Beacon Learning Center
What Goes Up Must Come Down
After your class has completed The Cay by Theodore Taylor, assess understanding of the plot. First, model how to fill out a plot line for your class. Next, have class members fill in the plot of The Cay on the provided story map. Invite...
Teacherfiles
Basic Story Map
Here’s an all-purpose story map template that readers can use to keep track of books read for class, of independent reading, and even for stories planned. Users identify the title, author, major characters, setting, and events from the...
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Journeys: Challenge Activities (Theme 1)
This nine-page packet, the first in the series of support materials for the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt thematic units on journeys, contains enrichment activities for learners who have mastered the basic concepts of the lessons. Kids...
Curated OER
Capitals, Oceans, And Border States
Young scholars investigate geography by completing games with classmates. In this United States of America lesson, students examine a map of North America and identify the borders of Mexico and Canada as well as the Pacific and Atlantic....
Curated OER
The Coin and the Fable: Alaska quarter reverse
An Alaskan quarter and a book of fables is what you'll need to start this lesson. Learners will use the image of the bear and the salmon found on the reverse side of the Alaskan quarter as inspiration. They will compose a fable about the...
Curated OER
Voyage to the New World
Third graders investigate the history of North America by creating a map. For this world geography lesson, 3rd graders analyze the voyage Christopher Columbus took to arrive at the new world by creating a map of his achievement. ...
Curated OER
Planning Your Essay
Students discover how to organize essays effectively. In this writing instructional activity, students construct a spider map to develop their ideas for an essay.
Curated OER
Life Map
Students compose plans for their futures. In this writing lesson, students create life maps of past events and predict future events. They brainstorm events of their lives and decide which ones are most pertinent to the map. Students...
Curated OER
How Does Climate Change Affect Animal Populations?
Students investigate the effect of climate change on animal population in Nova Scotia. In this environmental science lesson, students complete a Nova Scotia map activity and research the causes of global warming in small groups. Students...
Curated OER
Dear Peter Rabbit
Write dear old Peter Rabbit a letter with this lesson. First, youngsters listen to the story Peter Rabbit and analyze the story elements. Then they complete a story map graphic organizer in order to write a letter to Peter Rabbit using...
Curated OER
Create a Weather Newscast
Fourth graders explore and study basic weather terms, strengthen research skill on the web and create a weather newscast. They choose a weather site on the web, copy weather maps and create a videotape based on a written script to...
Curated OER
Landmarks of the Underground Railroad
Students explore Civil Rights by reading several books in class. In this Underground Railroad instructional activity, students discuss The Story of Henry Box Brown and identify the location and functionality of the Underground Railroad....
Curated OER
Letters from Rifka
Fourth graders read Letters from Rifka and discuss the feelings of people forced to leave their homes and countries. For this migration lesson, 4th graders relate their feelings about moving from their home forever. Students trace...
Curated OER
Town Mouse/ Country Mouse
Students recognize the difference between the city and the country. In this City Mouse, Country Mouse lesson, students listen to a story and describe and map differences between the city and the country. Students understand that people...
Curated OER
Look! You're Wearing Geography
Sixth graders explore economic systems. For this economics lesson, 6th graders discover global markets. Students work in small groups to identify where their clothing and materials originated. Students locate countries on a map and...
Curated OER
Little Pig, Little Pig
First graders compare versions of the Three Little Pigs. In this comparison lesson, 1st graders read several version of the Three Little Pigs and compare the situations, characters, settings, solutions, emotions and costumes. Students...
Curated OER
Etiquette Lessons for Students
Students explore the meaning of good manners and proper etiquette. For this behavior lesson, students read an article that explains manners in the social setting and workplace, then complete several activities that reinforce the...
PreKinders
Pre-K Assessment Forms
This is a Pre-K teacher's must-have resource for pre-assessing learners at the beginning of the school year! Covering everything from alphabet recognition and sorting objects to social-emotional development and work habits, this resource...
Curated OER
The Hamburger Essay - AKA The Sandwich Essay
Students discuss how a five paragraph essay has five basic parts. They compare this to a well-made hamburger. They create a mind map of a five paragraph essay using the graphic of a tasty hamburger sandwich.
Curated OER
Pay it Forward
Students explore the basic concept of micro-financing. In this economics/literacy lesson, students listen to One Hen by Katie Smith, in which a small loan changes the life of the main character. Students employ comprehension strategies...
Curated OER
Favorite Foods
Students explore human health by completing food choice worksheets. In this world hunger instructional activity, students discuss the importance of eating three daily meals and how to feed the underprivileged through charities and soup...
Curated OER
Introduction to World Religions: Islam
Sixth graders explore religion by viewing a presentation in class. In this global culture lesson, 6th graders define the Islam religion and the stories that accompany it. Students read the story "Muhammad" by Demi and view an Internet...
Curated OER
Introduction to Canada
Ninth graders investigate the country of Canada by examining their media in this geography lesson. They use the Internet to research Canadian newspapers and analyze a topic covered by both US and Canadian media sources. After comparing...
US Mint
Symbols in My Eyes
Explore the hidden meanings behind the images on US currency with this elementary school lesson on symbolism. Starting with a class discussion about symbols, children go on to brainstorm different objects that represent the Unites States...