Emerging writers create a portfolio showcasing various writing formats. They discuss Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. They observe the key features of picture books and then create their own book to add...

Students discover the meaning of patriotism through literature, songs, and poetry. They also identify patriotic symbols and activities such as the flag, the Pledge of Allegiance, the Star Spangled Banner, the bald eagle, and monuments.

Young scholars gain an introduction to our planet's solid waste problem and our personal responsibility in curbing and solving said problem through the use of Dr. Seuss' book, The Lorax. After hearing the book, class discussion follows.

Third graders listen to the teacher read "The Sneetches" prior to creating charts about their individual characteristics. After numerous examples of individuality, they compile them on chart paper. As an extension, 3rd graders write...

Students read "The Great Kapok Tree" by Lynne Cherry while listening to Tropical Rainforest music. They name all the speaking animals in the book and list each of the reasons the animals gave for not cutting down the tree. They then...

Young readers assume the role of Genre Sleuths to investigate the characteristics of folktales, fantasies, and mysteries. For this session you will need to collect a variety of books on a topic you have been studying. Groups then examine...

Third graders pair up with a partner via an online classroom. They analyze half of the story "Enemy Pie" and communicate with their online peer to predict the outcome of the story.

Learners watch a portion of a familiar film and write responses to a series of questions. They apply their observations to short stories.

Learners complete activities with the book The Birthday Swap by Loretta Lopez. In this literature instructional activity, students answer pre-reading questions, locate new vocabulary, and read the story. They answer comprehension...

Students read about children in Ghana, Sri Lanka and Haiti. They compare these children to themselves in a structured lesson that focuses on note taking and research skills. Students work in groups to write a short essay about the...

Students examine philanthropy through art using their senses. In this philanthropy lesson, students investigate what respect looks like, sounds like and feels like using their senses. They talk about diversity and tolerance before...

Third graders read a book about emigrating to America. They create and illustrate a triante poem using sensory words, depicting something they liked about the story.

Students identify cause and effect relationships in a short story. After reading a short story, they participate in a discussion of how one event in a story can lead to several others. Students are then paired for a matching task that...

Third graders read the book "Polar, Titanic Bear" in a small group and determine the main idea in the book. They utilize KidPix to produce a slideshow about the book. They write and keyboard a caption for each slide. They present their...

Students explore the five Native American regions. They compare and contrast the dwellings, clothing, and tools of the Native American groups. Students research one group of Native Americans. They build totem poles, pueblos, weave...

Students compare and contrast specific characters in the book, "Old Henry." They discuss similarities and differences between people and define character traits. They assess one's own character traits and have a class discussion about...

What are the major roles in literature circles? Check out this site to learn more about the individual roles needed to form a literature circle. Includes links to various reading handouts and lessons.