Students practice their dictionary skills by participating in a game of words with correct and incorrect definitions. They must work in pairs to determine the incorrect definitions and uses for a word.

Review myths and the characters therein, connecting them to vocabulary words in the English language today. Begin by searching online for myths and character names. With at least ten names that are familiar English words, students use...

No wonder the ship was called the Titanic. An investigation of Norse, Roman, and Greek Mythology provides insight into mythological characters and corresponding words in the English language. A close look at roots, prefixes, and suffixes...

You can use this lesson with English language learners, a young language arts class, or speakers of a foreign language. The phrases learned are I need and I don't need. The teacher collects several items around the room, and learners...

Young readers practice looking words up in the dictionary. This lesson describes a simple, yet engaging, game that can be played as a whole-class activity.

Second graders use resources such as dictionaries and glossaries correctly to build word meaning and to practice all uses of their references; students also practice alphabetical order while locating information.

Pupils sharpen their dictionary skills and their understanding of compound words in this plan. Tailor it to the grade level you teach by honing in on specific skills. For older learners, the plan suggests providing a word and having them...

Foreign language learners work in pairs to translate the daily routine of celebrities or everyday people, presented in daily planner format, into English. They then illustrate and record their own daily routines in storyboard (film...

Students play The Dictionary Game--also called Balderdash as a way to learn new vocabulary words.

Students examine the Navajo dictionary used by the U.S. military in W.W. II. They role-play Navajo messengers and Marine Corp staff. They research the Battle of Iwo Jima and confirm or discount the claim that Navajos made the victory...

Studens identify the variety of services available to them at their local medical facilities. In pairs, they role play different conversations that can take place during a medical emergency. Students create a brief description of the...

Second graders read and perform a reader's theater version of the story, "Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain." They complete a graphic organizer of cause and effect of their part in the story, look up vocabulary words on a dictionary...

Invite your class to investigate racism and civil rights by analyzing the great Dr. Martin Luther King's speech. Your learners will read the words from the "I Have a Dream" speech and analyze the political and racial overtones. They will...

Learners review their knowledge on the First Amendment. After reading an article, they identify specific church and state issues. Using the Internet, they research President Bush's proposal from a specific point of view. They summarize...

Students define common English idioms which they find in books and book excerpts. They use an idiom dictionary and constuct a database of five idioms along with meanings and sentences. They beam this information to classmates.

First graders create games of their choice to be played with the class to reinforce their knowledge of prefixes. This six-day lesson plan includes an excellent worksheet and assessment. I like the use of educational games!

Fourth graders explore ballet. In this dance and music humanities lesson, 4th graders practice ballet positions and play a card game using French ballet vocabulary. Students count beats in rhythm patterns and listen to classical music...

Kids of all ages discover their family histories through pictures. First, flip through the PowerPoint provided (or consider making one of your own). It should show pictures of your family and have clear, easy to understand sentences that...

Students observe the differences and similarities between "masterpieces" and mass-produced objects. They analyze the value of masterpieces and mass-produced items. Students persuade panel members to accept items that they recommend into...

A great way to gain proficiency when learning a new language is to prepare an oral presentation.  In this foreign language lesson, pairs collaborate to develop a Time Capsule which they present to their class using their target...

Foreign language learners decipher the meanings of classified ads in the target language. They investigate a large collage created by the teacher of foreign language advertisements and discuss the content with classmates.  Then...

Students research etymologies using dictionaries. They explore the diverse origins of the common foods they eat after making a list of their favorite foods.

Learners tie together planet names with Greek mythology. Students browse thru a dictionary to see where exactly these names came from and what significance they have. Learners explore the origins of some English words.

Students explore tradition and the month of April by participating in practical jokes. In this United Kingdom holiday activity, students discuss the birth of April Fool's day and what it means to the people of England. Students research...