Students examine the experiences of African American women. In this poetry lesson, students use their literary analysis skills to compare the poetry of Maya Angelou to rap music performed by Queen Latifah and Lauryn Hill.

Young scholars demonstrate an awareness of music as part of daily life. They recognize that music is found throughout their neighborhood and see that music is found in neighborhoods of other cultures.

Students complete poetry analysis activities using music. In this music as poetry lesson, students review poetic devices and bring in selected music with lyrics and work in groups to listen as well as analyze the music as poetry.

Students discuss the role of the rapper in Hip Hop music and how the rapper promoted their group's DJ. They compose a short rap about a fellow student highlighting that student's accomplishments and good traits.

Students explore the American dream. In this contemporary music lesson, students analyze the lyrics of songs by Neil Diamond, Bruce Springsteen, and David Massengill. Students create 3-D representations of the American dream and write...

Students discover the freedom of dance by performing physical expression with music.  In this physical education lesson, students discuss ways their body can make noise such as snapping, patting, or stomping.  Students utilize...

Tenth graders discuss human rights. They brainstorm and listen to and read examples of music and poetry that deal with human rights and oppression. They choose one poem or song to analyze, looking for theme, oppression, and historical...

Students explore the history of our mail system. In this postal lesson plan, students evaluate mail as a means of communication, create a mail system in their classroom where they can send and receive mail. Once the students receive...

Students consider the importance of appreciating a different culture in connection with the language associated with it. They explore how international politics, celebrations and relations are affected by language and culture.

Rather than a instructional activity, this resource is a list of poetic forms and young poets are encouraged to try their hand at composing poems of various types.

Pupils research and develop a report on birthday rituals around the world. In this research lesson plan, students compare birthday rituals from other cultures to their own. Images and resources are included.

Students draw conclusions about an mystery person based on documents and artifacts provided. In this drawing conclusions lesson, students become detectives by reading and analyzing evidence provided. This lesson includes information on...

Students create their house to add to a class "neighborhood". In this instructional activity on family and community, students read the book Family by Todd Parr and discuss how all families and houses are different. Then, students create...

Ninth graders practice the elements of narration. In this narration lesson, 9th graders complete learning profile activities to address kinesthetic learners, artistic learners, musical learners, and interpersonal learners. Students work...

Students respond to the Indian folktale, The Drum. In this philanthropy lesson, students reflect upon the folktale and demonstrate ways one person can make a difference in the world. Students construct a Powerpoint presentation as a...

Learners read the book Ray Charles by Sharon Bell Mathis. For this biography instructional activity, learners read about the life of Ray Charles. Learners answer pre-reading questions about senses, strengths, and weaknesses they have....

Second graders accurately identify nouns and verbs in sentences. In this nouns and verbs lesson, 2nd graders sing a jingle to help them identify characteristics of nouns and verbs. Students classify pictures in the proper category and...

Students explore the structure of folktales. For this coyote and Anansi lesson, students discuss the attributes of folktales as they read versions of tales featuring coyote and Anansi. Students collaborate to write and perform their own...

Students investigate the different aspects of Medieval Times and the connection to chess.  In this world history lesson, students complete a chart answering questions about the lifestyles of men and women in the Medieval Times....

Third graders engage in a writing lesson on constructing an introductory paragraph and is also a literature extension activity to be used after reading Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.

Sixth graders practice choral reading of poetry.  In this creative literature lesson, 6th graders incorporate elements of performing arts into their choral readings of various poems.  They discuss musical instruments, facial...

Young scholars examine the difference between US English and UK English by using Harry Potter as an example. Students analyze the two dialects by trying to think of word equivalents on an included worksheet.

Students identify cause and effect relationships in a short story. After reading a short story, they participate in a discussion of how one event in a story can lead to several others. Students are then paired for a matching task that...

Ninth graders familiarize themselves with the English Renaissance period and recognize the symbolism in Act V of "The Merchant of Venice" and analyze how it relates to the Italian Renaissance Themes. They produce an extended response...