The United States Library of Congress, the largest library in the world. But such was not always the case. The library was destroyed during the War of 1812. In a persuasive letter to Samuel H. Smith, Thomas Jefferson offered to sell his...

Youngsters visit the classroom library to complete various reading activities, pushing their motivation to read! They will discuss different library books and read two specific books that use "Building Block" reading skills. They also...

Students examine a letter written by Thomas Jefferson. In this lesson on the Thomas Jefferson Library, students discover a methodology for creative writing by examining Jefferson's letter to congress explaining why they should purchase...

Students investigate the reason and origins of libraries and conduct an information search using a variety of resources. They are divided into groups that have a specific set of questions they are to answer. Each group will then complete...

Young scholars discuss ways in which their own school library is funded, explore organization and funding of other school libraries, research Laura Bush's initiatives for school libraries, and gain experience planning projects and/or...

Students examine the need for a national library. In this Library of Congress lesson plan, students analyze primary sources to investigate the persuasive techniques that Thomas Jefferson used in a letter meant to show his...

Students take a closer look at the Minerva Mosaic. In this primary source analysis instructional activity, students use the provided analysis worksheets to study the Minerva image in the Library of Congress and all that it symbolizes.

Third graders examine the role of the library media specialist in the school by listening to a read aloud of The Library Dragon and visiting Carmen Agra Deedy's website. They talk about respect for the books and the others using the...

Students analyze the Minerva mosaic. In this Library of Congress lesson, students conduct primary source analysis of the mosaic as they interpret the symbolism and mythology featured in the mosaic.

Learners explore techniques of persuasive writing. In this persuasive writing lesson, students examine primary sources regarding the sale of Thomas Jefferson private library to Congress. Learners write their own persuasive letters...

Students explore ways to use the library as a resource for accessing research material. Working individually, they participate in a teacher created library scavenger hunt to aid in locating fiction and nonfiction material as well as...

Students interpret historical evidence presented in primary resources. In this symbolism activity, students examine the Minerva Mosaic of the Library of Congress. Students consider the symbolism of the mosaic.

Students visit a school or public library and study how information is organized. In this information management instructional activity, students answer a group of questions about the organizational method of the library. Students then...

If you plan to utilize the ABC miniseries, "The Path to 9/11" in your classroom, consider incorporating media literacy and research skills. After (or while) learners view the series, they discuss ways information can differ from source...

Students discover organization by participating in a class game. In this information sorting lesson, students utilize the Internet to play a library role-playing game with their classmates. Students answer study questions about library...

Fourth graders complete activities with the book Help, I'm a Prisoner in the Library by Eth. In this reading ideas lesson, 4th graders are broken into tiers based on their reading ability and complete different activities. These...

Students study the classification system used in a library. In this sorting and classification lesson, students visit their library and define the classification system in place. Students discuss the sorting method and then come up with...

Students write a letter to their former library media specialist incorporating brainstormed ideas of what they have liked about the library media center. For this way students let the teacher know about what has been done in the past and...

Students visit the school library for orientation and instruction on how to use the online Public Access Catalog (OPAC). They outline an abstract about Harry Potter books and answer questions on a handout about library procedures. ...

Students brainstorm a list of all the kinds of items kept in a library. They answer questions about the job of a librarian then they write a three-paragraph essay about the work of a librarian.

Students analyze the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. In this U.S. government lesson, students examine books, movies, and music that influence them today and then investigate writings that influenced the framers of the...

Students consider uses of a library and explore the collections at the Morgan Library and Museum in New York City, and create proposals for exhibits of various artifacts.

Students explore centennial America. In this American history lesson, students search the Library of Congress digital collections for primary sources regarding the lifestyles and values of Americans in 1876. Students design exhibits to...

Students define the American dream. In this primary research lesson plan, students search the Library of Congress digital collections for primary sources regarding the ideal of the American dream.  Students create presentation to...