Curated OER
It Was a Dark and Stormy Night
Using Alpha Smarts, 3rd graders write a "Story-in-the-Round". The end result of this project is one story for every student in the class that has been written by the entire class. Students create a PowerPoint presentation with a...
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Adventure Writing: Oregon's Landscape as a Setting
Students identify geographical features of different regions encountered by migrants on the Oregon trail. Students research how the Oregon landscape may have affected life and 19th century westward migration. Students write a narrative...
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The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
In this literature instructional activity, students respond to 20 short answer and essay questions about Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club. Students may also link to an online interactive quiz on the novel at the bottom of the page.
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Oh, Let the Rain Fall Down
Fifth graders explain the three phases of the water cycle in a narraive paragraph where they describe the journey of a single raindrop. They are introduced to five science vocabulary words and personfication.
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Great Wall of China
Students investigate the construction of the Great Wall of China. In this Chinese history lesson, students research print and Internet sources about the contributions of the Qin, Han, Tang, and Ming Dynasties. Students...
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The Jungle Book Pt. 4: Fun Trivia Quiz
Quiz your class on "The White Seal," part 4 of The Jungle Book, with this resource. Learners respond to ten surface level questions about the story and receive immediate online feedback. You'll need to look closely at the content of the...
Curated OER
A Quiz on William Golding's LOTF: Fun Trivia Quiz
Check pupils' understanding of William Golding's modern classic novel Lord of the Flies with this 10 question quiz that covers elements of the story's plot, character recognition, and some literary analysis. As with all Fun Trivia...
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Graphic Novel Writing Workshop
Khaled Hosseini’s video “Using Real People and Events” motivates learners to reflect on their own experiences and to use those experiences as the basis of a graphic novel that expresses a universal truth. The richly detailed plan...
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Julie of the Wolves
Have your class practice their comprehension skills using this resource. After reading Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George, learners engage in cause and effect activities, identify story elements and figurative language, and...
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Elements of Fiction
Students identify key story elements in a fiction text. In this literacy lesson, students are introduced to the various elements of fiction such as the setting, plot, and theme. Students read a short story of their choice and identify...
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Multimedia Book Reports
Young scholars read a chapter book of 100-200 pages in length. They create a story map and multimedia book report. Pupils review the elements of a story map such as: characters, setting, problem, important events, solution, etc.)...
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The Influence of James Nachtwey on the Field of Photojournalism
Students explore the work of James Nachtwey. For this photojournalism lesson, students discover the elements of photojournalism as they examine photographs from James Nachtwey regarding Afghanistan, AIDS, Deeds of War, Romania, Bosnia,...
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Nasreddin and the Smell of Soup
In this reading worksheet, learners read the one page story Nasreddin and the Smell of Soup and answer multiple choice questions about it. Students complete 6 questions about the story.
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Creating a Self Portrait painting With Decorative Frame
Sixth graders view a large image of a painting and discuss the history and its role in past and current culture in Mexico. Student list the symbols portrayed in the work and explain their significance. Students use elements of art to...
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The Witch of Goingsnake
Students interpret a proverb and read examples of oral histories. In this The Witch of Goingsnake lesson, students read two samples of oral history and discuss quotations from each. Students read "Calf Roper's Bandit Car" and...
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Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Questions
For this reading comprehension worksheet, students respond to 5 short answer questions about the content of Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
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Introducing Literary Elements in Fiction
Identify literary elements in fiction. In this reading comprehension lesson plan, learners read the book Pigsty and record literary elements onto a graphic organizer. They specifically discuss the main characters and events in the text.
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Silly Story Starters
Fifth graders brainstorm some ideas for each of the columns. As they call them out, write some on the sticky notes until each sticky note is used for each column They stay in the same groups; have each group draw one sticky note from...
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Literary Elements: Storytelling Techniques
Students think about what makes a story interesting to read or hear. What kinds of details make a story come to life? How can a storyteller create a feeling of excitement or suspense? What kinds of characters do students like? If anyone...
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Literary Analysis of The Minister's Black Veil
After reading The Minister's Black Veil, by Nathaniel Hawthorne as a homework assignment your class will complete a literary analysis. Learners will analyze important element of the story and take notes to help support their...
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Epic Poetry: Literary Terms for Story Analysis
What do Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and The Odyssey have in common? Why, they are all epics, of course, and are presented here as examples of the literary term. If you are beginning a study of epics, consider previewing the terms included...
Ideas From Suzi
Responding to Literature
Guide your class through a text with resources for before and after reading. Learners ask questions, discuss characters and plot points, point out elements of the reading that stood out, and compose brief summaries.
Curated OER
Tall Tales: Larger Than Life Stories
Review the elements of tall tales with your class. Take a look at their genesis and purpose. Different types of figurative language found in tall tales are included such as hyperbole, simile, and metaphor. Before reading an American tall...
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Magical Creatures Land
The opening of J.R.R. Tolkein’s The Hobbit provides a model of how to use rich details to create a setting. After reading the description of Bilbo Baggins’ abode, young writers create their own magical home for a fantasy creature. The...