National First Ladies' Library
Jefferson's Legacy: A National Library
Students examine the creation of the Library of Congress. They investigate reasons why Thomas Jefferson sold his personal collection to the Library. Employing various research resources, students write newspaper articles about the sale...
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Comparing The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring
High schoolers write an essay comparing The Hobbit to The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien. In this The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring lesson, students compare the plot, theme, writing styles, and other elements in the two...
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Folklore in Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God
Students read Zora Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God and explore her life history as well as novel analysis activities. In this novel analysis instructional activity, students identify elements in the novel and its overall literary...
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Newspaper Writing in Various Genres
In this newspaper writing in various genres worksheet, students create 8 newspaper articles in different genres (list provided), following the examples given, with grading rubric included.
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Louise, The Adventures of a Chicken
Students read the book Louise, The Adventures of a Chicken and do language arts activities based on the book. For this language arts lesson plan, students read the book given and do language arts activities that include taking a class...
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I Have to Change!? The Role of the Adolescent in the Family
Sixth graders examine the changes occuring during adolescents using children's literature. As a class, they brainstorm a list of the various roles they play in their family. In groups, they use excerpts of plays from Shakespeare to...
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Guided Reading with Here Comes the Bus
Second graders read independently to find out what happens when the bus moves on its route. Students are given strategies to help with words they aren't sure how to read. Students whisper read with a partner on the second reading. As an...
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Guided Reading with Pran's Week of Adventure
Students participate in pre-reading activities before reading the book, Pran's Week of Adventure. They read the book independently, but are guided by directive questions from their teacher. A discussion follows, as well as repeated...
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Langston Hughes: Voice Among Voices
Students study Langston Hughes's poetry, short stories, and his first autobiography. They read and appreciate the candid, honest and powerful creative masterpieces of this black genius and discuss the numerous universal themes and...
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Finding Your Story: Helping Students Begin Their Memoir
Students write their memoir. For this memoir lesson, students study the differences between an autobiography and a memoir. Students construct an outline as the basis for their memoir.
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I Need To Ask You Something
First graders read the story, "I Need to Ask You Something." Students discuss clothing you wear in the summer and winter. After looking at the pictures on the cover, 1st graders explore ways they can help their mom. They use reading...
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Celebrating Saturn and Cassini
Students use their notes from previous lessons to write a paper on Saturn or Cassini. They share their writings with the class. They discover how everyone has a different learning style.
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Parallel Studies in American/Afro-American Literature, Part II -- Black and White Images in Alienation
Students begin the lesson with a review of the elements of poetry. Individually, they read a variety of poems and literature one white and one black author focusing on decay, sterility and alienation. They identify these images within...