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Lesson Plan
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Overcoming Obstacles

Defining Problems Big and Small

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Problems come in all shapes and sizes, but the first step in solving a problem is to identify just what the problem is. Through a series of games and activities, middle schoolers learn first to identify a problem, decide on a solution,...
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Lesson Plan
K20 LEARN

Analyzing Literary Figures: Analyzing Literature

For Teachers 8th - 12th Standards
The author study gets an update in a research project designed for high schoolers. Scholars search for information about literary figures that connects them to their times, their works, their themes, and other writers. Researchers also...
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Lesson Plan
K20 LEARN

But What About Me?: Teaching Perspective In The Social Studies Classroom

For Teachers 6th - 12th Standards
How would the story of the discovery of America be different if indigenous people told it through their eyes? Individuals compare the conventional account of this moment in history to an account given by one of the native peoples. After...
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Lesson Plan
K20 LEARN

A Multimodal Approach To Edgar Allan Poe Using Drawing To Understand An Author's Style

For Teachers 8th Standards
True! Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart" makes readers nervous. But how? Young scholars create a drawing while listening to a reading of Poe's eerie tale to understand how writers create the mood of their stories and what their writing style...
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Lesson Plan
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Overcoming Obstacles

Resolving Conflicts

For Teachers 6th - 8th
The final instructional activity in the Resolving Conflicts module asks participants to summarize what they have learned about resolving conflicts. Groups then apply what they learned to a conflict described in a provided scenario.
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Lesson Plan
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Overcoming Obstacles

Creating a Win-Win Situation

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Win-lose? Lose-lose? or Win-win? The activities and games in the fifth lesson in the Resolving Conflicts module teach middle schoolers how they might use their problem-solving skills to transform a conflict into a win-win solution.
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Lesson Plan
1
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Overcoming Obstacles

Using Communication Skills Effectively

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Miscommunication is often the basis of conflict. To improve their communication skills, pupils first review what they learned about assertive (as opposed to aggressive or passive) communication, role-play several scenarios, and then...
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Lesson Plan
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Overcoming Obstacles

Controlling Emotions in Conflicts

For Teachers 6th - 8th
"Stop! Think! and Cool Down!" Participants in the third lesson in the Resolving Conflicts module learn how to pause and reflect in stressful situations rather than react. The class generates a list of strategies that could help control...
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Lesson Plan
1
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Overcoming Obstacles

Identifying Emotions in Conflicts

For Teachers 6th - 8th
The takeaway from the second lesson in the Resolving Conflicts module is that "conflict is like an iceberg" in that we only see a small portion of what's involved in conflicts. Participants learn to identify the many unseen feelings that...
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Lesson Plan
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Overcoming Obstacles

Understanding Conflicts

For Teachers 6th - 8th
The Resolving Conflicts module begins with a instructional activity about tolerance and learning to appreciate differences among people. Through a series of activities and games, middle schoolers learn that conflicts arise when people...
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Lesson Plan
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Overcoming Obstacles

Learning How You Learn Best

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
Scholars think of a special place, then represent that place through pictures or written words— a poem, song, or short story. Peers show off their organizational skills by reviewing their binders and notebooks, comparing strategies, and...
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Lesson Plan
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Overcoming Obstacles

Taking Tests

For Teachers 6th - 8th
In a lesson designed to prepare scholars for taking tests, they begin with a review of how to plan and review notes. They Identify ways to prepare for upcoming tests and strategies for studying and memorizing information. Class members...
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Lesson Plan
1
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Overcoming Obstacles

Writing Reports

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
Following a review of how to research and take notes, scholars define the term paraphrase and identify ways to organize information and finish reports. To put their newfound knowledge to the test, learners interview a peer, take notes,...
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Lesson Plan
1
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Overcoming Obstacles

Taking Notes

For Teachers 6th - 8th
A lesson plan on taking notes challenges scholars to listen and write important information they can use later. Pupils begin with practice notes, write new notes with guidance, then test their note-taking skills independently. Peers...
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Lesson Plan
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1
Overcoming Obstacles

Using Appropriate Resources

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
A lesson dives deep into reference materials. The class begins with a discussion of which resources are best used for specific purposes and how to identify ways to get the needed information. Learners share information about the internet...
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Lesson Plan
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Overcoming Obstacles

Following Instructions

For Teachers 6th - 8th
A lesson about following directions tests learners' ability with a tricky scenario that will shock unsuspecting participants. After viewing results, scholars discuss why it's important to follow instructions and define listening. Peers...
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Lesson Plan
1
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Overcoming Obstacles

Getting Organized

For Teachers 6th - 8th
A lesson challenges scholars to get organized. A thoughtful discussion sheds light on time management and the benefits of staying organized. Learners then reflect on their current time management skills, organize notebooks or binders,...
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Lesson Plan
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Overcoming Obstacles

Finding Solutions

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers apply all they have learned in the Problem Solving module by participating in a contest to see which group can build the tallest tower using only sheets of paper and masking tape.
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Lesson Plan
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Overcoming Obstacles

Considering Pros and Cons

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers continue to study the problem solving process by identifying the pros and cons of different options they listed on their "How Could I Do This" activity sheet from the previous instructional activity. After weighing the...
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Lesson Plan
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Overcoming Obstacles

Identifying Options

For Teachers 6th - 8th
"What should I do?" "How should I do it?" Middle Schoolers learn that answering these two questions is the key to solving problems. They begin with the first two steps of the Decision Making Process (gathering information and identifying...
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Activity
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Facing History and Ourselves

Teaching Strategy: Contracting

For Teachers 6th - 12th
The final lesson in the First Days of School series focuses on how to build a classroom community where all class members can feel safe, heard, and valued. The resource includes step-by-step directions for engaging pupils in developing...
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Activity
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Facing History and Ourselves

Envisioning Our Classroom Space

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Wouldn't it be lovely if we all had a space where we were seen, heard, and valued? As part of creating a safe, respectful classroom community, participants envision such a space and then generate a classroom contract that will establish...
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Activity
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Facing History and Ourselves

Community Is... Community Isn't

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Scholars continue their exploration of the concept of community by first completing an anticipation guide and then engaging in a Four Corners activity to share their responses. They analyze an essay in which the author defines community...
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Activity
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Facing History and Ourselves

Making Meaning of Community

For Teachers 6th - 12th
In the post-pandemic classroom, it's more important than ever to begin the school year by building a strong sense of trust and community. Using the Make Meaning and Big Paper teaching techniques, groups develop a definition of community...