Eighth graders are introduced to the concept, What Makes Good Poetry? They are asked to explore the writer within.

Students explain the concept of double consciousness and evaluate how the concept of double consciousness is reflected in ethnic literature. They read "The Invisible Man" a poem by Langston Hughes and discuss expectations. They analyze...

Tenth graders analyze the video "Berga:  Soldiers of Another War."  In this World History lesson, 10th graders read a quote and discuss the meaning of the quote.  Students read and answer questions based on a video

Third graders examine two well known sayings, and write responses to the sayings. They read and analyze various Lewis Carroll poems and his life.

Students choose a written piece and present it aloud in a student-made recording. They analyze how sounds are used to elicit emotion.

Students read the story of the Children of Agape. They read excerpts from Hallie Geier's journal, Fierce Wonderings and consider what "we are together" means to them. In addition, they assemble a puzzle.

Twelfth graders are given the opportunity to serve as cadet teachers for fourth and fifth-grade gifted students. In this career choices lesson, 12th graders discover how meaningful being a teacher can be.

Young scholars examine the ideas of Lincoln and Douglass. In groups, they compare and contrast writings from each man and how they formed the nation with their ideas. After watching "Glory", they discuss how people like Lincoln and...

Learners participate in a jigsaw reading activity about the contributions of Sacagawea to the Corps of Discovery. They also write a poem to reflect upon what they studied.

Students analyze the elements of style for a work of art and compare it with the elements of style for a piece of writing. They read selections of the same story, and select the writing style that best fits the style of the painting,

First graders learn vocabulary in regards to laws, courts, and policeman. They read and discuss the book, The Value of Respect: The Story of Abraham Lincoln. An attorney visits the classroom and discusses the roles of judges and juries.

Learners develop a comparison worksheet using one non fiction book and one fiction book they have read to be put into a class scrapbook. In their comparison students must have title, author, point of view, setting, characters, and other...

Sixth graders perform research using the Internet about the Tasmanian Devil. The project can be presented in a variety of ways. The use of computer software is important for students to know, specifically Hyperstudio.

Students listen to excerpts from an autobiography about the first blind man to reach the summit of Mt. Everest. They discuss Erik Weihenmayer's life, and write a bio-poem using a bio-poem formula.

Are your classes weary of dreary worksheets? Are the learners nearly napping? Thrill them, fill them with delight with an interactive worksheet that asks them to identify the figurative language Edgar Allen Poe uses to add horror and...

Double click that mouse because you just found an amazing instructional activity! This cross-curricular Ornithology instructional activity incorporates literature, writing, reading informational text, data collection, scientific inquiry,...

Developed specifically for AVID students, this packet of materials that includes an explanation of the Socratic seminar, the preparation materials, and tips and protocols, is a must-have resource for any class. 

Looking to introduce some text-based questions into your ELA lessons? Practice the kinds of skills the Common Core demands with the seven text-based questions and the essay prompt provided here. Designed to be a three-day activity, day...

An informative installment of the Writing for Specific Fields series helps readers learn how to interpret and write about fiction. The website details nine easy steps for writing a literary analysis—a useful method for all readers!

Look back at the third chapter of The Cay with your class. Pupils will conduct a close reading, taking a second look at a chunk of text and responding to a series of text-dependent questions. Wrap up with an analytical writing prompt...

Help young readers examine historic artifacts to determine if they were designed to help people survive or to create enjoyment. They identify objects that were designed to help people to survive and to enjoy themselves. Then compare and...

Fourth graders express their views of liberty through creative writing. They view video segments about the history of the Statue of Liberty.

To do this engaging and pleasurable activity, your learners should have already read a graphic novel, and produced a piece of writing that can be reproduced into the format of a graphic novel. This exercise provides a script that...

Imagine the surprise when small groups present their Evidence Charts to the class and discover that each group has studied a different version of the Cinderella story. Irish, Ojibwa, Egyptian, Chinese, Korean, Persian, Mexican, and...