David Pleacher
Candy Math Fun
Few things can motivate children to learn like the promise of a sweet and tasty treat. Given a bag of M&M®s, Skittles®, or other colorful candy, students first predict the contents of the bag before counting the pieces, creating a...
Teaching Adapted PE
Locomotor and Object Control Stations
Develop children's basic locomotor and object control skills with an invigorating Adaptive PE lesson. A series of four, timed stations engaged the class in playing a game of Twister, walking on a balance beam, throwing bean bags, and...
Curated OER
Where the Red Fern Grows: A 4th Grade Literary Focus Unit
Fourth graders explore the human and animal connection along with the idea that death is a part of the life cycle. They read "Where the Red Fern Grows." Students examine the feelings and emotions surrounding death and they discover the...
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Student Survey
Students create questions they would like to ask another class of Students, send the questions by email, examine results, and create slideshow illustrating results.
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Plotting Numbers and Test
Sixth graders create a human number line. They determine the correct placement of various numbers ranging from -4 to 4. Additionally, they will determine the placement of numbers written as fractions and/or decimals.
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Sing a Song of Indiana
After hearing John Mellencamp's song "Small Town," 4th graders are introduced to a brief biography/history of John Mellencamp. They will perform the entire song at the annual 4th grade program at the school.
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A Place at the Table
Twelfth graders set up a formal table setting in their classroom. Individually, they identify the proper serving or eating utensil for the various courses of a meal. To end the lesson, they discuss and role-play proper table manners and...
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"Fantasy Creature Prints"
Here is a really neat art activity that can be used for any grade and connected to literature, classics, or other writing activities. The class creates a fantasy creature, then they outline it by gluing yarn around the edges, they paint...
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Author's Purpose
Sixth graders brainstorm the reasons authors write, and they list their responses on the board. Students discuss each purpose they have listed.Students work independently to read the selection "Tarantulas and Typhoid" by Stephanie Moss....
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Vocabulary
Fourth graders classify vocabulary words by category. Through matching and classification activities, 4th graders sort words pertaining to trees and forest habitats into appropriate categories. They discuss how vocabulary practice can...
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The Changing Me
Third graders study the human body. In this health lesson, 3rd graders discuss that everyone's body is growing, measure body parts using a tape measure, and color the body worksheet.
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short Division
Fourth graders practice division through a timed test. In this short division instructional activity, 4th graders recognize the benefit of using short division. Students complete a short division worksheet.
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Scavenger Hunt
First graders participate in a scavenger hunt. In this grouping lesson, 1st graders search for pictures of objects around the room, then find the card with the name of that object written on it. Students also discuss the similiarities...
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Conic Sections
Learners explore the different properties of conics. In this algebra lesson, students calculate the midpoint of a line, the distances between two points as they get ready to find the focus and directrix in eclipse and other conics. They...
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Can You Compose?
Fourth graders investigate musical notes. In this music lesson, 4th graders compose a short song while clapping the rhythm and singing the syllables using the appropriate notes or rests.
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"Let's Write a Song"
Fourth graders analyze, brainstorm and practice playing a melody/pattern with rhythm, tempo, dynamics, and instrumental pieces of many styles. In addition, they create an original piece of music.
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Money Game
Fourth graders give change of one dollar. In this decimal and fractions lesson plan, 4th graders receive fake coins and discuss what they could purchase with them. Students go for a walk and spend one dollar and get their purchase if...
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Bullying
First graders learn healthy ways to express their feelings, needs and wants. In this bullying lesson plan, 1st graders read A Bad Case of the Stripes, discuss why the main character is getting bullied, dicuss why it's okay to be...
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Identifying the Beat
Sixth graders listen to various songs. In this musical properties lesson, 6th graders work in groups to identify musical selections, practice tapping the beat, review time signatures, and identify the meter of different songs.
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Slopes and Slope Intercepts
Learners identify the slope of an equation using various methods. In this algebra lesson, students graph linear equations and calculate the slopes using the x and y intercept to solve the equations and graph the lines. They use the slope...
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Transformation, Reflections, Rotations and Translations
Students create a quilt, using different patterns. In this geometry lesson, students apply prior knowledge as they use different patterns to help them create a quilt using transformations and geometric shapes.
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Money and Business (Art)
Third graders investigate world currency by creating their own coin art. In this government lesson, 3rd graders examine the characteristics of different coins and create their own design for a new one. Students discuss and present...
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Polygon Perimeters
Fourth graders practice finding the perimeter of shapes. In this measurement lesson, 4th graders review the meaning of perimeter and work in groups to draw polygons with differing perimeters. Students share their polygons with the class.
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The Cricket in Times Square
Fourth graders explore vocabulary by reading a contemporary story in class. In this English literature lesson, 4th graders read the story A Cricket in Times Square and practice using the vocabulary words from the story. Students...