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Whittle, Whittle it Down: Summarizing
Sixth graders are introduced to the jigsaw method of summarizing text. In groups, they create their own summary and work together as a class to create just one class summary. To end the instructional activity, they read the class...
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Main Idea and Supporting Details
Eighth graders identify the main idea and supporting details in paragraphs. In this language arts lesson, 8th graders review organizational patterns in paragraphs and determine which pattern is best for a given situation. Individually,...
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Millennium Santa!
Third graders decide what would make Santa look modern and in style. They write a descriptive paragraph that another student then reads. They try to draw the image conveyed in the writing. They read the paragraphs and match them with the...
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Timeline
Pupils develop a timeline that depicts geologic development and the history of life. They write an interpretive analysis essay that discusses and reflects on their observations.
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Tree Brains
Seventh graders use a tree as a graphic organizer for a prewriting strategy. Some of the "trees" are used to create verbal paragraphs for practice.
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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Fourth graders research and write an author report on Roald Dahl, including books written by him, birthplace, family life, and other information on his writing. Students read aloud chapters in the book. Students create a newspaper...
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The Breakfast Busters Persuade Others
Students write persuasive essays about their favorite breakfast cereal after seeing how advertisements are used to influence people.
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Language Arts: Native Americans and Onomatopoeias
Fifth graders read the Native American tale, "The Frog and the Crane," focusing on the use of onomatopoeia in it. In groups, they brainstorm list of words that are examples of the device. Finally, 5th graders write their own stories...
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Extreme Work Makeover
Students revise paragraphs for effective word choice. In this effective word choice lesson, students analyze a paragraph for purpose, audience, development, and conventions. Students identify commonly overused words and...
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Solar System: Fantasy Planet
Young scholars create their own fantasy planet using computer software on KidPix. In this planets lesson plan, students also write a paragraph about their planet including the name, population, weather, and more.
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Say It with Meaning: Applying Sayings and Phrases
Students complete a unit of lessons on well known sayings and phrases. They create a journal, write paragraphs, sequence events, and analyze key vocabulary for various sayings and phrases throughout the school year.
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Sentence Sequence
Second graders write a paragraph with detail sentences in chronological sequence.
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Self-esteem Builder
Students recognize and acknowledge each other's strengths as well as becoming more aware of their own through this activity. They write positive comments about each other and turn them into positive paragraphs.
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Persuasive Vegetables
In groups, write persuasive essays telling people whether or not they should be eating vegetables.
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Decision Making and Assertiveness
Fourth graders identify a problem and write a persuasive essay to the appropriate audience, to correct the problem. They demonstrate effective decision making based on positive self-worth. Students need to write a paragraph about their...
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Social Studies: The United Nations
Students examine the purposes of the United Nations and write brief paragraphs about them. Included is an explanation of why the United States is a member and the benefits it enjoys from membership. Students discuss the importance of...
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Picture This
Students create a descriptive paragraph about their past or their heritage and provide a picture to go along with it. In this past and heritage lesson plan, students share their paragraph with the class.
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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.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Water Cycle Animation (A lesson involving handheld computer/Palm Pilots)
Fifth graders animate the Water Cycle using Sketchy on the handheld computers. They write an expository paragraph about the stages of the water cycle using "Word-to-Go" on the Handheld computers.
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A Picture’s Worth a Thousand Words
Students examine historical photographs and discuss what the photograph reveals and how they can contribute to writing. In this response to literature students choose a photograph and develop a paragraph around it.
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Governor's Garden
Students review types of polygons and list several examples of each. They assume the role of a landscape artist interviewing for a job. They create sketches of their plans for six polygonal gardens and write an expository paragraph...
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Heroes
Tenth graders participate in research and class discussion before attempting to write a traditional five paragraph essay. They use the examples of 16 other hero stories to consider. Students use examples and descriptive details to...
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Lab Report Template
Students write a paragraph (complete sentences) which explains what they did in the lab.
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Photosynthesis With K'Nex
Students explore the process of photosynthesis. They create a diagram of photosynthesis, create a flower using K'NEX pieces and gears, and write a paragraph explaining how they would take care of their flower according to the process of...