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Chocolate Chaos
Second graders demonstrate the ability to examine the elements of a story (theme, plot, setting, mood) and characters, by discussing and writing about each. They have fun with chocolate related activities and enjoy reading about some...
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Literature: Yoshiko Uchida Unit
Sixth graders read the books, The Invisible Thread: An Autobiography by Yoshiko Uchida and Baseball Saved Us by Ken Mochizuki about Japanese Americans during World War II. They hold discussions, take quizzes, and write essays about the...
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Long ee or ea
Students practice spelling words with the long e sounds using ee or ea. In this ee or ea lesson plan, students complete words using the ee or ea pattern, identify rhyming words, and write a rhyming poem using ee words. Using word and...
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Spice Up the Basal
Fifth graders study English reading and writing skills as they participate in exciting interdisciplinary hands-on activities using a basal reading series.
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Remembering the First
Young scholars examine words and phrases associated with World War I as an introduction the era. They explore the legacy of World War I by reading and discussing "The War to End All Wars If Only." Students write obituries for fallen...
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Deduction
Students investigate the linguistic devices used by writers to create meaning. In this writing lesson, students discover why writers write in different ways showing examples of different types of text. After reading each type students...
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The Gifts of Trees
Students examine the various things trees give us. They read the book, "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein, cook a food using a tree fruit, create notepads using unused paper, construct a picture frame with twigs, and write a poem.
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Child Survival Stories: Hope To Cope
Young scholars brainstorm a list of the various scenerios going on their family life at home. In groups, they read about different perspectives on survival and identify ones they could use in their own lives. They share their own...
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Images of Black Women in Drama
Students examine different portrayals of African American women in poems and plays. Individually, they identify the character they want to play and reject the others. After acting out the scene, they hopefully realize that their...
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Seasons
Third graders draw a picture. In this seasons instructional activity, 3rd graders name the seasons of the year, discuss what happens during each season, read a poem for each season and draw a picture for each season.
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The Three Little Pigs
Students read the story The Three Little Pigs and complete language activities about them. In this The Three Little Pigs lesson plan, students research houses, draw houses, and write alliteration poems.
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Deerfield Families
To understand the consequences of the 1704 attack on Deerfield by combined French and Native American forces, groups research primary and secondary resources related to four Deerfield families involved in the attack.
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The Making of a Good Friend
Students examine the text of the Ethics of the Fathers. They decide which characteristics would make a better friend. They evaluate the actions of others around them and write a poem with a partner about sharing.
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What Makes the Wind Blow?
Student study the properties of wind. They make a miniature hot-air balloon and compose diamond-shaped poems about the wind. They explain that as the sun warms air around the earth, the air rises. Colder air then moves in to fill the...
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Reconciliation
Young scholars develop an awareness of issues involved in Reconciliation. They use two different stimuli to approach this theme. Students write definitions/interpretations of Reconciliation.
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Rain Forest Reporters
Students work as magazine reporters to produce a print or multimedia magazine about rain forests.
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Spenser, Shakespeare, and the "Blazon": Lesson 4
Students discuss the meaning and tone of Shakespeare's Sonnet 130. In this sonnets lesson, students compare Spenser's sonnets to Shakespeare's. Students discuss specific words that add to the humor in Shakespeare's sonnet,...
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Words From the Heart
Students create poems using the same method as young poet Mattie J.T. Stepanek's mother use to help him write his early poems.
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If a Picture is Worth a Thousand Words...
Fourth graders take three different photographs representing the beginning, middle and end of their story. They use the Tool Factor program Fresco to add elements to enhance their creativity and make their writing come alive. They then...
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Sonnet Form
Students explore the sonnet form. In this lesson on sonnet form, students explore various sonnets and how a sonnet can range from conventional to experimental.
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Life Is a Journey
Students consider the literal and figurative definitions of the word journey. In this metaphor lesson, students discuss life journeys and their diversity.
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Greeting Cards
Young scholars create greeting cards. They listen to verses from various cards and evaluate each one. They research websites of greeting card makers and complete a chart. They discuss themes and ideas in greeting cards and edit their...
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My Own True Name
Students read passages from My Own True Name. They write their own poems and present them to the class. They share their favorite lines from the poem as well.
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A Poet's New Post
Students investigate the genre of poetry and focus upon its purpose while participating in class discussion. They read about the life and writings of Charles Simic and use it for the context of creating poetry that is similar in style.