A video leads off this activity on fables, introducing the class to this important form of traditional storytelling. The group defines fable and hears an explanation of the origin of this type of folk tale. They summarize the story they...

In this exercise, learners examine the difference between a theme, topic, and moral. After a class discussion on the definition of literary themes, the instructor reads The Cello of Mr. O by Jane Cutler. Next, individuals analyze the...

Elementary and middle schoolers research animal facts and use them in a fable. First, they pair-share to find animal traits to use in writing a fable. They then complete a prewriting worksheet. After going through the writing process,...

Learners examine the life of a teenager from their own perspective and an adult's. In groups, they focus on the biological changes and how they are different in a girl and a boy. Individually, they write a paper about these changes and...

Students explore schools during the Colonial period. In this American history lesson, students participate in a simulation of school days in Colonial America. Students visit a museum and use the schoolhouse as a setting for their...

In this modal verbs learning exercise, students fill in the blanks to sentences with the correct modal verb and choose its function. Students complete 8 problems total.

If your class is reading Demian by Hermann Hesse, consider printing this list of essay questions to help them explore the text. There are 13 questions provided; some are basic recall questions, but others encourage a deeper...

Students examine the roles of women in the nineteenth and early twentieth century. They identify how class and nationality affected a woman's place in society. They also discover women's resistance to change during the time period.

In this writing skills instructional activity, class members read sentences about developmental psychology that need revisions and then revise them in order to make them better. The 11 sentences range from the humorous to the...

Young scholars read and analyze the play "The Diary of Anne Frank" based on the book of the same name. They identify philanthropic concepts and values in the play and discuss the ways in which specific characters actions affect the...

For this literature worksheet, students respond to 46 short answer and essay questions about The Rise of Silas Lapham. Students may also link to an online interactive quiz on the selection at the bottom of the page.

In this literature instructional activity, students respond to 10 short answer and essay questions about Zola's Nana. Students may also link to an online interactive quiz on the novel at the bottom of the page.

Students research the theory that everything is connected to everything else. Students explore the concept of how do we put normative values on our nonhuman environment. Students investigate an ecologist and write an informational...

Students explore philanthropy. In this service learning instructional activity, students read Runaway Rice Cake, identify the elements of the story, and make rice cakes to share with others.

In this online interactive literature worksheet, students respond to 10 short answer and essay questions about Thomas Hardy's The Return of the Native. Students may check some of their answers online.

In this literature instructional activity, students respond to 12 short answer and essay questions about Idylls of the King. Students may also link to an online interactive quiz on the novel at the bottom of the page.

Students write an expository paragraph about the uses of the Nashua River for the Native Americans and the European Colonists. In this river uses lesson plan, students determine the causes and effects of both parties using the river.

Students examine various creation myths from around the world. They compare/contrast the myths, write their own creation stories, and present their myths to the class in the form of storytelling, role-playing, dance, or a puppet show.

Young scholars discuss works of science fiction that they read, highlight aspects that made each a part of science fiction genre, identify formal literary elements, and discuss ways each can be developed through science fiction.

In this literature worksheet, students respond to 13 short answer and essay questions about Eliot's The Mill on the Floss. Students may also link to an online interactive quiz on the novel at the bottom of the page.

Students view and analyze "Still Life," by Cornelis de Heem. They answer discussion questions about the painting, write similes, discuss symbolism, create a still life sketch, and create a paint box poem.

Sixth graders explore the aspect of slave life on the Sea Islands. They explore the Gullah language, folk tales, music and games during the "off" times of slaves. Students read and interpret Gullah folk tales. They recognize music in the...

Pupils examine heroes and discuss their characteristics, values, and actions. They produce Powerpoint presentations on real-life and fictional heroes. Students interview veterans for an oral history project.

This site provides a detailed overview of "Everyman," and includes the full text of the work, related essays and articles, and additional resources.