"Ode to la Tortilla" and "Ode to Joy"? Sure! Use Gary Soto's poem to introduce learners to the ode format. After examining the descriptive words Soto uses, class members study a poster of Ludwig van Beethoven, suggest words that describe...

Sensory details can enhance the reading experience, especially during a guided imagery reading. Young readers close their eyes and listen to a passage from Sharon Creech's Walk Two Moons before responding to discussion questions and...

As part of a study of Juliet Marillier's Wildwood Dancing, class members create vocabulary squares for words drawn from the story.

Laissez les bons temps rouler! Create your own festive Mardi Gras masks with a lesson that provides background information on the celebration and instructions about constructing the masks.

This three-part quiz tests learners knowledge of the treble clef by asking them to name the parts of the treble clef, to write the letter names under the notes represented, and to write the note names on the correct line or space.

Here's a group of exercises designed to introduce a group or class to the rhythm, as well as the basic sounds of a drum, bass and tone. Individuals investigate different types of drums and form drum circles to practice traditional...

A haiku is the focus of an activity that challenges scholars to draft an original poem. Authors discover the origin and components of a haiku, read three example poems, then follow six steps to compose their own. 

Students listen to a read aloud, participate in word work and work with video clips at a website. They make a zoetrope to demonstrate animation.

Students examine the difference between major and minor chords after hearing them played through Practica Musica. They listen to a song in both major and minor keys using headphones attached to a computer. They describe the differences...

Seventh graders participate in this activity that shows how seeds sprout. It demonstrates the idea that seeds protect the baby plant inside, providing it with everything necessary to begin the growing process.

Students follow a teacher directed process to complete an Artwork Critique Form. They select another student's work to critique. After jotting their ideas on the worksheet, they consult the teacher. When the teacher has determined there...

Students create a unique, 3-d sculpture of a fish out of recycled materials. They brainstorm, what a fish looks like. Students research what fish look like. Also, students make sketches of their fish. Students write a reflection of...

Students listen to a made up melody sung by a classmate and sing it back. They discuss the outcomes as a class regarding what they did well when singing the short melody back. They then listen to a melody/pattern played on xylophone and...

Students have the opportunity to practice research and essay-writing skills using primary and secondary source materials. They explore aspects of early settlers' lives in the backwoods of Upper Canada.

Second graders work on expanding their vocabulary. In this personal writing lesson, 2nd graders practice word identification and complete a worksheet by filling in the blanks.

Students study Civil War photography and write captions for each picture based on context. In this Civil War photography lesson, students match photographs with their original captions. Students read included short biographies of the...

Students create a logo design to express their own identity. In this logo design lesson, students list ten words to describe who they are and choose two of them to use in a logo. Students draw images and choose various forms of...

Seventh graders create mixed media representations of landscape designs in Africa and Asia. The lesson is great for cross-curricular projects with the Social Sciences and/or Literature, or can be used as a self-contained project. ...

By studying the art and style of Marc Chagall, students create a surreal piece of art representing themselves and their surroundings and illustrating Chagall's quote, "Great art picks up where nature ends".

Students practice active listening skills.  In this literacy and U.S. history lesson plan, students predict the hardships pioneers using the Mormon Trail might have faced. Students view the movie "Children of the Wagon Train," then...

Students create a larger than life modified contour drawing of hands in an expressive situation. Hands have linear value, contain a object, and have a patterned background.

Students listen as the teacher tells about the life of Keith Haring. Using drawing paper and pencils, they sketch figures and shapes in the style of K. Haring. They discuss the mural with students, and they vote on colors to use....

Third graders create an ocean fish environment. In this ocean life lesson, 3rd graders create an ocean environment from clay. Students paint their sculptures with realistic colors emphasizing contrast, texture, and patterns.

Students explore how migration to Harlem created a new life for African Americans. In this cross curricular lesson, students illustrate maps showing the migration, paint murals representing African American life in the South and...