Curated OER
The Witch of Goingsnake
Students interpret a proverb and read examples of oral histories. In this The Witch of Goingsnake lesson, students read two samples of oral history and discuss quotations from each. Students read "Calf Roper's Bandit Car" and...
Curated OER
Writing a Book Review - Fiction
Fifth graders write a fiction book review. In this response to literature lesson, 5th graders read a story and share their understanding and opinion of the book. They write what the book is about, what they like about the book, and what...
New York City Department of Education
Colonial America and The American Revolution
How did the founding of the American colonies lead to a revolution? Use the essential question and sample activities to guide learners through a series of history lessons. Additionally, the packet includes effective strategies to...
The New York Times
I Don’t Think So: Writing Effective Counterarguments
When it comes to writing effective arguments, writers must do more than simply make a claim, counterarguments must be considered. Aspiring writers analyze counterarguments in editorials, and then learn how to write counterarguments in...
Curated OER
Activities on the Theme of Summer 2
Students explore activities related to summer. They develop their sense of poetry and extend their vocabulary through summer associations. They discuss sun safety tips, nouns and verbs related to summer and sun facts. They create...
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Drawing Conclusions Based on Literary Elements
Students compare versions of Cinderella and draw conclusions based on the story elements identified. In this literacy comprehension and story elements lesson plan, students read several versions of Cinderella, complete a "Comparing...
Curated OER
Tattoos
Students investigate the history, art, and consequences of tattoos in the UK and other countries. They participate in drawing, matching, reading, and design activities all centered on the theme of tattoos.
Curated OER
Using Cartoons and Comic Strips
Students explore cartoons and comic strips to practice a variety of language and discussion activities. They explore the themes of humor, culture, and issues in cartoons and comic strips. They draw pictures to represent the last frame...
Curated OER
Chocolate Chaos
Second graders demonstrate the ability to understand the elements of a story (theme, plot, setting, mood) and characters, by discussing and writing about each. The children have fun with chocolate related activities and enjoy reading...
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
Gender Separate Dialogue Groups
Students complete studies to learn about tolerance for gender groups. In this gender study lesson, students are divided into gender groups and discuss how it feels to be grouped that way. Students brainstorm messages about what it means...
Film English
The Man Who Planted Trees
Grow an understanding of short story with a well-sequenced plan built around an Academy Award-winning short film. Class members explore the elements of an effective short story, and practice writing their own. They also watch the short...
Curated OER
The Last Lecture: Concept Analysis
Designed as an overview for instructors using The Last Lecture for the first time, this packet provides an overview of Randy Pausch and Jeffrey Zaslow's book.
Curated OER
Essential Questioning PowerPoint
Sixth graders create a powerpoint presentation about a research topic of their choice. They brainstorm several topics to identify an essential question that they would like to research. Using traditional and technological resources, 6th...
Curated OER
Focus On Figurative Language in Prose
Students examine the use of literary prose in the story, "Dark They Were, and Golden-Eyed." In this literary prose lesson, students investigate the use of imagery, metaphor, and simile in the story. They tell how author's purpose is...
San Francisco Symphony
The 20% of Beethoven
Compare Beethoven's fifth symphony to latin music and disco. Learners will listen to and discuss the elements found in the first part of Beethoven's composition. They'll then look for the same elements in Tito Puente and Bee Gees songs....
Curated OER
Pudd'nhead Wilson: Concept Analysis
Learn all about the book Pudd'nhead Wilson with this analysis of the text. You can plan your unit with the useful teacher information provided here and use the project ideas to enrich instruction.
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Social Commentary
Expose your class to the genre of political cartoons less concerned with serious political issues. This political cartoon analysis handout features social commentary on the many entertainments of youth, ironically paired with their...
California Education Partners
Glass Menagerie
As a reading comprehension assessment, ninth graders are asked to use evidence drawn from The Glass Menagerie to support an analysis of how Tennessee Williams uses specific lines to develop Amanda's character as well as her...
Facing History and Ourselves
The Audacity of a Vote: Susan B. Anthony’s Arrest
Susan B. Anthony's speech "Is It a Crime for Women to Vote?" takes center stage in a lesson that asks class members to consider how they might respond to what they consider an unjust law. Groups work through the speech paragraph by...
Curated OER
Famous Authors Vocabulary Multiple Choice Worksheet
Don't let the title fool you, this worksheet has little to do with authors! Instead, it tests your middle schoolers on their knowledge of language arts vocabulary. Words like audience, intrigue, novel, and recognition are covered.
Curated OER
Introducing Literacy Elements in Nonfiction
Explore nonfiction writing with your class. They will identify elements in nonfiction by reviewing elements of fiction. Then they use biographies, memoirs, menus, Time for Kids, and text books to identify elements of nonfiction. They...
Curated OER
Exploring Tolerance and Related Essential Questioning on Acceptance and Diversity
Students explore the concept of diversity. They discuss ways in which people differ. Students visit various websites and discuss the vocabulary words found on these sites. They read stories from various countries and discuss the people...
Curated OER
Impace of Humanities growth on the Surrounding Animal Population
Fourth graders read books about endangered animals. Using Kidspiration software, 4th graders create a presentation illustrating the plight of endangered animals. They identify problems, develop a graphic organizer, and explain the origin...