In this exercise, learners examine the difference between a theme, topic, and moral. After a class discussion on the definition of literary themes, the instructor reads The Cello of Mr. O by Jane Cutler. Next, individuals analyze the...

A reading of Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt by Deborah Hopkinson launches this study of slavery, freedom, and the Underground Railroad. After a discussion of the importance of showing respect for others and of helping each other in...

Students explore the concept of philanthropy. For this service learning lesson, students pull together to clean up a community park and reflect on the experience through literature.

Students explore their experiences and reflect on how one person can make a difference in our world. In this service learning lesson, students analyze themes in music related to encouragement. Students perform a service learning project...

Students evaluate various approaches to spending money.In this spending money literacy lesson, students broaden their financial goals by reading "Alexander Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday" and "A Chair for My Mother."Students use a Venn...

Students understand the message of the book The Little Red Hen.In this helping lesson, students role play the parts of the animals in the story. Students understand the importance of helping others. Students understand the relationship...

Students explore charitable organizations. In this character development instructional activity, students read about children who have contributed to charitable organizations, research a variety of these organizations, plan a project,...

Students learn about equality, justice and fairness. In this equality lesson, students experience what it feels like to be treated unequally. Students examine Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream of equality and his actions to make this...

Students are introduced to the folksinger, Woody Guthrie, and his legendary song This Land Is Your Land. After listening to the song, students engage in a discussion which emphasizes that Woody Guthrie wrote songs for everyone;...

Students examine a day from the point of view of a homeless person. They listen to and discuss two stories, identify ways to help homeless people, watch a Reading Rainbow video, and write an essay.

Students investigate bullying and discrimination and draw pictures of a personal response to being bullied. They read Thank You, Mr. Falkner by Patricia Polacco, to determine the philosophic act that the main character performs. They...

Students compare and contrast the stories of "Cinderella" and "Little Gold Star." Students discuss the magic helper in both stories. Students become the magic helper by bestowing random acts of kindness on others. Students receive stars...

Second graders identify the universal theme in the Cinderella story. In this fairy tale lesson plan, 2nd graders develop their vocabularies as they read a variation of Cinderella.

Students explore what it means to be a good steward of the environment. In this Earth Day lesson plan, students create watercolor pictures of how to take care of the earth. They brainstorm ideas for an Earth Day project.

Students read A Tree is Nice and It Could Still Be a Tree. In this tree planting lesson, students compare and contrast private property and common resources. Students identify the needs of a tree and follow the directions to plan a tree...

Students take charge of a recycling project . In this environmental issues lesson, students manage a paper recycling project and use compost made from the recycled paper to beautify trees.

Students become familiar with the song writer Woody Guthrie and his song, This Land Is Your Land. In this getting to know our land lesson, students understand the vocabulary of the song and some biographical information about Woody...

Students build a list of gardening vocabulary from prior knowledge of gardens. In this gardening lesson, students understand the importance of gardens to humans and animals for food, shelter, and air. Students discuss the garden in...

Students explore the effects of human actions. In this respect and discrimination instructional activity, students read Thank You, Mr. Falker and identify the consequences of bullying and teasing. Students then relate personal...

Young scholars explore the concept of civic virtue in a democratic state. In this democracy lesson, students listen to John F. Kennedy's inaugural speech, read selections on democracy, and discuss the importance of civic rights and...

Students explore the concept of philanthropy. For this service learning lesson, students examine stereotypes and discrimination based on socio-economic status. Students prepare to work with people of diverse backgrounds in service...

Learners examine the day in the life of a homeless person. In this humanitarian lesson, students examine the life of a homeless person while discovering the importance of social justice in our society.

Students explore the concept of philanthropy. In this service learning instructional activity, students examine primary documents regarding the founding of the United States. Students analyze section of the U.S. Constitution and the...

Middle schoolers discuss philanthropy. In this fair trade lesson, students discover the meaning of fair trade. They are given the definition and work in small groups to read further on the topic and answer questions. This lesson includes...