Compelling discussions are the result of open-ended, challenging questions. An introduction to Paideia discussions includes explicit directions about how to prepare readers and how to model the kinds of questions they should develop...

Through a careful reading and examination of Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin, scholars take part in grand conversations about the novel's contents, slavery, and the impact the book had on it. Furthermore,...

So many people fought for Civil Rights in the United States. Read about the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and discuss what the act guarantees. Then pass out a slew of magazines and encourage them to observe how often minorities appear in...

Help your middle-schoolers expand their writing skills with this activity on episodic writing, which focuses on story details, idea development, and organization. After reading "The Eighth Picture: End of Summer" from Patricia Reilly...

Here's an activity that uses a reading comprehension strategy based on Bloom's taxonomy to focus readers' attention on key passages from Edward Bloor's Tangerine. Worthy of a place in your curriculum library.

What makes a source primary or secondary? Middle schoolers read a definition of each term before exploring different examples and applying their knowledge to a research project.

All sources are pretty much the same, right? If this is how your class views the sources they use for writing or research projects, present them with a media literacy lesson on smart source evaluation. Groups examine several articles,...

After reading The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and an article about the use of the novel, class members engage in a Socratic seminar focused on whether or not Twain's book should be banned.

An informative worksheet invites learners to compose essays about animals. Some excellent writing prompts are included in this innovative worksheet. Use these ideas with a variety of grade levels.

Explore the elements of science fiction. Students investigate the literary elements present in science fiction and write their own science fiction stories.

Students examine the experience of the middle passage of slaves. They review slave songs and discuss their common themes. They develop a monologue in which they integrate a fragment of an actual slave song into a poem they have written.

Students examine the difference between a narrator and author. They read Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel, 'The Scarlet Letter,' write a description of the narrator, and research how Hawthorne was impacted by the politics of the time.

Considering using Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry for book circles or whole-class study? First time teachers, and those who have used the text before, will find some interesting tidbits in this overview.

Encourage respect, responsibility, and caring within your classroom with a collection of lessons that spark dialogue and self reflection. To address character traits, lessons touch on topics such as staying safe in the...

Students examine individuality.  In this music video lesson, students listen to music by India Arie to determine how music shapes our ideas of what normal is as well as how music is a form of poetry.  Activities are related to...

Learners are given the story To Kill a Mockingbird and a rubric before starting their writing project. They are aware of the guidelines that the teacher is using in order for students to obtain their passing grade.

In this online interactive literature worksheet, students respond to 11 short answer and essay questions about D.H. Lawrence's Sons and Lovers. Students may check some of their answers online.

Learners complete internet based research on pet care in order to prepare a written and oral presentation for the class. They examine the life span, environment, food and grooming of the pet they chose to research. They complete the...

Students study newspaper articles and rewrite events from literature into news stories about kindness. In this news article lesson, students read sentences from newspaper articles and identify the purpose of the article. Students...

Sixth graders simulate an election-year debate between opposing political parties. In this persuasive-speech lesson plan, 6th graders will work in teams to prepare for and participate in a debate between opposing parties. The lesson plan...

Young scholars recognize both sides of a dilemma through use of a Human Interaction Outline.  In this Goals, Interactions and Outcome lesson, students create a diagram to show opposing views of fishermen and oil companies. ...

Third graders read an article called "All About Pandas." In this Panda lesson,  students become familiar with the connection of the Panda to Chinese culture.  Students recognize that Pandas are endangered. Students complete a...

In this literature worksheet, students respond to 8 short answer and essay questions about Ibsen's A Doll's House. Students may also link to an online interactive quiz on the novel at the bottom of the page.

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