Prestwick House
Connotative vs. Denotative Meanings
Besides the dictionary definition, words also carry the added weight of meanings that are inferred or implied, meanings conferred on words, or connotations. To gain an understanding the importance of connotation, class members...
Curated OER
Mean Absolute Deviation in Dot Plots
The lesson focuses on the ideas of dot plot representations and the mean absolute deviation of data sets.
Curated OER
Simile and Metaphor
Middle schoolers use context clues to find the figurative meaning of similes and metaphors in writing. They practice using figurative language to help their writing come alive. Use this activity in a lesson about poetry, figurative...
Curated OER
Shades of Meaning
Young scholars use words with similar meanings to analyze implied meanings. In this word connotation lesson plan, the teacher introduces the activity by asking students whether a new product should be advertised as "newfangled" or...
Curated OER
Words Have Meaning
Learners interpret and analyze art for meaning and a Maya Angelou poem for meaning. In this art and literature analysis lesson plan, students analyze Alison Saar's "Lost and Found" and Maya Angelou's poem "Alone." Learners write creative...
Federal Reserve Bank
Constitutionality of a Central Bank
Considering the expressed and implied powers of Congress, was it constitutional for the United States to establish the Second National Bank in the early nineteenth century? What is the constitutionality of the Federal Reserve...
EngageNY
Grade 11 ELA Module 2: Unit 1, Lesson 10
What are you implying? Scholars look at paragraphs eight and nine of the chapter "Of Our Spiritual Strivings" to determine the implications of Du Bois's use of metaphors. In groups, readers discuss the use of metaphors and add their...
Curated OER
Interpreting Meaning in Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”
Launch a study of Maya Angelou's "I know Why the Caged Bird Sings" with the Youtube video of Alicia Keys singing her "Caged Bird." Groups then read Angelou's poem and discuss the symbols employed. Although the text of the poem is not...
Shmoop
ELA.CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.4
The fourth standard for reading literature in the Common Core calls for young readers to be able to determine the figurative and connotative meanings of words and phrases. Use this resource, a continuation of a series of Common Core...
Curated OER
Building Vocabulary
Decode and acquire new vocabulary! Readers use new vocabulary in their writing and use synonyms to determine meanings. Visual learners label pictures and group words together to increase understanding.
Curated OER
Same As
Explore the concept of the equals symbol. In this mathematical symbols lesson, learners discover the meaning of the equals sign (symbol). They also construct addition and subtraction sentences to understand the concept of equal parts.
Curated OER
Water Monitoring Vocabulary
As the title implies, this is a list of vocabulary terms relating to water monitoring. If your ecology class is learning about how to test water quality, this will be an appropriate reference sheet for them. As a bonus, if you live in...
Curated OER
Making Inferences While Identifying Similes and Metaphors
Use this lesson to study similes and metaphors and the inferred meaning. In this language arts lesson, 5th graders write their own similes and metaphors. A worksheet is provided for extension work or to check understanding as homework.
Curated OER
What is Terrorism?
Spark what's sure to be an interesting discussion in your classroom by introducing the topic of terrorism. Consider the meaning of the word terrorism and examine the associated connotations with a brief introductory reading. With your...
Curated OER
Poetry: When the Rain Sings Poems by Young Native Americans
Poetry can express feelings, values, and culture; it also provides insight into a time and place. Young analysts discuss the meanings of several poems from a collection of Native American works entitled, When the Rain...
Curated OER
Central Tendency
Fifth graders compare and contrast different sets of data on the basis of measures of central tendency.
Curated OER
Skellig
In this Skellig worksheet, learners read to understand the works of David Almond and learn about his life. Students read eleven passages and then answer ten questions related to reading for meaning and understanding the author's craft.
Developing a Global Perspective for Educators
The Lorax - Language
First graders identify text features and how they communicate meaning to the reader. In this media literacy instructional activity, learners view the movie The Lorax and discuss how students from another country would respond to this...
Curated OER
Buying a Used Car
Students explore the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a used vehicle. In this warranty lesson, students define "implied warranty of merchantability," then complete several activities that reinforce this concept,...
Curated OER
Drama: Three Words
Seventh graders practice dramatic acting skills, using three words - why, oh, and sorry in different contexts. Working in groups of two or three, they create scenes in which the three words are the only ones spoken and are used to convey...
Curated OER
Louisiana's Legendary Musicians
Students identify and interpret what legendary traditional musicians of Louisiana that allows them to hear new genres of traditional music. They also identify what it means to be a legendary artist and read, write, and create a project...
Curated OER
Taking Care of Your Body
Students explore what to do to take care of their bodies to honor God. In this Corinthians lesson, students read the bible verse and discuss what it means to them. Students make a list of ways they can take care of their bodies and use...
Curated OER
Extending Vocabulary to Describe Communities
Second graders study vocabulary to describe their community. In this meaning of words lesson, 2nd graders acquire new vocabulary words to label pictures and objects. They use these words in speaking and writing.
Curated OER
Creating Mood and Space in a Drawing
Young scholars take photos of spaces that imply the figure. (Students could also pull images from magazines from the web if they do not have access to a camera.) Using the photograph as a source, make a drawing as you usually would with...