Curated OER
Philanthropic Literature: Quilt to Freedom
A reading of Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt by Deborah Hopkinson launches this study of slavery, freedom, and the Underground Railroad. After a discussion of the importance of showing respect for others and of helping each other in...
Curated OER
Presidential Picture
Students create miniature portraits of George Washington using a primary source image, watercolor pencils, colored pencils and white drawing paper. This Art instructional activity can be used as an introductory instructional activity on...
Curated OER
Holi-Days
Students research an event, celebration, or observance from a culture with which they are not familiar and present their information to the class in this cross-curricular look at festivals and celebrations. The lesson includes an option...
Curated OER
We Found It!
First graders identify and describe landforms. They demonstrate an understanding of the compass rose and a map key using the trail of Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery. They generate a map key.
Curated OER
Making Friends
First graders examine the significance of the Louisiana Purchase and the journey of Lewis and Clark. They listen to a story, analyze a map, compare/contrast the Jefferson Peace Medal and the Peace Medal nickel, and design a peace and...
Curated OER
Life Skill Communication
Students use digital camera to document the needs for daily living. In this life skills and visual arts lesson plan, students create class books that include photographs of everyday objects that they use in their home, school...
Curated OER
Mysteries of the Past-An Artistic Expedition
Students explore expression in artwork. In this interdisciplinary lesson, students travel to ancient Egypt to examine abstract art of the Nile River valley through several hands-on activities.
Curated OER
Wrap It Up for Chanukah!
Prepare gifts for the eight nights of Hanukkah with a fun and artistic lesson. Learners use various materials to make an array of unique gifts, including splatter paintings, decorated flowerpots, and stained glass designed with crayons.
Curated OER
3D Houses
Students construct 3-dimensional structures from 2-dimensional paper. They design and compile their structures to resemble a neighborhood community.
Curated OER
Through the Forest and Home Again: Maps Help Us Find Our Ways
Students read Little Red Riding Hood, focusing on her path home to Grandma's house. In this language arts and geography lesson, students perform a reader's theater, re-creating the walk home and possible routes that could have been...
Curated OER
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
Students research the importance of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. In this holiday instructional activity, students are introduced to the meaning behind these Jewish holidays and identify geography of Israel.
Curated OER
Picture Books and the Bill of Rights
Students identify the basic freedoms of citizens in the United States. In this Bill of Rights instructional activity, students act out scenarios about the Bill of Rights. Students create a picture book describing the rights...
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Columbus Day / Computer
Help your class explore holidays and important people. They will use a computer to find out important information on Christopher Columbus. The will research his voyages, ships, and history of that time period. They will then incorporate...
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Christopher Columbus
Help first graders gain an understanding of the beginnings of our nation by learning more about Christopher Columbus. They begin by listening to a read aloud of Christopher Columbus and His Voyage to the New World (another title...
Curated OER
Picturing First Families
Students complete a variety of activities as they study Washington, D.C., the Presidency, and George Washington. They take a virtual trip to Washington, D.C., and visit the National Portrait Gallery, the White House, and the Library of...
Curated OER
The Changing Times of The Future
First graders share their wishes for the future and discuss changes that have taken place. They observe a puppet who describes life in the future and identifies positive and difficult challenges he may face. Individual students draw a...
Curated OER
Workers Who Help Us At School (Part 1)
Students identify the roles and responsibilities of various school workers. They identify implications of what would happen in the school community if a school worker did not complete that role or responsibility.
Curated OER
What is an Initial Public Offering (IPO)?
Students learn the difference between primary and secondary stock markets. Obviously, students explain that it is difficult, if not impossible, for individuals to get shares of an IPO at the offering price.
Curated OER
The American Revolution: A Play
No lesson accompanies this drama about the American Revolution. With 13 speaking roles, the short script could be used for a class production, a lesson on the parts of a play, or to supplement your social studies curriculum.
Arts & Humanities
Make a Souvenir Suitcase
Shoe boxes are fantastic for art projects! Kids create travel boxes, where they can store their travel memorabilia. Tip: Instead of using this idea to make travel cases, create social studies boxes instead. Kids will make these travel...
Classroom Jr.
Running for President Story Starter
Most American children have, at one point or another, imagined what it would be like to run for president. Offer this creative writing prompt to young writers and discover how the world would change if kids were charge.
Curated OER
Lesson Plan for "Little Red Riding Hood"
Grow young performers with storytelling. Elementary schoolers listen to the story "Little Red Riding Hood" by Mike Lockett, highlighting dialogue as they listen, and then act out the story. This is based on a story told by Mike Lockett...
Classroom Jr.
George Washington Story Starter
Imagine traveling back in time and having the opportunity to meet the very first president of the United States, what would you do? Challenge the imagination and creative writing skills of young learners with this fun writing prompt.
Curated OER
The Lion and the Mouse
Students write a story. In this critical thinking and writing instructional activity, students read a fable, answer the provided thinking skills questions, and write their own fable.