaged and thoughtful audience. Before the visit, young writers work cooperatively to brainstorm what they want to...

Young scholars explore the dynamics, the challenges, and the rewards of adjusting to a new culture through the reading of "Help! My Father is Coming" and "The Visit to Vijay's". In this social culture lesson plan, students carousel...