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Computer Lesson
The writing of Haiku poems is the focus of this language arts instructional activity. In it, the basic elements of Haiku poetry are presented, and then a step-by-step set of instructions on how to create a Haiku poem along with an...
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Comics in the Classroom as an Introduction to Narrative Structure
A picture is worth a thousand words, but a comic strip combines both images and words for the ultimate narrative effect. After reading The Three Little Pigs and deciphering the plot elements, elementary readers work through four...
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Five Elements of a Story
Here’s a graphic organizer that permits learners to chart the introduction, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution of a story. The PDF file can be customized to work with any narrataive.
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Making a Magical Story
Fourth and fifth graders use their knowledge of developing character, dialogue, and setting to produce an original story. An excerpt from The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe is used as inspiration to get everyone's...
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Modernizing a Traditional Irish Folktale
Young scholars write their own folktales based on "Cathal O'Cruachan and the Cowherd." In discussions they examine the animal symbolism in the story, as well as the characters, events, problems, and solution. With partners, they select...
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Palace Adventure
Young language arts learners write and illustrate a short fantasy story based on the book Corduroy. First, learners need to develop a character. Then, through their writing and illustrations, they take their characters on adventures...
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Note Taking
Third graders get ready to take notes on a field trip. In this notetaking instructional activity, 3rd graders take notes to remember what they've seen on a field trip. Students draw and analyze diagrams of what they have...
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Elaborating the Main Idea, Using Supporting Details
A desk is used as a visual analogy to construct the main idea and supporting details in a story. The top of the desk is the main idea, and each of the four legs provides supporting details. The legs of the desk provide support for the...
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Snowy Evening Poetry for ESL (Elementary, Literature)
Students read Robert Frost's Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening, illustrated by Susan Jeffers (2001). This is a wonderful book with beautiful illustrations that go with each line of the poem.
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Europe in the Middle Ages
Students focus on the development of European civilization during the Middle Ages in Europe through this series of lessons. They develop an awareness for time and place, explain the complex nature of cultures, and real and mythical...
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My Family - Bookmaking for Social Studies
Students create family histories. In this book making lesson, students take digital cameras home for the night and take family members' photographs. Students use the photographs and text they write about their families to create a family...
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A Sip of Aesop From the Web
Third graders answer specific questions by conducting an Internet scavenger hunt. They write their own fable after reading many different fables on the Internet. They questions that they answer are included in this instructional activity.
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Little Cloud
Students create "little clouds" after reading the story "The Little Cloud" by Eric Carle in this cross-curricular Art and Language Arts lesson for the early-elementary classroom. The author suggests using this with a "Raindrop Picture"...
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Unscramble the Letters
Learners develop their spelling skills. In this language arts lesson, students unscramble words and write sentences to accompany each of them.
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Oregon Trail Diary
Students write a diary. In this writing and creativity activity, students pretend they are moving west and keep a diary about their adventures. Students study real-life scenarios about families who made the trip out west before writing...
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Animals in Japan
Learners compare and contrast common animals children love and have as pets in Japan and America in this early elementary lesson. The culminating project is an original work of art by each student depicting an animal of their choice.
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Primary and Secondary Sources
Students understand what primary and secondary sources are. In this primary and secondary sources instructional activity, students take a list of sources and break down to primary and secondary sources.
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Charlie, the Caterpillar - An Integration of Lit. and Music (Elementary, Literature)
Students sing, dance and play instruments that are integrated with the book, "Charlie the Caterpillar."
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Freddie the Fungus:A Play about Decomposers (Elementary, Computer)
First the class learns how to write a Haiku poem. Then, they use kidpix to illustrate their poem.
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Tutors & Readers Theater
Students complete literacy service learning projects. In this literacy lesson, older students work with younger students to tutor them in reading and writing. They help prepare a Readers Theater for the younger students.
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"Ancora Imparo" (Still I Am Learning)
Students study the Italian Renaissance, its impact, and origin. In this Italian Renaissance lesson, students study the Renaissance via the ancient civilizations and political geography of various countries. Students study the art prior...
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Byzantine Civilization: The Missing Link
Students connect their study of the Roman Empire to their study of the Byzantine Civilization. In this ancient history lesson, students study the time period between the fall of the Roman Empire and the rise of the Byzantine.
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Origami Paper Cranes
Students complete cross-curricular activities to study the culture and humanity in Japan. Students read the book Sadako and the 1000 Paper Cranes and complete social studies and art lessons related to the book as well as develop an...
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Making a Magical Story
Students create their own magical story. In this story writing lesson, students listen to the story The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe b C.S. Lewis to find the basic elements of a story. They come up with their own magical...