While the preparation for this lesson is extensive, the results are well worth the effort. Prior to the lesson, Xerox the pictures from Cranberry Thanksgiving by Wende and Harry Devlin, collect the ingredients for Cranberry Bread, and...

Learners practice their reading comprehension by analyzing and discussing books with their classmates. They record their responses to comprehension, evaluation, and interpretation questions provided on a worksheet that is referenced but...

Students explore the concept of philanthropy. In this service learning instructional activity, students study the works of well-known philanthropists and write an acrostic poem using the word CARING.

Middle schoolers brainstorm the characteristics of trusted learners. In this social skills lesson, students brainstorm what a 'community of trusted learners' would look like. Middle schoolers create a continuum of distrustful to...

Fourth graders put elbow macaroni where commas and quotation marks are supposed to be in sentences. In this punctuation lesson plan, 4th graders use the pasta to define where punctuation is missing in sentence strips.

Learners examine historical context. In this historical perspectives lesson, students read and discuss instructor-selected picture book biographies. Learners then complete graphic organizers based on the challenges the main characters...

After reading an excerpt from Amelia Earhart's autobiography, The Fun of It, learners explore various nonfiction resources about her life and write a short newspaper article on a specific event. They then develop a longer piece of...

Second graders make posters.  In this good citizens lesson, 2nd graders read Arthur's Pet Business, discuss the examples of good citizenship, share their responsibilities, and make responsibility posters.

Students evaluate in class performance of music previously prepared by the ensemble. The rubric and assessment criteria are adaptable to any orchestra setting which allows the teacher to choose music to be assessed. Critical thinking...

Young scholars use Coin Critters software to practice coin recognition. Students complete a printing project for the cover of Valentine cards and use monthly calendars or a hundreds chart to count by 5's and 10's. Young scholars use...

Students analyze geographic maps. In this map analysis lesson, students analyze the symbols in geographic maps and the impact of cultural, historical, and political concepts. Students compare and contrast maps in various mediums by...

Finding and/or designing a menu of equally weighted synthesizing projects to end a unit can be a challenge. Simplify the task with this menu of individual and group projects meant to accompany a study of The Crucible. Presentations,...

Young writers generate descriptive words. They use pictures of various landscapes (from books, magazines, or the Internet) and complete a story pyramid. The pyramid (included here) asks to describe the main character, the setting, and...

Second graders explore how to earn respect. In this health lesson plan, 2nd graders summarize and demonstrate expected standards for behavior such as honesty, trustworthiness, and respect for others.

For this chapter 16 of The Giver worksheet, learners complete a chart, filling in the emotional reactions of and changes the main character undergoes during particular scenes of the story.

Young scholars research dog species and breeds. In this dog lesson, students discuss breed of dogs, their personal experiences, and complete a Venn Diagram comparing breeds. Young scholars use the research to analyze television shows or...

Students participate in class discussion about famous people in aviation history and focus upon the special qualities that helped them to achieve their goal. They use the internet to perform research.

Learners create a PowerPoint presentation about a chapter book that they have read. They include what the book is about, they include characters, and a brief summary about the book.

Learners transform a discarded book into a creative art work of art that encompasses a theme and utilizes a variety of media and techniques.

Learners listen to several Japanese stories and write their own Japanese-style stories, which they share with the class.

Students work together to research leaders of disadvantaged groups. They identify how these people use the nonprofit sector to make positive changes. They discuss how the leader uses the democratic core values and present the information...

Students produce an ongoing journal in which they relate their personal response to literature. They examine the theme of the rights of the individual versus the whole. They explore conflict in Panther in the Basement.

Fourth graders explore the human and animal connection along with the idea that death is a part of the life cycle. They read "Where the Red Fern Grows." Students examine the feelings and emotions surrounding death and they discover the...