National First Ladies' Library
There's Only How Much? Rationing in World War II
Students discuss the idea of rationing as a restriction on the amount of something or the frequency with which something may be purchased or used in order to contribute to the greater good of the group which was what happened during...
Curated OER
Colonial America: Causes of the American Revolution
Fourth graders analyze colonial rule and policies with regard to the causes of the American Revolution. In this Colonial America simulation lesson, 4th graders role play in an Independence Game, reacting to a variety of "events" that...
Curated OER
Who Will Wear the Hats? Who Will Use the Tools?
Students examine nontraditional career choices for their gender. For this career education lesson, students participate in a discussion of jobs and vocations as the teacher models uniforms or hats associated with different jobs. They...
Curated OER
3D Houses
Students construct 3-dimensional structures from 2-dimensional paper. They design and compile their structures to resemble a neighborhood community.
Curated OER
Me and My Job Shadow, Part 1
Third graders identify the skills that are important in performing helper jobs in the school and the skills that are possessed personally by them. They write a short paragraph to summarize the information taught about top three job...
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Interviewing a Historical Figure
Students examine a historical figure by designing an interview for them.
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Lesson Plan for The Little Red Hen
Cultivate young performers while teaching them about helping one another with this interactive storytelling lesson. Elementary schoolers read or listen to the story The Little Red Hen by Mike Lockett and then act out the story while...
American Forest Foundation
Who Speaks for the Trees?
Help young conservationists appreciate the important role that trees play in ecosystems around the world with this collection of six engaging activities. From a shared reading and class discussion of Dr. Seuss' The Lorax, to in an depth...
Curated OER
Chess: A Game or Rules of Society
Students identify the social classes of medieval Europe, and utilize the chess board and pieces to explain their relationship to each other.
Curated OER
Simulated Underground Railroad Experience
Fourth graders participate in a simulation activity that culminates their study of the Underground Railroad. They climb on obstacles while bells rings and older students act as conductors. They work in a darkened area with only one light...
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Citizens' Power : Deliberative Assemblies
Students study the rule that govern the operations of deliberative assemblies. They explore how they can become respectful citizens who explain Parliamentary government.
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To Market to Market
Fourth graders research a product and participate in an integrated simulation of a free market economy where students will create, buy and sell a good or service. In completing this activity, 4th graders understand the concepts and...
Curated OER
Supply and Demand - Everyday Life
Students investigate the concept of supply and demand and determine how it relates to their everyday life. They explain how economic stability or affluence affect supply and demand.
Curated OER
A Helping Hand: The Role of Guides During Western Expansion
Students research and examine the lives and culture of western mountain guides during the early to mid 1800s. Students write reports about a guide they research, do a simulation of the guide by keeping a journal, managing money and...
Curated OER
Headin' West! The Life of a Pioneer
Students explore the life of a pioneer and the relationship between the concept of Manifest Destiny and pioneering. Students complete activities, maps, writing and reading to experience pioneer life. Handouts and worksheets are included...
Curated OER
Health Careers
Pupils identify careers in the healthcare field. They listen to a description of work done by family members, school personnel and community workers. They role-play a visit to the doctor's office and all the staff involved in that visit.
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Civil War Leaders
Fifth graders explore leaders of the Civil War. In this history activity, 5th graders use picture puzzles, vocabulary, worksheets, WebQuest, a Venn Diagram and role play activities in order to learn who the Civil War leaders were, what...
Curated OER
LA CENERENTOLA (Cinderella)
Students investigate different cultures' versions of the Cinderella tale in comparison to the Rossini opera synopsis. They experience dramatizing a Cinderella tale and study about the group and individual process required for theatrical...
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Sharing in the Classroom
Students explore the concept of sharing. In this character education lesson, students role play methods of sharing in the classroom and create a guidebook for sharing in the classroom.
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Putting On Armor
Seventh graders are read the story "EMS Code Blue" and asked to share what they would do in the different situations. As a class, they discuss the importance of getting help for mental or social problems and are given a list of resources...
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The Discovery of the Americas: A Play About Early Explorers
Students perform a play about the early explorers to America.
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Selecting Judges: Playground Bullying - Judicial Fairness
Students discuss behavior. In this judging fairness instructional activity, students discover how there are different perceptions on what is the most fair way to solve a situation. They work in small groups and as a class to role play...
Curated OER
In Perfect Harmony: Teaching the World to Sing
First graders listen to music as the impetus to learn about the concept of Japanese harmony as it is understood in Japanese culture. They use the New Seeker's song, "I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing," to compare America and Japan...
Curated OER
Women's Wartime Roles
Learners explore the role of women during times of war. They examine the various roles that women have played in wars throughout United States history and how they have changed over time. In addition, they role-play presentations as if...