Middle schoolers are likely very familiar with the concept of bullying and cliques. Discuss their experiences and brainstorm ways to handle peer conflict and feelings of exclusion with a poem that focuses on bullying, and a second lesson...

Students create a diorama depicting scenes from "Make Way for Ducklings!" by Robert McCloskey. They illustrate their favorite scene from the book in a diorama as they discover what mallard ducks look like, their habitats, and how they...

Elementary schoolers examine the components of reading nonfiction. They use think-alouds to help them complete reading the selected sections. They also identify text features as they read.

Students write and illustrate a picture of their favorite food to be included in a class book.

Students write and illustrate a picture of their favorite food. They describe and practice responsible behaviors for health and safety.

Students write letters to town officials and local businesses asking for favorite dessert recipes. They tabulate their responses in a spreadsheet. Students turn their survey results into colorful graphs.

Students study a brief history of the Caldecott Medal and review a list of previous winners. They choose a Caldecott winner and complete a worksheet for each book they read looking for artist's medium, favorite illustration, etc.

Third graders, in groups, select and research a favorite studenT author or illustrator. They answer questions about the author, conduct research and prepare a PowerPoint presentation with their findings.

Eighth graders create their own Arkansas story books based upon their families' oral histories.

Students write a short description similar to "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs," describing their own favorite food, and what kind of weather it would be in the story. they continue to observe the weather outside of our classroom.

Students read a book.  In this story elements lesson, students share their favorite food, predict what the story will be about and discuss how they would feel if they got to eat their favorite food everyday.  Students read the...

Students write a story centered around their favorite TV show. In this story writing lesson, students share their favorite TV shows and discuss their favorite characters. Students draw pictures that illustrate a story in which they are a...

Students sing and read the old favorite song Wheels on the Bus, and write new song text for a poster and a class book.

Young scholars compare favorite family recipes. For this cultural diversity lesson, students interview family members and record favorite recipes. Young scholars examine cultural diversity through favorite foods.

Third graders graph and analyze data relating to the book "Bunny Cakes" by Rosemary Wells. They listen to and discuss the book, vote on their favorite cake using Excel computer software, and discuss the results.

Students read and analyze a story.  In this compare and contrast lesson, students re-read Miss Nelson is Missing and use a Venn Diagram to compare and contrast Miss Nelson and Miss Viola Swamp.  Students write about their...

Fourth graders participate in a play to work on seeing events from a different perspective. Some of them are reporters, some cameramen and women, and others are interviewed. They put themselves in the shoes of the people in the book...

Students complete a survey to explore the popularity of Harry Potter books.  In this literature and controversy instructional activity, students examine why certain books are controversial or popular. Students write original plays...

Students read the book The Art Lesson by Tomi dePaola and analyze the story. In this setting lesson, students discuss the importance of the setting and how it helps us understand the story. Students answer questions and chart their...

Students are introduced to elements of poetry through the book Runny Babbit. For this poetry lesson, students learn about the newest Shel Silverstein book, then examine the poem's form, rhythm, and rhyme. Students look for other Shel...

Students determine a positive physical feature of themselves. They participate in an online writer's workshop and write descriptive poem about their favorite feature. They create a display of poetry and pictures.

Students investigate the characteristics of different circus jobs and the animals commonly seen at the circus. They read a book about clowns and construct and perform a trick hot dog. Students also create a clown accordion book.

Students examine the writing process of Kate DiCamillo, the author of "Because of Winn-Dixie." They read author's comments, watch a slideshow narrated by the author, complete a free-write activity, and discuss Kate DiCamillo's top five...