National Endowment for the Humanities
Arabic Poetry: Guzzle a Ghazal!
Students research the evolution and cultural significance of the Arabic ghazal form of poetry. They, in groups, compose an original ghazal poem and read it aloud to the class.
Curated OER
Oh, Say, Can You See What the Star-Spangled Banner Means?
Students research the historical inspiration for the lyrics of the "The Star Spangled Banner". They explore websites, read articles and analyze poetry in an examination of America's patriotic symbols and history.
Curated OER
Poetry for the Common Good
Students identify examples of philanthropy in poetry or song. In this philanthropy lesson, students examine several poems such as Give by Carrie A. Thomas and identify concepts of philanthropy in the poem. Students construct their own...
Curated OER
Civil War
Historical poetry is lyrical in form and rich with content. After examining the differences between the Northern and Southern states before and during the U.S. Civil War, learners complete a Venn diagram and create an illustration of the...
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Poet Analysis: Ciaran Carson
Students analyze lyrics and narration by reading poetry. For this language arts lesson, students read and examine the poem Belfast Confetti. Students discuss the topics and questions asked by the author Ciaran Carson.
Curated OER
Guantanamera: A Poem and a Song
Learners compare revolutionary actions of Jose Marti and Pete Seeger. In this Cuban folk song lesson, students listen to the song "Guantanamera" and discuss the content. Learners read articles on the poet and the songwriter and create a...
Curated OER
What is the Character of Maine?
Students create an individual portfolio using assignments from a unit on the character of Maine. They choose two of the best assignments from each of four chapters studied and then write an essay or create a magazine which synthesizes...
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You Don’t Know What You’ve Got Until It’s Gone: The Changing American Landscape
High schoolers examine the changing American landscape. In this cause and effect lesson, students listen to rock music that exemplifies urban growth in America and the interconnectedness of America today. High schoolers write cause and...
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Jazz Talk
Students analyze the origins of jazz music by examining work songs, spirituals, blues, and gospel songs as well as works of poetry from African American artists. They create their own poems from either the narrative, dramatic, or lyric...
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Langston Hughes and the Blues
Learners explore the connections between Langson Hughes and blues music. For this African American culture lesson, students compare and contrast blues music with poetry and short stories by Langston Hughes.
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You've Got to be Taught to Hate and Fear
Students explore themes of prejudice and acceptance. In this character education instructional activity, students listen and respond to several fiction books, poems, and lyrics with a similar theme. Students locate articles with the main...
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Locking up teenage criminals
Students evaluate comments submitted by young people regarding teenage criminals. They plan a new approach to young offenders and explain their ideas as a poem or rap lyrics.
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Tolerance
Students explore the concept of tolerance. For this diversity lesson, students discover what tolerance is and then research tolerance in historical perspectives. Students explore how to promote tolerance in the future.
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A Country Twice Divided
High schoolers study biography from the 19th century. They read "The Red Badge of Courage." Students research a topic from the list provided in the lesson and write a 5-7 page paper. They study lyrics and melodies of the confederacy and...
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Oh, Say Can You See...
Learners explore the meaning behind "The Star-Spangled Banner." In this music lesson plan, students sing the first verse of the national anthem and watch several performances of "The Star-Spangled Banner." Learners define several...
Curated OER
Quoting the Dalai Lama
Students read and reflect on statements made by the Dalai Lama and
discuss with cooperative group members what they believe is
meant by the statement and how to report this information the
rest of the class. They take turns presenting...
Curated OER
MG War of 1812
Eighth graders discuss the history behind the Star Spangled Banner and how it became the U. S. National Anthem. Individually, 8th graders read and answer questions about the War of 1812. They create a graphic organizer to compare and...
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Poetics
In this online interactive philosophy worksheet, students respond to 10 short answer and essay questions about Poetics by Aristotle.
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Daniel's Story Study Guide
Students explore the concept of prejudice. In this World War II lesson, students read Daniel's Story by Carol Matas. Students complete the provided study guide as they read the novel and discuss the Holocaust.
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Know Yourself
Eleventh graders explore the events of the Holocaust. In this cross curriculum lesson plan, 11th graders examine the differences between prejudice and discrimination. Students read various forms of literature and write...
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The Electric Hearth
Students examine popular media. In this media awareness instructional activity, students keep logs of their interactions with media and then write an essay regarding the data.
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T-shirts Build School & Community Pride
Students explore ways to promote community pride by creating t-shirts. In this community activity, students utilize a digital camera to take photographs of their hometown and transfer them to a t-shirt. Students complete a...
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Lyddie
Seventh graders read the novel, Lyddie, while studying the reform movement. They complete assignments for each chapter and write essays about Lyddie's development through the novel.
Curated OER
Creation and Our Creator
Learners consider the creation. In this creation lesson, students observe nature and relate natural things to the creation. Learners watch a Christian video about the creation.