Whose responsibility is it to improve schools in developing countries? How does quality education affect my neighborhood? Questions of responsibility, whether global or local, form the heart of this lesson plan. Using the UN’s Millennium...

Students comprehend text for the purpose of understanding what is being read. In this instructional activity they practice the skill of summarization with the goal of improving reading comprehension while reading the article "Godzilla".

Prior to this lesson, 5th graders will have collected notes from several sources. Students extend their note taking to include at least one example each of summarizing and paraphrasing. They record bibliographic information for each...

Young scholars brainstorm motives for which people left their homeland to come to America listing all their ideas on the board. They listen to the story, "Coming to America", reflect on the story, and summarize the reason for the family...

Students study Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. In this Martin Luther King, Jr. day instructional activity, students learn about the holiday for Dr. King through literature and music. Students learn the lyrics to Stevie Wonder's 'Happy...

Students create a multimedia presentation based on a piece of African Art. They use the art piece to demonstrate the culture and ceremonies of the area in which it was produced. They research facts for a Power Point, write a poem...

Middle schoolers read short stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and write summaries. In this summary writing lesson, pupils discuss how to write a summary. Middle schoolers then select a topic and practice writing using skills discussed.

Students prepare for their service learning project by listening to a representative from the Lake Michigan Federation. They volunteer their time to clean up the coast line. They reflect on the event by writing a poem about their...

Students develop summarization strategies by asking themselves questions as they read. They devlop these strategies help them develop better comprehension. Students goals for reading is comprehension. They explore helpful...

Students chart the order of events in literature. In this literature instructional activity, students read The Odyssey and summarize the epic journey in their own words. Students then write about journeys they have taken in their own lives.

Students read a short fiction book and demostrate comprehension by identifying the main characters, setting, conflict, theme, and summarizing the main points. They organize the information in Inspiration and create a powerpoint to show...

Students summarize articles found in the newspaper and use key concepts to write a poem. In this reading comprehension and writing activity, students work with a partner to choose a current newspaper article. Key concepts and vocabulary...

Students explore the basic concept of micro-financing. In this economics/literacy lesson plan, students listen to One Hen by Katie Smith, in which a small loan changes the life of the main character. Students employ comprehension...

Students take notes and summarize information. In this communication lesson plan, students summarize information by taking notes using the various methods that their instructor presents to them.

Students explore comprehension and understanding of what they read. They practice using the correct spelling for frequently used sight words and uncommon words. Students apply the correct principles of grammar. They read the article Gray...

Students explore problems and solutions in literature. In this literature lesson, students identify problems and solutions in short guided and independent reading samples. Students also discuss characterization techniques used to develop...

Students identify how their school has changed. In this local community lesson, students listen to a brief history of their town and school and interview someone that graduated from their school. Students then create a map of their...

Students read reports and watch a video about World War I. In this World War I lesson plan, students discuss how the government has to take charge on many levels including the oil shortage during World War I.

Students work in groups to paraphrase an article.  In this paraphrasing lesson, each group is assigned a paragraph to paraphrase in one sentence.  Other groups critique the sentences to make sure each is effective. ...

Students create a 'quilt' to represent  what they remember about Ceasar Chaves.  In this reading lesson, students also complete descriptions of the picture that they decided to draw. 

How do you reference information correctly? Avoid plagiarism by accurately summarizing a New York Times article with your middle or high schoolers. Young researchers then insert properly attributed quotations and paraphrases into their...

Over 3 or 4 class periods your young designers will create a wearable garment that provides some sort of protection from a danger in everyday life. In this fashion design lesson, young scholars investigate fear in our society and...

Upper graders explore equality by writing an essay. They read the story Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco, and discuss the meaning of the story and its relevance to Civil War events. Learners investigate the five writing process steps and...

Learners use context clues to define words with multiple meanings. After extensive practice with their teacher, learners read through six sentences, they then identify a word with a multiple meaning, and determine its meaning based on...