High schoolers identify the distinction between literal and figurative language with a focus on metaphors. They complete a metaphor analysis chart, then practice expanding metaphors by composing their own comparisons of elements of the...

Students read Macbeth for examples of paradox and equivocation in the text. In this literature-response lesson plan, students work in groups to analyze Shakespeare's writing for use of paradox using handouts to guide their search....

Students study the controversy surrounding the proposed Frederick Douglass Circle monument in Central Park. They review the notion of historical inaccuracy by reading and discussing the article, "In Douglass Tribute, Slave Folklore and...

Students explore the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In this Middle Eastern history lesson, students discover the ancient and contemporary history of Palestine in a lecture format. Students research primary and secondary sources regarding...

Learners examine the themes of loneliness and frustrated love in the work of Carson McCullers. In this theme analysis instructional activity, students complete a comparison of patterns in the novels of McCullers as a part of a theme...

Young scholars analyze Thoreau's writing style. In this writing style lesson, students describe Thoreau's literary style and use the devices he employs in a response to one of his essays.

Seventh graders explore nutrition and the effect it has by participating in class discussions.  In this diet and exercise lesson, 7th graders analyze print advertisements and discuss how unrealistic their expectations are and how...

Pupils research the political aspects of the U.S. position in the Middle East, considering, for example, Truman's position in view of the 1948 presidential election. They examine a telegram sent by the Secretary of State, George C....

Students participate in reading various poems in order to complete different activities. In groups, they compare and contrast the writing style and subject matter of two different author's poems. They practice writing poems on...

Learners explore Indian marriage customs and culture.They connect and compare their own experiences with the experiences of characters from the short story Diamond Dust and rewrite a scene from the story from another point of view.