Curated OER
Growing a Story
Students discover how to grow their own story from a single idea. They create a list of fairy-tale items, such as magic wands, glass slippers, pumpkin coaches, and magic beans. They choose a single item from the class list and answer ...
Curated OER
Mardi Gras Madness
CStudents create a sensory chart in on the topic of Mardi Gras. They design a brainstorm web using Inspiration and complete creative writing assignment. Students write a poem about Mardi Gras that is presented to the class at the final...
Curated OER
Nursery Rhyme Mania
Students become familiar with many different nursery rhymes. They use nursery rhymes for a variety of creative activities including writing, singing, poetry and acting.
Curated OER
Indian Reservation Haiku Poem
Students examine and write about the relocation of Native Americans to Indian reservations. They view and discuss primary source photographs, brainstorm for details and emotions in a small group, and write a Haiku poem about the...
Curated OER
Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears
Second graders study folktales and their characteristics. After brainstorming what they know about Africa, 2nd graders read a book about mosquitoes. In groups, students develop a graphic organizer about the characteristics of the...
Curated OER
Advertising
Students complete a product analysis as a study of advertising. In this advertising lesson, students discuss advertising by putting up 10 product logos with the name of the products taken out. Students see how many products they can...
Curated OER
Dodging Responsibility
Students explore responsibility. In this character education lesson, students review the definition of responsibility and brainstorm possible consequences of taking responsibility and not taking responsibility. Student's thoughts...
Curated OER
We Thank You, Veteran!
Fifth graders use information from videos, picture books, and relatives' military backgrounds to write a short or extended message of gratitude on a greeting card for local veterans.
Curated OER
The Great Gatsby
Eleventh graders investigate the concept of the American Dream. They use the novel "The Great Gatsby" as an example from literature. Students brainstorm in order to define the American Dream.
Curated OER
Photo Essay
Young scholars examine the process of writing a photo essay. They examine and select a personal photo or photo from a magazine, and brainstorm a story that can go with the photo. They identify an emotion to go with their picture, then...
Curated OER
Making a Peanut Butter Sandwich
Students give their teacher directions on how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. In this direction lesson plan, students brainstorm the day before on the items they will need.
Curated OER
Just the Facts, Ma'am
Students use tables of content, chapter titles, and key words as a strategy for organizing non-fiction information. They write a paragraph with a partner using information from a graphic organizer.
Curated OER
I'm Special Books
Students become aware of the concept that each of us is special. They develop an appreciation for the special things that each can do now, and begin to develop early literacy skills. Each student creates a book about themselves and...
Curated OER
Defining Caring
Students define the word care and discover the importance of caring for others. In this character education lesson, students work as a class to brainstorm synonyms for care. Learners write a list of 5 things or people that they care about.
Curated OER
Spend, Save or Donate
Students identify the difference between spending, saving, and donating. They brainstorm reasons to give and options to donate. They sing a song about donating to charity.
Curated OER
Reading Paintings, Drawing Words
Learners consider an art exhibit comprised of words that tell stories and create their own original pieces of art.
Curated OER
Tinker Toys
Students explore various computer items. They describe possible alternative uses for computer technology. Students explore the practice of "reverse engineering." They write an opinion essay on the ethics behind "reverse engineering."
Curated OER
China CultureQuest
Students use the internet and other tools to examine the culture of China. In groups, they brainstorm a list of topics they want to know more about and practice writing Chinese letters. They create a collage to show the class what...
Curated OER
Revision Activities
In this revision activities activity, students plot the development of tension throughout the book, answer seven questions about plot, analyze characters and theme, and discuss the writing style of the author. Students answer ten short...
Curated OER
The Sorcerers Shown
Young scholars consider the different genres of literary and movie characters. For this character types lesson, students brainstorm character genres from books and movies. Young scholars read the article 'Which Wizard Beats 'Em All?' and...
Curated OER
Science Fiction
Students complete compare and contrast activities for two stories about racism and tolerance in the science fiction genre. In this literary analysis lesson, students read a Ray Bradbury short story and Walter Mosley poem, watch a related...
Curated OER
Final Exam Review
Students review material from throughout the semester. They work together in groups to review the material. They discuss the best way to review for the exam.
Curated OER
Poetry Creations
Students produce iMovies to share their thoughts of friendship along with poetry creations in this technology-based lesson for the upper-elementary classroom. The lesson includes a link to a "create a poem" site and requires computers...
Curated OER
Internalizing Group Norms
Students consider how to internalize group norms. They descirbe a situation where people internalize group norms and a situation where people do not internalize group norms. They brainstorm examples of group norms and define...