Prestwick House
The Best of Poe
A chilling look of Edgar Allan Poe's works may not be a dream within a dream, but it's certainly a review within a crossword puzzle. Look down and across to find references to "The Raven," "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Black Cat," and "The...
Prestwick House
Introducing Literary Theory – A Unit Wrap-Up
Literary theories are lenses through which a text may be analyzed. The question in this lesson plan is how a particular literary lens can influence the reader's view of the text.
Prestwick House
The Glass Castle
Jeannette Walls' memoir, The Glass Castle, grapples with the idea that loving someone may or may not include forgiving them for their past behavior. Take a look at a crossword puzzle that reviews characters, plot points, and key details...
Nosapo
New Year’s Resolution
Begin the new year with a two-part activity that asks class members to formulate a resolution and to write about someone or something they are proud of. These statements are then attached to a snowflake and a mandala which they decorate.
College Board
Choices and Consequences
Paul Fisher, the main character in Tangerine, comes to see that it's the choices in life that lead to the consequences that make all the difference. A unit study of Bloor's young adult novel leads readers down this same path.
Curated OER
When Turtle Grew Feathers
Students explore the Choctaw Native American tribe. In this cross curriculum literacy and U.S. history lesson, students locate where the Choctaw Indians lived on a United States map. Students listen to When Turtle Grew...
Curated OER
Archetypal Images and Polarities
Here is a rather esoteric resource that presents the archetypes found in “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” and would be appropriate for a college-level psychology or literature class, or as a teacher resource. Considered the “world’s oldest...
Curated OER
Heroes and Heroines in Science: Dispelling the Stereotype
students think of scientists as heroes and heroines by dispelling the stereotypes of persons in scientific careers. They work in cooperative groups to research the life and works of a scientist and (through the use of the library and the...
Curated OER
Historical Heroes and Today's Heroes
Middle schoolers identity characteristics of a hero. In this heroes lesson, students discuss what it means to be a hero and work in small groups to find characteristics of a hero and people they consider heroes. Middle...
Curated OER
Local Heroes
Students identify a hero in their community. They research a hero in their community. They compose an essay about their hero and present it to the class.
Curated OER
American Heroes Acrostic
In this acrostic poem worksheet, students complete the poem using the letters of the phrase "American Heroes." A website reference for additional resources is given.
Curated OER
Poems Insprire Visual Art
Students examine artwork by artist Ernst Herter. They discuss what the art means to them. They create a collage to represent a poem of their chosing. They discover how literature is used as an inspiration for art.
Curated OER
A Tribute to Giovanni Palatucci and Righteous Heroes of the Holocaust
Learners explore the life of Giovanni Palatucci and other "Righteous Among the Nations". They consider whether the motivation to be an ally is within the reach of every human being. They create a memorial to a hero in their lives.
National Constitution Center
Born in the U.S.A: Music as Political Protest
Though often used in shows of patriotism, Bruce Springsteen's 1985 song "Born in the U.S.A." is critical of America's role in the Vietnam war and its treatment of American veterans. High schoolers analyze the song's lyrics in an activity...
Curated OER
Benedict Arnold Lesson Plan
Fourth graders read about and write a biography on Benedict Arnold.
Curated OER
Rosa Parks: Mother of Civil Rights Movement
Students read an article from Time and react to the article based upon what they have studied about Rosa Parks. They find that even though Rosa is no longer alive, she still has an impact today. They focus on that impact she has and...
Curated OER
Picture Your Future Self
Students research careers using the internet and newspapers. As a group, they create a newsletter about careers of the future.
Curated OER
Going Greek
Third graders learn about the life of a young boy in Greece and all about his cultural heritage. Pupils gather information about the history, culture, and the many influences the ancient Greeks had on modern day society. Terrific video...
Curated OER
Legends
Students are introduced to the topic of legends. Using the text of Irving's novels, they gather information on different cultures. They practice using new vocabulary and their listening skills. They retell the stories in chronlogical order.
Curated OER
James and the Giant Peach
This James and the Giant Peach learning exercise provides 15 short answer questions and extension activities. They address characterization, basic reading comprehension, making personal connections to the reading, and more. The...
Curated OER
Writing From Mythological Narratives
Students compose a short piece of creative writing based on a painting depicting a mythological narrative. In this creative writing lesson, students create a short piece of writing and then learn more about the mythological scene in the...
Orange County Department of Education
The True Story of Abbie Burgess
First graders read a story about Abbie Burgess. They identify at least three specific actions exhibiting traits of courage and responsibility. Students explore ways children and adults become heroes by helping others out in a time of...
Curated OER
American Folklore
Learners develop an idea about American Folk heroes. Individual slideshows are going to be made by each student to be viewed by their peers. Students also have an opportunity to take part in role play situations from various folklores.
Curated OER
How Tragic!
Students study and interpret a classical tragedy and role play a character from the play. For this tragedy lesson, students discuss a specific work to discover the form, structure, and characteristics of the genre and interpret the...