Curated OER
Fairy Tales
Middle schoolers read and analyze fairy tales. They discuss the story elements of a fairy tale, compare/contrast various fairy tales, complete an Anticipation Guide, and write an essay comparing the structure of a fairy tale to the...
Curated OER
Appreciating The Scarlet Letter
Tenth graders read the first 10 chapters of, 'The Scarlet Letter.' They utilize an assignment imbedded in this plan to research the characters and define the role each plays in the novel.
Curated OER
The Giver
Students read and analyze the novel, 'The Giver.' They classify activities in an activity regarding freedom of choice, create a list of rules, conduct a debate, write a skit, and write an essay on genetic engineering or utopian societies.
Curated OER
Mississippi Delta Blues Moves: Second in a Series of Three with Barb Hoffman and Steve Hoskins, MGM
Students complete a graphic organizer reviewing Barb Hoffman's prior lesson," Slave Songs (1840-1876)" as well as listen to and discuss Delta Blues music samples. Students research one Delta Blues singer and write a "color coded"...
Novelinks
The Tempest: List-Group-Label (After Reading)
Collaborate with your class after reading William Shakespeare's The Tempest with a group labeling activity. As you note key concepts or words from the play on the board, class members suggest associations and connections...
Curated OER
Defining Love
After reading and discussing Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich, pupils compare/contrast the concept/theme of love within several multiple pieces of literature. They must support their claims with textual evidence. In addition, they analyze...
Bright Hub Education
Teaching "Gone with the Wind" in High School: Ideas & Activities
Plan on using Gone with the Wind as a reading selection? Here's a packet of prompts for activities and assessments.
Curated OER
Somewhere Under the Rainbow--The Romantic Period in British Literature
Students create 2-3 poems, a children's story, or a two or three dimensional piece of art. In this Romantic Period lesson plan, students discuss the historical background of the Romantic Period and relevant literary...
Curated OER
Nonfiction Lessons That Motivate
Incorporating nonfiction lessons into literature instruction can be interesting and engaging for all students.
Curated OER
Inventors and their Inventions
Students create a PowerPoint or Keynote presentation on a specific inventor and their invention. This lesson is web-based and includes resource links, alternative lesson ideas, and lesson extensions.
Curated OER
Fourth Grade Language Practice
In this language practice worksheet, students complete a total of 25 multiple choice questions that use a variety of 4th grade language concepts. An answer key is provided.
Curated OER
I Heard the Owl Call My Name
Tenth graders read I Heard the Owl Call My Name by Margaret Craven. They share interpretations and conclusions in either oral or written form. They deliver a speech that conveys information using clear and concise language.
Curated OER
Unit Plan: Short Stories
Tenth graders complete a unit of lessons on the story elements of Sherlock Holmes short stories. They analyze the plot elements, complete graphic organizers, read and discuss the plots, observe a person and take notes, and analyze an...
Curated OER
Voices from the Holocaust: A Message of Hope
Students develop a sense of historical empathy as they discuss The Holocaust and roll play activities designed to highlight prejudice in today's society. In this Holocaust history and The Diary of Anne Frank lesson, students...
Curated OER
Harlem Renaissance: Pivotal Period in the Development of Afro-American Culture
Young scholars examine the time period of the Harlem Renaissance. In groups, they compare and contrast the type of art before and after the movement along with the state of society at the time. After reading a book on the topic of...
Other
Essays on the Craft of Dramatic Writing
This site, by the author of a workbook on the craft of writing, is filled with essays about many elements of dramatic writing, from the principles of storytelling, to plot development, to character development. There are also numerous...
Writing Fix
Writing Fix: A r.a.f.t. Writing Prompt: This I Believe
This writing assignments asks students to assume the voice of a character from a novel they are reading. Focusing on a topic or belief the character shows passion about in the novel, the students write an essay modeled after NPR's "This...
New Zealand Ministry of Education
Nz Ministry of Education: The Bell Jar
This lesson discusses Sylvia Plath's works including The Bell Jar. It has learners look at biographic information and commentaries about Plath. As students read the novel, they complete response logs and write essays. They debate topics...
PBS
Pbs: Masterpiece Theatre: Almost a Woman
This site provides teachers with instructional activities to use when teaching the novel Almost a Woman by Esmeralda Santiago. It contains links to the poetry of other Puerto Rican authors and essays about the Puerto Rican/American...
Eserver
E Server: The Thoreau Reader: Text of "Life Without Principle"
A complete online text from The Thoreau Reader of Henry David Thoreau's (1817-1862 CE) essay "Life Without Principle," as well as quotes about the essay's impact.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Little Women: Becoming a Writer
Explore the conflict between Jo March and her father over writing for money, in this video excerpt [1:36] from Little Women, Masterpiece. Like Louisa May Alcott, the author of Little Women, Jo is an aspiring writer. When she receives a...
Authors Calendar
Author's Calendar: Chaim Potok
Read about the life, career, and literature of Jewish author, Chaim Potok (1929-2002 CE). This essay overviews his upbringing, work, and famous writings. Included are overviews of "The Chosen" (1967) his first novel, as well as "My Name...