This discussion guide accompanies the fiction book Midnight Magic written by Avi, enforces story elements, inferences, and theme/plot. Have the class work on it over time, it will engage even your reluctant readers. 

Students explore and study the celebration of Kwanzaa in which African-Americans remember their heritage and remind people of the importance of sharing with family and friends. They participate in a chant about the seven continents and...

Students create homes for fairytale characters. In this early childhood lesson plan, students develop literacy, language, and problem-solving concepts as they create block structures related to specific fairy tales.

Students discuss honesty and the common good. For this character education lesson, students observe a role play demonstrating inappropriate classroom behaviors. Students evaluate consequences of actions and draw a t-chart comparing...

Students explore the concept of sharing. In this character education lesson, students role play methods of sharing in the classroom and create a guidebook for sharing in the classroom.

Are you thinking of reading Surviving Hitler with your class? If so, you will find these worksheets to be useful. They include great activities which are designed to help your readers respond to the book. Predicting events and a chart...

Alliterative adjective nicknames generate stories inspired by Rosemary Wells' book Noisy Nora (also a thematic complement to any class with children who make a ruckus to get attention). Class members explore basic story elements --...

Students brainstorm characteristics that are needed to succeed in various occupations. They observe the list and discuss the most-listed traits. The list is left up in the classroom for inspiration.

Students explore responsibility. For this character education lesson, students review the definition of responsibility and brainstorm possible consequences of taking responsibility and not taking responsibility.  Student's thoughts...

Upper graders investigate how the Seventh Day Adventists are objectors to the practice of war. The lesson covers the Civil War and examines the church's position about the practice of war. The research extends to modern wars and learners...

Students explore the concept of honesty. In this character instructional activity, students work in groups to brainstorm and discuss what it means to be honest. Each group shares their ideas with the class and they keep a list of...

Sixth graders recreate scenes from the theories about the disappearance of Amelia Earhart. In this history and theatre lesson, 6th graders review the story of Earhart using a flip chart. Students work on one act plays to depict one of...

Second graders create a t-chart about the healthy and unhealthy characteristics in relationships. They discuss elements they should look for in a friend. They are read books to identify these elements.

Fifth graders discuss what narrative writing represents. In this language arts lesson, 5th graders review the ten strategies for engaging reader. Students listen to and read good examples of each strategyand write engaging beginnings in...

Learners compile a list of 10 desirable traits for working with others. They evaluate the traits that are necessary for specific jobs and describe them in work settings.

Students create a new ending for a familiar story that stand alone with a clear beginning, middle and end. As a class, students review a familiar text focusing on plot and character development. In small groups, students work...

Students create a three column chart about working with wildlife and how different organizations help sea turtles. In this sea turtles lesson plan, students compare the Oregon Coast Aquarium, the Coast Guard, and Sea World and what they...

Students discover the parts of a story through the retelling of a fable as well as characters, plot, and setting. This lesson is completed using the program Pixie to create an online storybook.

Learners explore stereotyping. In this moral and character development lesson, students share reactions to a T-chart displaying what boys can do and girls can not do. Martin Luther King's accomplishments are discussed, and learners...

Learners use the My Hero website to help them develop their reading skills. They create a KWL chart for the hero of their choice.

Students read the story Marriage is a Private Affair and analyze the 'American Dream.' In this American Dream instructional activity, students free write about the American Dream. Students read the story and discuss the themes. Students...

Learners explore cultural myths in America by collecting images and characteristics of stereotypical Americans. They read a primary source document, discussing the views of the author in class. Next, they compare the terms used to...

The tale of "Lon Po Po" is a Chinese story, very similar to the European tale of "Little Red Riding Hood." Learners make cross cultural comparisons between the two tales, focusing on themes common to both. They review story elements such...

Grab a debatable (or controversial) moment from your current reading, and use this task to progress the persuasive writing skills of your high school scholars. Divide your learners into four small groups and let them collaborate, debate,...