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Fiction vs. Nonfiction
Students explore fiction and nonfiction writing. They identify the elements of fiction in a short story and identify the criteria necessary in a nonfiction piece. Students distinguish the author's purpose in an expository text,...
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Building on the Past
Pupils consider how the scientific advances of the past have contributed to the science topics reported on today in the Science Times section. After reading a current science article, they compare and contrast the way science was...
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Once Upon a Word
Students explore the derivations and usage of common slang terms. Through internet research and discussion, students consider the Latin and Greek roots of contemporary slang terms. Groups complete an etymology chart documenting their...
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Alphabet Soup
Students study language. In this unique alphabets activity, students read the article by Michael Everson "For the World's A B C's, He Makes 1's and 0's." They discuss the importance of alphabets and work in small groups to create a...
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Tolerating Diversity
Students examine the meanings of tolerance and intolerance and participate in a "town hall meeting". They analyze quotations about tolerance and connect them to their personal experiences.
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Bigger Than Life, But Not Necessarily Better
Students evaluate images of health in American society, then students examine where one develops his or her views about health.
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The Only Thing We Have To Fear...
Students explore the appeal of fear in today's society and beliefs about the paranormal, specifically ghosts. They create a survey to be distributed throughout the school regarding beliefs in ghosts and other supernatural beings and forces.
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Making Magic
Pupils assess the elements of J.K. Rowling's 'Harry Potter' series that have made it such a success. They incorporate these elements into a short film, incorporating such concepts as pop culture mythology, urban legend and archetypes.
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Holidays Seasoned with Meaning
Students consider how the world events of the past year have impacted their perceptions of this holiday season. Each student then explores one general theme related to his or her feelings about the season by creating a news-based collage...
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Speak Out!
Learners consider their opinions on various topics and issues related to the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. Then, focusing on one specific topic, each student supports his or her opinions in a...
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Going, Going, Gone
Students investigate how online auctions work and rate the assurances offered by specific auction sites and sellers. They, in groups, evaluate various auction sites, focusing on the site's and seller's predicted reliability; create...
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Thanks for the Memories
Students explore the importance of the family holiday meal, read and discuss "Pass the Turkey, Tamales, Kugel and Criticism" and write their own renditions of a fictitious family's holiday evening.
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Artful Technology
Young scholars read the article 'Fading Indian Rock Art Saved, at least in Database' and discuss its contents. After viewing examples of works from a variety of periods and places, students choose a time and place on which to conduct...
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Book Party
Students compile a list of titles and authors worthy of having their own festivals, then research and write proposals outlining the activities for a specific book festival. They write analytical letters from the perspective of the author...
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Kid Lit Crit
Students explore different types of student literature; they then write their own fiction pieces, in either fantasy/adventure or memoir/realism style.
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Reader's Paradise
Learners visit the school or local library (or bookstore) to create short film or radio documentary that records a specific habit or ritual associated with reading, book buying, or book borrowing.
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Sold!
Learners investigate what James Zemaitis does for a living based on his picture and discuss the history and function of Sotheby's auction house. Students then study the changing face of modern art auctions by reading and discussing the...
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When Worlds Collide
Learners explore the intersection between immigration and America's vision of itself. They examine how immigrant groups view themselves as Americans, and how the American 'mainstream' views these same immigrant groups.
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Words That Will Haunt You
Students create taxonomies of Halloween-related terms. Drawing from their compiled vocabulary lists and previous reading, they compose personal essays of their own memories of the holiday. Students present their essays at a...
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Friendly Letter
Students write friendly letters. In this friendly letters instructional activity, students write a friendly letter on the given template after being given direct instruction on how to write a friendly letter.
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A Power Point Slide Show for Third Graders
Third graders explore PowerPoint. In this technology lesson, 3rd graders select a topic of interest and follow a guided lesson researching their topic. Students complete storyboards, introductions, table of contents and...
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What is effective communication?
Students practice a series of communicaton activities. For this communication skills lesson, students role play listening and active listening strategies to improve communication. Students write a set of guidelines for improving...
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Writing an Original Fable
Young scholars discover how to write fables. In this writing skill lesson, students review the literary elements of fables and take all of the steps in the writing process to create their own fables.
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Hurricane Katrina: You Be the Reporter
Students work in a small group to create news stories, feature stories and editorials/letters to the editor and organize them in a podcast, video-based program, or newspaper/magazine focused on Hurricane Katrina.