Students examine the use of idioms in everyday language. They discuss the meanings of various idioms, complete a worksheet, and create a poster to illustrate a selected idiom.

The crossroads, and the decisions made and entities met there, are a common theme in literature, pushing readers to examine the choices and encounters that shape life experience. The theme has also been explored in blues music, most...

Students discover how historical events led to the stories of King Arthur and his Court. Students read stories about chivalry and the Round Table, discuss the Holy Grail's symbolism, and role-play an Arthurian character.

Middle schoolers explore writing using literary terms. In this Christmas poetry lesson, students write a poem about a Christmas tree or a snowman using at least one example of each: metaphor, simile, and personification.  

An excellent series of five lessons on China awaits you and your young geographers. In these lessons, learners engage in hands-on activities, watch streamed video, access websites, and complete activities in cooperative groups in order...

Learners watch a video, view websites, and discuss the Chinese Exclusion Act that took place on Angel Island. In this Chinese exclusion act lesson plan, students discuss the interrogations that went on and fill out worksheets bout the...

Students examine several examples of similes and metaphors, stating what is being compared. Then each student chooses a different person from the Civil War era and writes similes and metaphors that describe that person.

Students explore figurative language through poetry. In this poetry lesson plan, students view a video segment regarding the Cuban crab migration. Students use similes and metaphors in poetry they create based on the journey the crabs make.

Learners reflect on the value of graveyards as places of great historical importance and information. They create an epitaph for and a brief biography of a deceased historical figure whom they admire.

In this metaphor worksheet, students make a "word card" with the word metaphor for their vocabulary bank, then determine whether statement from The Dragonslayer are similes or metaphors, 

Students listen to poetry and discuss the imagery. They write a creative poem demonstrating imagery. They write about imagery of a picture and visit a website to read poetry tips. They evaluate poetry using an evaluation form.

Learners read the poem The Worker by Richard W. Thomas as an example of the effective use of imagery. Then they complete a 5-senses chart describing some part of nature, e.g. sea, clouds, etc. Then they write their own poem using the...

Students write five-line, diamond shaped poems that are very easy to write then submit one through an automatic PIZZAZZ form.

Students create a dictionary of vocabulary after reading a story. Individually, they create a story web making sure to include all of the basic story elements. They also create a timeline and write a book report of all important events.

Students research a country using the Travel Languages Web site. Using MS Publisher, they create a travel flyer about the country. Using Inspiration, they develop a concept map of what they learned about their country.

Students write and illustrate a sentence which names a letter of the alphabet. The sentence should have subject, verb, describing words, and incorporate alliterative techniques.

It is much easier for kids to know they have reached a goal when that goal is clearly defined. By providing sixth graders with a checklist of Common Core reading standards written in "I can" format, each child can keep track of his own...

Learners explore the cultures and civilizations of Mesopotamia. They take a look at the factors that shaped the region, and study the history of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and other ancient wonders of the world. The class is divided...

Young scholars identify elements of persuasive writing. Students discuss writing strategies and topics. They participate in pair and share activities. Young scholars write a persuasive letter.

Students identify "masterpieces" and mass-produced objects. They explain why they value a given object and determine what physical materials were used to create the objects. They create a class book featuring objects that they value.

Young scholars see how poets use words to paint pictures. The combination of a big snowstorm and hands-on materials make this lesson successful. There are some nice attachments that the students will really enjoy!

Young scholars create electronic storyboards for younger children about a nearby refuge and lake. After interviewing the younger students about their impressions of the lake, they use Powerpoint to make the storyboard, including the...

Students create art scrolls in the Chinese style using individual examples of landscape pictures and poetry in this instructional activity for the middle-level Language Arts, Social Studies, or Art classroom.

Learners study and interpret Chinese art to find its symbolism, or the "hidden meanings" in this middle level lesson well suited for the Language Arts or Art classroom. An enrichment activity is included that allows each student to write...