Reed Novel Studies
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH: Novel Study
The field mouse, also known as the meadow vole, is most active at night, so hide the cheese! Scholars research these interesting rodents and record three fascinating facts using the novel study for Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. They...
Reed Novel Studies
The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp: Novel Study
Wild feral hogs and an alligator wrestler are just two interesting aspects of Kathi Appelt's novel The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp. Using the novel study, scholars search the text for examples of the eight parts of...
Reed Novel Studies
The Wind In The Willows: Novel Study
True friends stick together. In the case of The Wind In The Willows, the friends just happen to be a toad, mole, rat, and badger who team up to beat the weasels. The resource covers the first chapter of their raucous adventures. Scholars...
Curated OER
Figure Cut-Outs
Students create large-scale 3 dimensional forms out of 2-dimensional material. They draw figures in various positions on lightweight poster board. Then they cut them out and fit them together and stapled or taped them into place on a base.
Curated OER
Looking at Portraits: Literary Monuments
Students examine artworks, research literature, create drawings, and make a 3-D model for a monument to a literary figure. In this literary portrait lesson, students discuss and analyze the sculpture Study of a Monument to Alexandre...
Curated OER
In a Pickle
Fifth graders listen to a story that uses homonyms and figurative language throughout the text. They illustrate the literal and figurative meanings of some figures of speech.
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Understanding Idioms
Students explore figurative language. In this idioms activity, students research the origin of instructor-selected idioms. Students literally interpret the idioms. Interpretations are photographed and then presented to the class.
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A Sculptor's Model
Students investigate visual arts by researching art on the Internet. In this expressionism lesson, students identify several famous artworks on-line based on self expression and discuss the techniques. Students examine steel sculptures...
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A Haring Event
Students research visual arts by creating a presentation in their classroom. For this art history lesson, students identify the work of Keith Haring by researching the web and library. Students analyze images of Haring and create hallway...
Curated OER
It's Raining Cats and Dog: Studying Idioms
Seventh graders determine the literal and figurative meanings of idioms and research the history of idioms. In this idioms lesson, 7th graders read two books by Fred Gwynne and select two idioms from the texts to research. Students...
Curated OER
Oh Picasso!
Students identify the painter Picasso as a famous Spanish cultural figure, name at least one of Picasso's painting styles and describe aspects of Picasso's Blue Period. They create their own Blue Period inspired work of art.
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Abstract to Real: The Human Form in Art
Students analyze and evaluate the effects of abstraction and realism on depictions of the human form in ancient and modern-day cultures.
Curated OER
Using Similes, Synonyms, and Antonyms
Children study similes, synonyms, and antonyms and identify examples in the book Quick as a Cricket by Audrey Wood. They write short stories about themselves using antonyms, synonyms, and comparisons of themselves to animals. They draw...
Curated OER
It's Raining Idioms!
Sixth graders analyze idioms and find examples from literature. They choose one idiom and finds pictures or draws pictures to show what it would mean if taken literally and what is it generally thought to mean.
Curated OER
Flat Shapes in Three Dimension
Students explore sculpture. In this lesson about finding sculpture ideas in movement and rhythm, students make 3-dimensional shapes. Students create a sculpture paying attention to balance, rhythm and repetition. Students will understand...
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Navajo Rug
Students explore geometry in Navajo rugs. In this shape art lesson plan, students create a Navajo rug design using triangles and squares. Students investigate designs on the Internet and then create an original design.
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Art-sculpture
Students demonstrate effective collaboration, the ability to review their own work and that of others, and understand that a sculpture can express a moodor feeling. They listen to "Word Up" by Cameo. Students watch a slide show of...
Curated OER
Draw Like an Egyptian
Second graders explore Egyptian life and art and examine Egyptian figures and translate them to their own artwork. Students use objects other than paint brushes to paint. Students practice using watercolors and practice figure proportions.
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Drawing On Gray Toned Paper
High schoolers create an artwork that uses organizational principles and functions to solve a visual arts problem. The piece creates the illusion of transparency used to unify a work of art that demonstrates that light advances and darks...
Curated OER
Descriptive Prompt: Precise Language
Incorporate sensory details into a piece of descriptive writing. First, elementary and middle schoolers improve a piece of writing by using precise, vivid language, as well as appropriate word choice. They then listen to a variety of...
Curated OER
Fairy Tale Alliterations
Fairy tales are the perfect way to focus on alliteration. Learners complete activities relating to alliteration and similes using a fairy tale theme. Then, they complete an acrostic poem using the words fairy tale.
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Rock Art
Fourth graders examine and interpret rock art to illustrate its importance in the cultural heritage of a people and as a tool for learning about the past. They create their own rock art that is a symbol of their culture.
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GPS Art
Students design their own logo or picture and use a handheld GPS receiver to map it out. They write out a word or graphic on a field or playground, walk the path, and log GPS data. The results display their "art" on their GPS receiver...
Curated OER
Rock Art Stencil Printing
Students will create a painting using symbols that were used by Native Americans or symbols they create based on what they have learned about symbols used in Native American rock paintings.