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On the Beach: Disabled and Mother's Pride
What do an early 20th century poet and a 1980's rock star have in common with a novel from the 1960's? Using Wilfred Owen's poem "Disabled" and George Michael's song "Mother's Pride," learners answer questions about the lyrics and themes...
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Ray Bradbury Short Stories - Independent Reading Activity
A straightforward lesson about the themes in Ray Bradbury's short stories, this activity allows learners to first work independently and then share their analyses with the class. They read "The Other Foot" as well as another story from...
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Characterization of Mice and Men
Using a SMART board presentation (provided), your class discusses the characterization of Lenny, George, Curley, Curley's wife, and the farmhands in John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men. The presentation includes a list of traits for...
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All the King's Men Theme of Drugs and Alcohol
In this literary analysis instructional activity, students respond to 4 short answer and essay questions based on themes of Drugs and Alcohol in All the King's Men. Students also debate the validity of two thesis statements...
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All My Sons Theme of Guilt and Blame
For this literary analysis worksheet, learners respond to 3 short answer and essay questions about guilt and blame in All My Sons. Students also read and debate two thesis statements about how the suburban community is to blame in the...
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Theme: The Search for Meaning
Students explore themes. In this literary elements instructional activity, students view a PowerPoint presentation defining and describing examples of common theme traits. Students read several short passages, then infer the theme of...
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Problems and Their Solutions in Stories and Everyday Life
Students identify story elements. In this stories activity, students read a story and identify the chracter, character traits, plot, setting and theme. Groups of students match problem and solution cards.
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Details, Details: How Choices Reveal Character, Setting, Tone, and Theme. (Analyzing and Interpreting, Making Inferences)
Students respond to works of art. In this art interpretation instructional activity, students examine images of art while using concepts they learned as they read literary pieces. They detail the setting, characters, and the mood and...
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Identifying Main Idea and Supporting Details - The Stonecutter's Wish
Students identify details that support the theme of a story. For this main idea or theme lesson, students view a video of "The Stonecutter's Wish." Students are given a graphic organizer to use as they discuss the main idea...
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Writing an Interpretive Essay to Describe a Theme - The Red Shoes
Young scholars explore the concept of literature themes. In this theme activity, students watch a video segment of "The Red Shoes." Young scholars discuss the author's message regarding friendship and then write a friendship essay.
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Literature: Watching Anna
Students view the PBS presentation of Leo Tolstoy's, "Anna Karenina." Prior and after each episode, they discuss plot and characterization and in one instructional activity, use adjectives to describe each of the main characters. Then,...
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How Tragic!
Tenth graders read and study, in-depth, a specific classical tragedy, in this case, Oedipus. They explore strategies from making meaning out of or interpreting texts, as well as strategies for determining how authors create meaning in...
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Animal Farm
Students read Animal Farm and examine how power corrupts. They role-play situations involving power and control. They investigate corruption and abuse of power in society. They write propaganda articles and hold panel discusssionsabout...
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Evaluating a Book By Its Cover
Students practice using predictive strategies before reading a book. In this literacy lesson, students identify the theme and characters of the novel based on the cover illustrations.
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Fahrenheit 451 Symbol & Test Review
Although the second page of this two-page sheet probably won't benefit you much (considering you won't have the materials referenced), you could still use the first page to assess your class's understanding of the symbols used in...
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Macbeth - Analyzing Characterization in Drama
The writing activity in this lesson could be used to assess student understanding of previously taught concepts of how language reveals character.
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The Lady of Shalott: Theme of Man and the Natural World
Students read about Alfred, Lord Tennyson's use of nature in the poem, "The Lady of Shallot." Students then respond to 4 short answer questions based on the theme of man in the natural world. Questions require students to reflect...
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The Lady of Shalott Theme of The Supernatural
In this poetry analysis learning exercise, students read comments about the mysterious and fantastical mood of Lord Tennyson's poem "The Lady of Shalott." Students then respond to 4 short answer questions based on the...
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"Ode to a Nightingale" Theme of Man and the Natural World
For this "Ode to a Nightingale" worksheet, students discuss Keats view of nature. Students follow the poet's progression into the world of nature and the images used to convey his feelings.
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The Lamb Theme of Religion
For this literary analysis worksheet, students consider the comments made about religion in William Blake's poem, "The Lamb." Students read an overview of the poem's symbolic content, then respond to five questions in which they reflect...
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Mutability Questions
For this poetry analysis worksheet, students read the poem "Mutability," by William Wordsworth and then respond to 6 discussion questions. The questions require students to consider the role of religion and the impact of sudden change as...
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My Last Duchess Theme of Language and Communication
In this poetry analysis worksheet, 6th graders read a paragraph about the Duke's style of communication and lack of it in the poem, “My Last Duchess,” by Robert Browning. Student then answer 4 short answer...
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My Last Duchess Theme of Madness
In this poetry analysis worksheet, students consider the motivation for the actions of the Duke in "My Last Duchess," by Robert Browning as they read a brief paragraph positing that the Duke is insane. Students then respond to...
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My Last Duchess Theme of Jealousy
In this poetry analysis worksheet, students examine commentary about the jealousy of the Duke in Browning's "My Last Duchess." Students respond to discussion questions regarding the Duke’s suspicion that his wife is unfaithful, his...