Curated OER
Using a Thesaurus
Students discover how to use a thesaurus. In this language arts lesson, students explore thesauruses as they look up words and write sentences for the new words they encounter.
Curated OER
Analyzing Unknown Words
Middle schoolers analyze affixes and how they affect word meaning. In this language arts lesson, students use charts to construct and deconstruct words to find meaning.
Curated OER
Using Dictionary Entries
Work on word pronunciations by exploring the dictionary. Learners complete a worksheet containing questions about dictionary entries. They review how to use a dictionary, identify syllable breaks, parts of speech, and word pronunciation.
Curated OER
The Memory Invention
Young writers edit their writing to make sure it shows good meaning and clarity. In this writing instructional activity, students are given a variety of "What If?" scenarios to choose from as writing prompts. A class discussion ensues,...
Southern Nevada Regional Professional Development Program
Using Maps to Inspire Personal Narratives
A solid description of one way to teach narrative writing, this resource outlines the writing process from concept to completion. Class members create concept maps of moments in their lives and follow the writing process to publish their...
Curated OER
Lines Of Connection
We need the help of your history detectives! After giving them a set of questions to answer, reading groups must create their own timeline of the events. Then, as a class, have each group present their timelines. What is different? Why...
Curated OER
Using the Senses to Write Descriptively
Students write descriptive paragraphs using adjectives based on the use of their five senses. They use sensory impressions to improve their writing.
Curated OER
Meaty Words
Headlines from newspapers launch a discussion of image-rich, meaty words. Just as headline writers choose vivid vocabulary to attract readers, young writers develop headlines that capture the essence of a passage from a book they are...
Curated OER
Sentence Combining
After a demonstration by the teacher of how to combine sentences, groups read a story loaded with short, choppy sentences and work together to combine sentences to create a more interesting tale. They record their version on a...
Curated OER
They Called Him Sequoyah
Students become familiar with George Gist and his life as a Cherokee. In this Cherokee lesson, students research the ways people have communicated in the past and presently. Students recognize that better communication could...
Curated OER
Communication Comparisons
Learners investigate various methods of communication. In small groups, they conduct Internet research, compare/contrast three methods of communication, and complete a graphic organizer.
Curated OER
Clay Story Adventure
Students build three-dimensional rough draft for a story by creating objects, people, places, animals, etc., with clay, and write story in a journal, poem, or other written form.
Curated OER
Hispanic Celebration
Students are introduced to Mexico's culture, people, language and celebration of traditions. They develop their own Cultural Report Slide Show and are encouraged to do several activities on this topic.
Scholastic
Hold the Presses!: Revising for Connotation
Middle schoolers discuss the meaning of the sentence, The student asked to go to the office." Ask the class if the sentence gives the reader any information about the student. Can they visualize the way the student asked the question?...
Curated OER
Breaking the Chains, Rising Out of Circumstances
Students investigate a sculpture from the 17th century. In this art history lesson, students examine Bust of a Man by Francis Hardwood and discover the meaning behind it. Students create their own portrait bust of somebody...
Curated OER
Pretty Posy Picture Holder
In this art project instruction sheet instructional activity, students read the directions on how to make a picture frame holder in the shape of a flower. There are 8 steps, with a photograph included.
Curated OER
Analyzing and Describing Music
Students analyze instrumental music. In this instrumental music lesson, students investigate musical works of art. Students describe the instruments they hear and discover the relationship between music and other...
Curated OER
Class Mural
Learners discover visual arts by examining a wall mural. In this art appreciation instructional activity, students discuss the history of art after researching information on the Internet. Learners view famous paintings which...
Curated OER
Fair Judgment
Learners consider the demands of the judicial process and work in small groups to write editorials in response to the one that is read in class. For homework, they grade a television judge and write reflective essays.
Curated OER
Seeing the World in New Ways
Students probe their own histories to record how they have had to expand their world views. They determine "Everyone has a culture. It influences how we see the world, ourselves, and others." The explain the concept of cultural...
Curated OER
Truth and Lies Games
Students participate in a get to know you activity. In this social lesson, students write three statements about themselves. One is true and the other is false. Students read their cards and their peers decide what is true and what is not.
Curated OER
Mythical Beasts
Students explore literature and art forms containing creatures that are part human and part animal, such as the Greek Sphinx, Neptune, or the Green Centaur. Individually, students write a poem or short story to create a character with...
Curated OER
Book Trailers
Students develop a list of criteria for a book trailer. In this book trailer instructional activity, students review book trailers, create storyboards and use Photo Story 3 to create book trailers. Students create a mini-webquest to...
Curated OER
A Measure of Success
Students explore mathematics by cooking recipes in class. In this ingredient measuring lesson, students view several recipes in class they wish to cook and practice translating the recipe into a large enough creation that can feed the...