Lesson Plan
National Endowment for the Humanities

A Story of Epic Proportions: What Makes a Poem an Epic?

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners analyze the epic poem form and its roots in oral tradition. In this epic poetry lesson, young scholars research the epic hero cycle and recognize the pattern of events and elements. Learners analyze the patterns embedded in the...
Lesson Planet Article
Curated OER

The Epic Poem in History

For Teachers 6th - 9th
Teachers can help students understand the connection between epic poetry and modern stories and songs.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lessons of the Indian Epics: Following the Dharma

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine how the epic poem, "Ramayana" teaches dharma, one of Hinduism's most important tenets. They read the abridged version of the "Ramayana," identify the main plot points, complete a chart, and write an essay on a moral...
PPT
Curated OER

Western Medieval European Poetry and Literature

For Teachers 11th - 12th
One of the Common Core standards requires learners to make connections between literature or media of the past and the present. Provided here, are key elements found in medieval poetry and literature that are connected to several more...
Lesson Plan
National Endowment for the Humanities

The Beauty of Anglo-Saxon Poetry: A Prelude to Beowulf

For Teachers 9th - Higher Ed Standards
Riddle me this! What do kennings, caesura, and alliteration have to do with the Nowell Codex? Introduce class members to Anglo-Saxon poetry and prepare readers for a study of Beowulf with a series of activities that...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Cartoons for the Classroom: Epic Battle Rages On

For Students 8th - 12th
In this current events learning exercise, students analyze political cartoons about the election of 2008 and respond to 3 talking point questions.
PPT
Curated OER

Romanticism: The Artistic Expression of Liberalism

For Teachers 10th - Higher Ed
The epic clash of reason and emotion comes to life in this informative presentation. Detailing the period of Romanticism in 19th century Europe, these slides contain pictures of the most famous pieces of art during this period. Viewers...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Ramayana: Showing your Dharma

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students identify characters and events from the Ramayana. They discuss ways in whcih the images convey non-verbal information and messages. They discuss similarities and differences in the visual and verbal tellings of the Ramayana.
Lesson Planet Article
Curated OER

Literature of the Ancient World

For Teachers 6th - 9th
The literature of the ancient world can provide a motivating way for students to explore history.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Shadow Theater of the Mahabharata

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers explore the Hindu epic, Mahabharata, by creating Javanese shadow puppets and performing significant scenes from the story. They combine their artistic ability with their desire to learn an important aspect of the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Prelude To Beowulf

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students study the literature and literary techniques of the early Middle Ages, thus preparing students to read Beowulf with an appreciation for its artistry and beauty. Students solve online riddles, write riddles and study Anglo-Saxon...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Cartoons for the Classroom: 2008 Presidential Primaries

For Students 9th - 12th
Take a trip back in time with this political cartoon analysis worksheet, which has scholars reading background information on the heated 2008 primary campaign to help them approach two political cartoons. Three talking points (or writing...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Lesson Plan for Korea: P'ansori

For Teachers 12th
Twelfth graders read different versions of P'ansori in an attempt to gain exposure to this form of literature. They gain information in order to help understand the context of how they are part of the Korean culture.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

WHAT SHOULD ARJUNA DO?

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students become familiar with the Bhagavad Gita, recognize the various arguments Lord Krishna gave for doing one's dharma, explore the idea of karma yoga, acting with holy indifference.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Agricultural Economics and the American Revolution

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Read through this printable version of a handout discussing Economics and the American Revolution. There are key terms and facts for students to focus on. This case study illustrates economic principles that remain important today. See...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Signal Flags

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students use signal flags chart to identify common ship signals. They create different signal flags and meanings on their own.