Maine Content Literacy Project
Introduction to Literacy Criticism
As learners continue to examine a short story of their choice, they take some time to look at analysis completed by others on the same story. In the eleventh lesson in a series of fourteen, pupils explore various sites for literary...
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Idea-Noun Definition: Source Searching
A great idea for showing language arts pupils the universality of themes, even in the real world! Have class members choose an idea-noun (peace, justice, war, love, etc.) at the beginning of the year or semester. They complete weekly...
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Applying Character and Setting to Play Readings
Read Ira Sleeps Over, then identify elements of plays that are also common to books. Learners analyze character and setting, consider how these elements relate to a play, then write a one-paragraph skit using the characters from Ira...
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To Kill a Mockingbird - Introductory Role Play and Historical Background
High schoolers participate in role-play activities to explain that emotional and social effects of prejudice discussed in the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird.
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Wonder Wheels
Learners discover ways that they all are alkie as well as different from each other. They write down three ways that students who cannot walk might be able to move around. Learners complete a graphic organizer to analyze the immediate...
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Immigration Unit
Third graders develop an appreciate for the various cultures that are present in their local community. Through reading and research, they explain how various culture came to live in their area. At the conclusion of the unit, 3rd...
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A Teeth Changing Experience
Young scholars research human health by reading an educational story in class. In this oral health lesson, students identify the importance of brushing their teeth and consuming calcium. Young scholars read the book A Teeth Changing...
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The Legend of King Arthur
Students explore historical perspectives through literature. In this King Arthur activity, students discover the attributes of dramatic monologue as they read selected literature. Students then discuss the legend of King Arthur and...
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200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons
Students discuss the style and characteristics of the Classical era and the genre of opera. They compare and contrast modern day popular icons to musical icons throughout history. They write original librettos to modern entertainment.
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Life Before Electricity
Middle schoolers describe life before the introduction of electricity, and debate the implications of the introduction of electricity on society.
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Book Swap
Students explore the publishing roles of author and illustrator. Stories are written and the illustration done by other students. Answers to several questions act as a motivating force for the creation of the stories.
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Mildred Taylor: Understanding the Author of "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry"
Learners complete various activities related to the analysis of the novel "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry." They create a collage of words and images of what it was like to live in the South in the 1930's, conduct Internet research, and...
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Stories of Hope: Dragonfly and Mosquito
Young scholars identify and interpret the value of the dragonfly as a predator of the mosquito. They create their own folktales using the dragonfly or a creature of their choice to solve the malaria problem or another issue. Students...
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GET UP, STAND UP: Fighting for Rights Around the World
Students explore basic human rights as they explore music by black artists. In this human rights lesson, students examine music as a cultural reflection of the justice issues. Students analyze Jamaican roots reggae of the 70s, American...
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Myths, Folktales & Fairy Tales
Students relate the myth genre to history and culture. In this myths lesson, students compare culture in the past and present. Students answer critical thinking questions and discuss the unique characteristics of the myths. Students...
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Passport to Literacy
Third graders discuss with their partners what they would need to pack for an international trip and share their brainstormed ideas with the class making a web map. They then write paragraph detailing what they should take on the trip...
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The Life Cycle of the Butterfly
Students examine the life of a butterfly. They write a biography from the point of view of a caterpillar using new vocabulary. They use magnifying glasses to examine butterflies and caterpillars.
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Who Me? A Writer?
Students interview another student using a twenty question format and write a three-part biography of that person. They create a collage representing the person they interviewed.
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Farm Animals
First graders conduct research about farm animals and what it is like to live on a farm. They explore a variety of websites and complete an online WebQuest. They select a farm animal, and write a report about their animal's...
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Photograph Lesson
Students bring a favorite photograph to class and discuss what they see and don't see in the photos. They brainstorm with the teacher on the overhead and then translate the information into poetic form.
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My Name Puzzle
Students solve a name puzzle, write their name six times, and identify their name on their envelope.
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On The Job Safety
Students discuss the importance of job safety and identify ways to remain safe on the job. Working in small groups, students explore the laws that ensure on the job safety. They role play several safety situations. This lesson is...
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WORLD GEOGRAPHY
Students identify and analyze map symbols and map grids by completing various worksheets and creating their own map using these skills. Students identify and analyze what latitude and longitude are on a map to play a game of Bingo....
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Super Sentence Starters
Fourth graders create more complex sentences by adding specified parts. They play a game where they be making sentences sound better by adding new words or phrases. They use worksheets imbedded in this lesson to give them lots of ideas.