Lesson Plan
PBS

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ Speech as a Work of Literature

For Teachers 6th - 12th
To appreciate the oratory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, scholars examine the rhetorical devices and influences that make the speech so famous. They examine background information, conduct a close reading of the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Native Americans and Giving

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students explore the concept of philanthropy. In this Brother Eagle, Sister Sky: The Words of Chief Seattle instructional activity, students examine the plight of Native Americans and explore Native Americans' quest for the "common good."
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Impromptu Speech

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Focus on presentation techniques with this lesson, which prompts middle schoolers give an impromptu speech. They practice public speaking by giving a short unprepared speech. Some preparations are made to include an introduction, body,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Impromptu Speeches

For Teachers 8th - 11th
Students formulate an impromptu speech about a given topic. In this public speaking lesson, students choose a topic from a deck of pre-written index cards and quickly present an impromptu speech. Students use a rubric to review the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Impromptu Speeches

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers brainstorm their favorite summer activities and volunteers five impromptu speeches. They review the rubric for impromptu speeches and discuss possible topics for speeches. They give impromptu speeches and evaluate each other.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Making a Speech

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders make a five minute speech on the life of a famous person.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Impromptu Speech

For Teachers 5th - 7th
Students present a speech. In this public speaking lesson, students learn what an impromptu speech is and the important facets of the introduction and conclusion. Students present an impromptu speech.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

An Ideal for Which I Am Prepared to Die

For Teachers 9th - 10th Standards
English language learners have an opportunity to closely examine the academic language in portions of Nelson Mandela's famous 1964 Court Speech, "An Ideal for Which I Am Prepared to Die," with a lesson that looks at key passages from the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Wall of Philanthropists: King Day (7th)

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students recognize the importance of justice, tolerance, equality, and historical figures. In this philanthropic actions activity, students study the philanthropic actions of historical figures, and learn about the concepts of fairness,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

You're Hired!

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Learners participate in a simulation of being a speech writer for the President. They listen to and analyze speeches and present one of their own.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Convince Me!

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners use the Internet to learn the art of persuasive speaking in order to present a speech in a convincing manner. Students analyze the characteristics of a good speech, and then practice giving one.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Bag Buildings

For Teachers K - 3rd
Pupils create building from paper bags. In this building lesson, students draw buildings on different size paper bags. They wear these bags on their heads or hands and tell the story of the building.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Debate on Ratification: Should We Ratify the New Constitution?

For Teachers 8th - 11th
Students determine whether the Constitution should be ratified. In this U.S. Constitution lesson, students research the roles of famous Federalists and Antifederalists in order to prepare them to participate in a classroom simulation...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

"Mother Earth" -- Past

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students examine our connection to the Earth. They identify how Native Americans believed in a "Mother Earth". They discover how the earth and life are connected.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Omaha Immigration Case Study

For Teachers 11th
Eleventh graders explore the immigration patterns in the United States.  In this American History lesson, 11th graders study the push and pull factors that caused immigration.  Students research one group of individuals and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Debate On Ratification

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students simulate a delegate that was responsible for the Constitution. They research their arguments, and stage a debate in front of the state's legislature (the class). The class then vote whether or not to ratify the new Constitution.