Lesson Plan
Curated OER

fantastic Characters

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Students study stories. In this writing lesson, students discuss the three aspects of a story, read stories focusing on the characters, write a story as a class about a character made up by the class, and write a story with an exciting...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Memoir

For Teachers 6th - 10th
After reading and analyzing two narrative memoirs, middle schoolers engage in a variety of activities, including writing an essay, developing a story map, and creating character charts. They then compare and contrast story maps, and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Horatio's Drive

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Students assess the literary quality and elements of Jackson's journey to write a ballad about his automobile adventure.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mission Accomplished

For Teachers 2nd
Second graders describe the impact of certain figures in United States history, including Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. They describe experiences of early American explorers and compose narratives from the perspectives of others.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Worth a Thousand Words

For Teachers 1st
First graders examine the significance of the American bison to the American Indians of the Great Plains. They create a story in pictographs in the style of American Indians of the Plains.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Beyond Louisiana

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the challenges that faced the United States as a new nation, especially those related to exploration, expansion, and international affairs. They study the chronology of events related to the expedition of Lewis and Clark.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Comparing Two Fantasies by J.R.R. Tolkien

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students explore fantasy through The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien.  In this literature lesson, students investigate character analysis through book comparisons.  Students read The Hobbit and one other book by J.R.R. Tolkien and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Identify and Analyze Literary Concepts

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students explore plot structure, conflict, setting, and mood. In this literary elements lesson, students read Rosa Parks, My Story and complete the provided plot outline worksheets. Students discuss the text elements of non-fiction...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

African-American Autobiography for the Middle School Student

For Teachers 7th - 8th
Students are introduced to the characteristics of an autobiography. For each author, they research their life and works and discuss why it reflects different time periods of African-Americans. In groups, they brainstorm characteristics...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Where the Red Fern Grows: A 4th Grade Literary Focus Unit

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders explore the human and animal connection along with the idea that death is a part of the life cycle. They read "Where the Red Fern Grows." Students examine the feelings and emotions surrounding death and they discover the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Integrating Anime and Manga into an Art of Motion Picture Course

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students examine the art of Anime and note its characteristics. Using scenes, they identify the plots, characters and themes trying to be portrayed. In groups, they compare and contrast the animation in America to that of Anime and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Foods and Languages of the World

For Teachers K - 3rd
Students review Mexico's location and language and learn to pronouns 10 new Spanish food words. Students listen as the book, Corn is Maize is read, touching and passing around an ear of Indian corn. Students discuss the contribution of...
Lesson Plan
National First Ladies' Library

Vegas and the Mob

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students identify with and interpret the role of organized crime in the development of one of America's most vibrant cities. Then they look into the city's establishment and development, follow the role of organized crime in its...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Evidence of Change Near the Arctic Circle

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students analyze graphs and make conclusions about climate change.  In this climates lesson students produce graphs and identify relationships between parameters.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Long Time Ago in the Future

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers read and discuss Canadian young adult literature. They compare/contrast the elements of citizenship, characterization, and themes, write journal responses, and identify the elements that define Canadians.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Jack and the Beanstalk

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders read a story and grow a beanstalk. In this literature and life science lesson plan, the class reads "Jack and the Beanstalk," then lists fairy tale elements and write a puppet show. The students plant pinto beans and...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

The Shakespeare Crowd

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Learners study the life and times of Shakespeare. They read and analyze one of his plays and use the Internet and videos to gain an understanding of how Shakespeare engaged his audiences, then and still today.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Parts of a Story

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students read a short fiction book and demostrate comprehension by identifying the main characters, setting, conflict, theme, and summarizing the main points. They organize the information in Inspiration and create a powerpoint to show...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Review Steps in the Writing Process and Explore a Poem

For Teachers 8th - 11th
Students practice their persuasive writing skills. For this writing process lesson, students write essays that meet the requirements of the included text element worksheets and analyze poetry of their choosing.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

"Julie of the Wolves"

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders research life in Alaska and compare life there to their lives in this lesson. They read "Julie of the Wolves." They research through the novel and other reference books facts about the Alaskan climate and geography. They...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Assignment #5 Sci-Fi Analysis

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Class members select a science fiction novel for independent study. To verify they have completed the reading, they write a summary, a critique, and an outline of the plot for a sequel or prequel. They then deliver a five-minute...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Assignment #4 Time Capsule-Your Future

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Class members create a PowerPoint presentation showing artifacts they would include in a time capsule. The artifacts and explanations reflect personal hobbies, grooming choices, school life, etc. A great way for class members to...
Lesson Plan
EngageNY

Getting to Know Esperanza (Chapter 2: “Las Uvas/Grapes”)

For Teachers 5th Standards
Delve into Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan with close reading and evidence-based, text-dependent questions. Part of a unit series, this well-sequenced, Common Core designed instructional activity draws on material from the...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A BIOGRAPHICAL JOURNEY: USING THE LITTLE PRINCE TO EXPLORE BIOGRAPHY & CREAIVE WRITING

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students integrate Author and Biography study with Students personal perspective. They make connections between research and creative writing. Students enrich research and critical thinking skills. They encourage students to think about...