Writing Educators Symposium
Asking the Right Questions
It can be difficult to find the theme of a book or story if you don't know the questions to ask. Teach your kids to discern the universal theme in works of literature with a set of activities that promote critical thinking and...
Prestwick House
The Glass Castle
Jeannette Walls' memoir, The Glass Castle, grapples with the idea that loving someone may or may not include forgiving them for their past behavior. Take a look at a crossword puzzle that reviews characters, plot points, and key details...
University of North Carolina
Clichés
When it comes to writing, cliches are as old as dirt. A handout on tired phrases provides examples of cliches, as well as a description of the negative effects they have on a paper. Writers discover specific words and phrases to avoid,...
Penguin Books
The Omnivore’s Dilemma, Young Readers Edition
As the saying goes, you are what you eat. A useful set of lesson plans encourage young readers to take a second look at their eating habits. Pre- and post-reading questions bring in reflective writing and discussion while extension...
British Council
Macbeth
Double the fun of studying Shakespeare with an interactive that introduces English learners to Macbeth. After watching a short, animated video that presents key elements of the plot, class members complete a worksheet identifying the...
Curated OER
Pages Out of the Past
Students examine examples of rock art and the reasons why they were made. They translate the images into a creative writing piece that be attached to their own rock art.
Curated OER
Youth Groups
Students explore the impact and effects of race identity during adolescence by discussing their perceptions of race and by conducting an obersavation-based study of the ways in which students choose to group themselves in their school.
Curated OER
Sunflowers - Artists
Students demonstrate an interest in and knowledge of the artists who painted sunflowers. They are introduced to the style of expressionism as they discuss and explore the many connections between art and culture.
Curated OER
We Are Family
Students explore art and stories that depict families in different cultures. They examine how family members help each other, create traditions, have fun and change or grow. They describe their own families and create a class family...
Curated OER
Spelling Strategies for Success
Students identify the meaning of the suffix "er" in given words and sort according to meaning. Students pair up for proofing of work, checking for correct sorting of words in categories of: no suffix, suffix that means "more," and...
Curated OER
Earth Day Egg Heads
Students grow their own egg heads. In this Earth Day lesson, students use egg cartons and egg shells to plant egg heads that can be moved to bigger gardens. A game, a song, a craft, and a recipe are all included with the lesson to...
Curated OER
Still Life Goes On
Students investigate the Turner Prize. In this visual arts lesson, students visit selected Web sites to research the visual arts award and its recipients. Students compare and contrast pieces of art their instructor shares with them.
Curated OER
Ready to Read? On your mark, get set, GO!
Students read the same book several times in order to increase their reading fluency. Also, they use the silent cover-up method of decoding words. Working with a partner they practice the silent cover-up. Next, they complete repeated...
Curated OER
Using the Prefixes 're' and 'non-'
In this prefixes worksheet, students complete 4 sentences using the 're' or 'non-' words in the word bank. Students make up 2 clue sentences with a prefix 're' or 'non'. Then students give a definition for 4 prefix words.
Curated OER
"In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae
Learners read the poem "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae. In this poetry lesson, students read the poem on an overhead transparency and discuss what actions can be used to illustrate it. Learners come up with their own movements to...
Curated OER
Children's Literature Across the Curriculum Ideas-Ira Sleeps Over
Students read Ira Sleeps Over by Bernard Waber. They complete a variety of cross-curricular activities surrounding the ideas presented in the story. Included are reading, art, math, science, writing, social studies, and library...
Curated OER
Imagiste
Students grow toward a fuller understanding of what poetry and time is like as well as a better understanding of their own life by creating a poster poem with images of their own lives.
Curated OER
Out of the Dust
Students examine 1930's America through literature. For this Dust Bowl lesson, students read Karen Hesse's Out of the Dust and set up vocabulary journals and question bookmarks to log their thoughts and impressions as they read the novel.
Hawaiʻi State Department of Education
Ostinato
Quarter notes, eighth notes, and rests; it's time to read rhythmic patterns in music. The class plays ostinatos as they practice identifying rhythmic patterns. They then listen to Mannheim Steamroller as they draw geometric patterns that...
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
Hetch Hetchy: The Story of San Francisco's Water
How did San Francisco supply enough water for its residents over the last two centuries? Learn about droughts and water conservation in California, as well as specific historical events that led to the water system today. Kids read...
Curated OER
Shape In Dance
Learners engage in a lesson that is about the concept of shapes. They practice moves that are used to illustrate different types of shapes. Students participate in body movements that are focused around the directions of the body like...
Curated OER
Origami Ducks: Geometry, Listening, and Following Directions
Make origami ducks with your class to reinforce geometry concepts and vocabulary; develop fine motor and visual translation skills; and enrich study of Japanese culture, the pond habitat, or migration. Create a whole group "worksheet"...
Curated OER
Self and General Space in Dance
Students explore the different themes and strategies of dancing by performing in class. In this physical education lesson, students practice moving specific joints and muscles as they train to perform a dance. Students...
Curated OER
Angry Feelings (Responsible Personal Conduct)
Students review proper classroom behavior and anger management techniques.