Curated OER
Community Careers
Second graders examine what a community is. They identify various occupations in their community, complete a handout, and discuss how people in their community work together.
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Geography and Architecture
Students discuss how terrain and climate affect the design of houses and commercial structures and thus influence the way architects design buildings in this elementary lesson plan.
National First Ladies' Library
The Flying Inauguration of the "Sudden President
Learners study the inauguration process as well as what the constitution states about who succeeds the President of the US when the office is emergently vacant. They discuss the role of government and the events leading to Lyndon...
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The Gingerbread Man Trail
What a fun way to familiarize your young learners with friendly faces on campus! Scholars read "The Gingerbread Man," discussing the characters he meets. Then, they examine a map of the campus, placing photos of employees (such as the...
Curated OER
Get in Shape with Geometry
Using geoboards, computer programs, and hands-on manipulative materials, elementary schoolers engage in a study of two and three-dimensional geometric shapes. This instructional activity is chock full of good teaching ideas on the...
Sea World
Whales
A whale of a lesson is sure to intrigue your elementary oceanographers! Learn about the mammals of the sea with a series of activities about whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Kids complete worksheets about the anatomy of a whale, create a...
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Mudras and Sign Language
Students compare the languages of the ancient Japanese people and the American deaf community, two cultures that utilize hand signs in this lesson for the early elementary classroom.
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Flora, Fauna, and the Passing Seasons
Students discover representations in art, religion and cultural practices of the flora and fauna of specific geographical regions in this early elementary lesson plan. The lesson ends with a mural project by the entire class.
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Playing in China
Students create their own Chinese tangrams using in-class direction and prior knowledge in this two-day lesson for the early elementary classroom. Chinese toys are also explored.
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The Role of Dragons in Chinese Culture
Students discuss the concept of symbolism in China and America and create their own "dragon boats" for evaluation and display. This Art lesson can be easily integrated into an elementary unit on China.
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Foam Trees/Ornaments
Students create foam ornaments and/or miniature trees using fun foam, glue, buttons, rick rack or pasta, and gold string in this early-elementary school Art lesson. Suggested adaptations for younger and older students are provided.
Curated OER
Japanese Abstract Wind Sock
Young scholars create Abstract Wind Socks using brown paper bags, markers, kite string, and basic art supplies in this Art instructional activity for the elementary classroom. Abstract concepts are emphasized and it is recommended to...
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Whimsical Wooden Santa
Learners create wooden Santas using small blocks of wood, paint, holiday materials, doll hair, glue, and berry leaves in this Holiday art lesson for the elementary classroom. The lesson includes resource links and a finished example of...
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A Poem for My Mother
In this holiday worksheet, students print out a Mother's Day poem and draw an original illustration below it. They sign the card on the elementary line below the illustration.
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Holidays Around the World
Young scholars explore different cultures by researching holidays around the world, and comparing/contrasting their own customs to those of others; students then present their findings to the class.
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Japan/Kimonos
Second graders identify the kimono as a traditional Japanese clothing. They explain the importance of nature in Japanese traditional crafts. They create and design their own kimono.
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Where Am I?
Second graders listen to a Japanese folk tale called "The Traveling Frogs". They role play the story using puppets or costumes. They locate Japan on a map and discuss several geography topics. They independently write about ways they...
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Lesson 8-The Changing Environment: Good or Bad?
Second graders, after listening to "A River Ran Wild," explore all the ways the natural environment has changed and how it affects the community and the people who reside within it. They collect data by interviewing a community member,...
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Alike and Different
Second graders listen to a book about how farms feed the world. They discuss elements of rural life. They listen to a story about the suburbs and discuss elements specific to a suburban community. They listen to a story about city...
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Diversity of Families
Students discuss the word "family" and examine the various types of families, focusing on those of students in the classroom. They create a "School Family Tree" that builds on the diversity of students in the classroom.
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Famous Americans
Students use the Internet to research a famous American. They complete an outline and are graded based on a rubric given to them. They also present their information to the class and write a report.
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China
Second graders complete a variety of activities surrounding a unit on China and Chinese culture.
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Oh Picasso!
Students identify the painter Picasso as a famous Spanish cultural figure, name at least one of Picasso's painting styles and describe aspects of Picasso's Blue Period. They create their own Blue Period inspired work of art.
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The Lines in Timelines
Students are introduced to the concept of sequence by creating their own personal timeline. As a class, they put the events of the last week of their lives into the correct order and determine what information should be used for their...