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Identifying the Theme in a Story
Students recognize Theme through the use of simple, short stories. Using Pro Quest, students begin by researching the literary element, theme, and how it can be identified. They then identify the themes in Aesop's Fables and other short...
Facing History and Ourselves
What Aspects of Our Identities Do We Show to Others?
Sixth graders consider how they present their personal identities. In this character education lesson plan, 6th graders define themselves as they create masks that represent their personalities. Students share their masks and discuss...
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Alternative Assessments for Novel Units
Students can be assessed on novel units using alternative/performance assessments.
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You're a Grand Ol' Flag
Young scholars explore American flag and its symbols, and create an original flag that represents what they see in their own lives.
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The Notorious Hope Diamond: What Makes an American Legend?
Students view and discuss a video on the legend of the Hope Diamond then compare and contrast other tales such as Paul Bunyan, Pecos Bill and Johnny Appleseed. They analyze basic characteristics of these legends then use descriptive...
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Slave Culture during the Age of Jackson
Students consider slave culture during the time of Andrew Jackson. In this lesson on slavery, students watch a PowerPoint presentation, take notes, then analyze an extensive list of primary sources in order to understand what and how...
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The Lady of Shalott Theme of Art and Culture
For this reading comprehension worksheet, students respond to 4 short answer and essay questions based on themes of art and culture in "The Lady of Shalott." Students may also complete their choice of 3 reading activities suggested.
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My Life had stood – a Loaded Gun – Theme of Mortality
In this poetry analysis worksheet, learners read a paragraph regarding the preservation of life in "My Life had stood – a Loaded Gun –," by Emily Dickinson. Students consider the will to live, the “power to die,” and the power to kill as...
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Mock Trial
Students, after the traditional read and discussion of BEOWULF, put one of the the main characters on trial.
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Spoken Word Poetry
Students examine the spoken work poetry of Abiodun Oyewole. They discuss the West African Griot tradition, listen to spoken word poetry, write and perform a poem, and watch a video excerpt of a poetry workshop.
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What's in a Picture Book?
Students analyze Appalachian folktale picture books. They read and analyze various Appalachian picture books, answer discussion questions, and in small groups complete a handout, and write an essay analyzing the text and illustrations of...
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Teaching A Tale of Two Cities
Ninth graders read "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens. In groups, they analyze the opinions of various philosophers on the French Revoluion. To end the lesson, they take all the information gathered during their readings and...
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Controversial Columbus
Seventh graders examine the controversial role of Christopher Columbus. For this Christopher Columbus lesson, 7th graders determine what Columbus was like and what his motivations were as they research print and Internet sources.
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Comparing Fairy Tales
Students read and review common fairy tales and come up with a list of characteristics from them. The Teacher models filling out either a compare & contrast graphic organizer comparing two fairy tales.
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Landmarks of the Underground Railroad
Eighth graders explore Louisville, KY area Underground Railroad museums. In this Underground Railroad activity, 8th graders read Day of Tears by Julius Lester as well as other listed articles. Students discover how the railroad worked as...
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Babushka's Doll
Third graders read the story Babushka's Doll and write a summary of the main events in the story. In this summaries lesson plan, 3rd graders discuss the country of Russia before they read.
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Geometry and Quilting
Fourth graders combine geometry and language arts skills while examining quilt-making. After identifying the geometric shapes contained in quilts, they write stories to encompass the quilt border. Students conclude by creating and...
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Indians of the Plains
Second graders, in groups, explore the Plains Indians and explore how the physical climate of the Plains region affected their lives.
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The Seminoles
Students explore the Southeast Woodland region and culture of the Seminole Indians using video, art projects, books, maps and discussion.
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My Family Tradition
Students examine different family traditions to further explain social patterns. They complete a graphic organizer using educational software.
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Stamp Quilts
Sixth graders, after reading Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold, make a story of their own family time to create their own quilt.
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All About Me: My Senses
Students explore the world around them and identify their five senses and the parts of their bodies that are associated with each sense.
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Harlem Renaissance: Pivotal Period in the Development of Afro-American Culture
Students examine the time period of the Harlem Renaissance. In groups, they compare and contrast the type of art before and after the movement along with the state of society at the time. After reading a book on the topic of their...