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Why is Reading Important?
Ninth graders discuss why reading is an important skill for them to use in their lives. In groups, they examine the problems someone might have out in the world if they are illiterate. They practice reading in ways that it makes it fun...
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Spam University
Students read a New York Times article in order to consider the dissemination of information. They investigate the need for privacy as opposed to the need for information by looking at mass on-line and postal mail distributors.
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Words in the News: Rabid Vampire Bats Attack Humans in Brazil
Students discuss what they believe the most dangerous animal is. In groups, they match new vocabulary words with their defintions. They read an article about a rabid bat attacking humans in Brazil and answer questions.
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A "Typical Day" Then and Now
Learners complete a Venn Diagram comparing and contrasting their lives to those of their grandparents when they were a child. They interview their grandparent as well. They share their stories with the class.
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Gearing up for Grammar
Young scholars input autobiographical information to apply in a Diamante' poem that utilizes the different parts of speech. Students interact with each other sharing their autobiographical information completed on the database created....
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INTRODUCTION TO POETIC WRITING
Students read about the four elements of poetry: form, theme, purpose, and mood. They are given several questions to ask themselves about each element as they begin to write their own successful poems.
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Fractured Fairy Tales
Students use familiar characters, plots, and settings from traditional fairy tales to create "fractured" versions, while experimenting with satire, irony and parody. A fractured fairy tale is designed to be humorous by changing the story...
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Dramatizing Folktales, Legends and Myths
Students read different folktales from Native American cultures. They work together to act out different scenes. They discover the difference between folktales, legends and myths.
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Vamos de compras!
Students identify articles of clothing in Spanish. Using the internet, they interpret information from department stores in Spain and Panama. They practice converting pesetas to dollars in order to determine how much they can spend. ...
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Vamos al Cine
Students research movies originally made in Spanish. Using the Internet, they complete a worksheet with questions in Spanish. They focus on movies in Spain or Mexico and discuss their findings. They watch appropriate films in Spanish as...
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President Jefferson's Cipher: Cracking the Code
Students examine the journey out west by Lewis and Clark. Using a cipher from President Jefferson, they solve a code he gave to the explorers before setting out on their exploration. They share his message with the class and state...
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Rough Draft and Peer Edit of Oral Book Review
Students write a rough draft book review over a book they have finished recently. Using their peers, they revise and make suggestions to correct spelling and grammatical errors. In groups, they practice giving their book report to the...
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Elders' Ways
Eighth graders collect and compare folk beliefs and sayings about health and healing as well as folk remedies. Then they investigate local graveyards, analyze their findings, and compare graveyards in Louisiana. Students also engage in...
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Superman: Modern Mythology
Students discuss what characteritics belong to a hero. They examine different mythological stories and identify the theme of each. They compare and contrast the origin of Superman to the mythological stories and report their findings to...
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Timelines
Students discover the look and purpose of timelines. After the teacher reads them a story, they discuss the events that occurred during King Tutankhamen's life. They create a timeline of his life making sure to put them in the correct...
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Colores del mundo
Young scholars are introduced to the names of colors in Spanish. After being shown artifacts, they identify and write the color of each object. They also create a coloring sheet in which they trade with their classmates when needed.
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Testing the Test
Students examine the validity of standarized tests. They explore the emotions felt during a test and ways to prepare for a test. Students interview teachers about testing. Students create a student guide to testing.
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Peace and Non-Violence: the Teachings of Gandhi
Learners study the Gandhian philosophy. They define certain elements such as power, beauty and discuss what they know about the struggle for independence in India. Finally students collaborate to discuss Gandhian principles to extend...
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Who Do You Want For Your Friend?
Second graders create a t-chart about the healthy and unhealthy characteristics in relationships. They discuss elements they should look for in a friend. They are read books to identify these elements.
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Describing Another's Physical Features
Students practice describing someone using their physical characteristics and others try to select the person they are describing.
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Social Studies and Children's Literature
Students are read a story about Alejandro and how he builds an oasis to attract animals. Using the text, they discover the needs of the animal not only for water but for safety. They discuss different environmental issues as well as...
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All You Need Is Love
Students discuss the differences between adult love and teenage love. After reading an article, they explore a relationship that began as teenagers and ended in marriage later in life. In groups, they create posters about famous...
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Lone Wolves
Students examine the reasons why some people do not support the protection of the wolf on the Endangered Species list. After reading an article, they discuss the controversy of delisting the wolves. As a class, they debate this issue...
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Survey Says…
Students design surveys to help them to better understand the behaviors and opinions of their peers on issues that are important in their lives. They survey and interview peers and write articles describing their findings.