EngageNY
Paragraph Writing, Part 1: How Esperanza Responds on the Train (Revisiting Chapter 5: "Las Guayabas/Guavas")
When your class members have completed the novel Esperanza Rising, they will be ready to write an expository essay on how Esperanza responds to events and what this says about her character. Set your pupils up for success by starting out...
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Direct and Indirect Characterization
How does an author develop his or her characters? Using the short story "On the Bridge" by Todd Strasser, readers study character development by looking for examples of both direct and indirect characterization. They plot these points on...
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Clay Heads
Sculpting can be a rewarding way to accent a lesson in any subject. This project requires learners to design and sculpt a head out of clay. The entire process is outlined in this resource; including photos and suggested materials. Tip:...
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Springfield Wiki Lesson - Literature Circles
Using a variety of novels about survival, such as Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George, pupils create author's studies using wikis. First, learners are placed in groups to study a particular novel. Then, they create a page...
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Cold Sassy Tree: Multicultural Strategy
Analyze the characters in Olive Ann Burns's Cold Sassy Tree with this assignment. After reading the majority of the novel, class members choose a character and make a visual representation of the character, including any important...
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Bio-Poem
Everyone can be a poet with this simple activity! After reading of Lucy Westerna's death, assign your class this bio poem on Professor Van Helsing. There's a specific format to follow, but it'll be interesting to see how your kids add...
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Unsent Letter: Canyons
As your class reads Gary Paulsen's Canyons, challenge them to assume the perspective of a character to write a letter. The plan suggests learners pair off, one person assuming the voice of Coyote Runs, and the other assuming the voice of...
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Larger-Than-Life Lara
Students explore child psychology by reading a children's book in class. In this bullying instructional activity, students read the book Larger Than Life Lara and discuss the characters and how they treat each other. Students answer...
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Character Study
In this character study worksheet, students complete a graphic organizer with 6 boxes. Students complete the sentences in the boxes that are written in the first person from the point of view of the character. Example: Other people think...
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Character Quality Study
In this character study worksheet, students complete an organizer in which they list character qualities and examples or quotes from a story demonstrating these qualities.
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Batter Up
Students explore personal achievement by reading a children's book. In this story analysis lesson, students read the book Batter Up, by Sue Muller Hacking and discuss the main character in the story and the actions that she takes to meet...
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Story Elements/Characterization
Students investigate language arts by analyzing a book with their classmates. In this children's literature instructional activity, students read the story Scarecrow by Cynthia Rylant and discuss the setting and characters. Students...
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Re-Read The Mitten
Learners utilize their reading comprehension by analyzing a book with their class. In this children's literature activity, students read the story The Mitten by Jan Brett and discuss the imagery and characters in the story. Learners...
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Character Cluster
Third graders practice identifying characters and story elements by creating a character cluster in class. For this story analysis lesson, 3rd graders discuss the story Snow White and identify the characteristics of the evil witch....
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Theatre Lesson Plan: Finding Your Way
Second graders identify story elements in familiar stories from their lives. In this story elements lesson, 2nd graders act out familiar activities by following directions. Students read a story and discuss the story elements. Students...
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Do Something Beautiful
Students recognize philanthropy in literature. In this philanthropy lesson, students read the book Something Beautiful by Sharon Wyeth and discuss how the character performed acts of philanthropy. Students write a reflection in a journal.
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Trumpet of the Swan Character Study
In this literature worksheet, students complete a study of their favorite character from the Trumpet of the Swan. They fill in the name of their favorite character, complete a table with words that describe that character, and use those...
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Zero The Hero, Trout The Lout
Students use a graphic organizer create a character sketch of Trout Walker from the novel Holes. Using the provided worksheet, students fill in the important character traits of Trout. Worksheet and answer key are provided with the lesson.
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The Keeping Quilt
Pupils discover story analysis by discussing a book the class reads together. In this reading comprehension lesson, students read the book The Keeping Quilt and discuss the different characters and plot points among the class. Pupils...
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Speak What We Feel, Not What We Ought to Say
High schoolers examine and create their own interpretation of a particular character from the play, King Lear. They read the speeches, write a paragraph about their character, and present a short performance of their scene.