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Telling Our Stories of Giving - Writing to Persuade
After identifying the parts of a persuasive piece of writing, young writers explore different prewriting activities for the persuasive essay. They have the option to write a news article, personal narrative, or persuasive essay to...
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Migration and Technology
Students identify a technological innovation associated with human migration, either forced or voluntary. They explain how the migration was influenced by technology and how technology influences migration through a written essay.
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U.S. Leadership in World War II
Students examine the political and military leadership of the United States during World War II. Once they have assessed the qualities of leadership, they compose essays identifying specific qualities of these leaders . Using charts,...
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Choosing the Correct Voice
In this writing voice activity, students complete three activities that help them understand and use the correct writing voice in formal papers.
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A "How To" Project in the Science Fiction Genre
You can have students use science fiction elements to create a "How To" brochure that can stir the imagination.
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Expansion and Reform: Applying the Declaration of Independence
Students conduct inquiries and research-acquiring, organizing, analyzing, interpreting, evaluating, and communicating facts, themes, and general principles operating in American history. They use the Declaration of Independence to...
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Participating in Democracy
Students analyze film clips in class. In this democracy lesson, students identify the differences between civil liberties, democracy and freedom. Students view a video regarding Japanese internment and answer study questions as well as...
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Haiku: The Power of Nature and Emotion
Introduce your students to the famous Japanese Haiku with these great ideas for the classroom.
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Graphic Writing Web
Students discuss and develop graphic writing webs, writing supporting ideas for a given topic.
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Swimming with Crabs
Students explore Earth science by completing several graphic organizer activities in class. In this oceanography lesson, students research ocean inhabitants such as blue crab and oysters. Students complete graphic organizers about the...
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Using the Present Perfect in Questions
In this present perfect worksheet, students make questions using the 12 phrases given. They then fill in the blanks of 15 sentences using either "for" or "since".
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Using the Present Perfect in Questions
In this present perfect verbs worksheet, middle schoolers use 12 phrases to write 12 questions. Students also fill in the blanks in 15 phrases with "for" or since".
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Nonviolent Leaders
Students compare the life of Gandhi and other nonviolent leaders. They identify qualities and behaviors of nonviolence. They synthesize the information they research about world leaders and the impact they had.
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Research Paper Project
Break down some of the most foundational components of writing a research paper, such as incorporating and formatting citations, creating a thesis statement, and using quotes effectively, into manageable tasks for your young writers.
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Writing: Barn Raising
Young writers compare writing a paper to building a barn. They write a thesis statement using parallel construction and use transitions to hold the paper (walls of the barn) together. A barn raising video link is included; great for...
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Visible Speech: What is a Sentence?
Use this straightforward presentation as a basic guide to your grammar unit. With explanations of the parts of a simple sentence (subject, verb, direct object), the slideshow is a good way to reinforce students' prior knowledge about...
The New York Times
Fill-In | Valentine's Day
Learners read an editorial on Valentine's Day and either fill in the blanks with their own words, or try to place the words from the word bank in the correct spots. This may be useful for English learners.
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Shifting Gears
In this activity, students will write a personal narrative that is designed to help them reflect on the nature and meaning of change in their lives.
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Change Over Time
Students write a personal narrative that is designed to help them reflect on the nature and meaning of change in their lives.
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Study Skills- Fact and Opinion
Students engage in a variety of activities in order to achieve the objectives of a layered curriculum unit. They take notes on the differences between fact and opinion. Students also use a newspaper in order to recognize opinionated...
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Lesson Plan on Korea
Students read a variety of novels and watch clips of films through which they begin to feel empathy for cultures and countries occupied by foreign countries. They have the option of studying the Sino-Japanese Wars or the Russo-Japanese...
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What Is Democracy?
Young scholars explore the concept of democracy. They define and describe democracy and choose an issue they believe the government should care about for its people. They write a persuasive essay about their issue.
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Who's Who In Black History
Fourth graders examine the life and achievements of promident African-Americans. As a class, they participate in acting out various scenes of a play which represents the Civil Rights era. They discuss how the world might be different...