Nancy Fetzer's Literacy Connections
Expository Paragraph
Upper elementary and middle school writers learn how to craft an expository paragraph by following the six steps detailed in a 48-page instructional guide. Learners learn how to write six different types of informational paragraphs:...
Curated OER
Folktale Unit: Paul Bunyan and the Big Blue Ox
Learners participate in a shared reading of Steven Kellogg's, Paul Bunyan while learning the associated vocabulary. They write a journal entry expressing which of the folktales they have read is their favorite and why.
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Using a Time Focus- Owl Moon
Students practice writing on a specific topic. Students read "Owl Moon." They chronologically and comprehensively list all events occurring in the story. Students choose one specific event in the story on which to write.
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Deterction and Escape Board Game
Second graders develop a fire safety plan using a board game. Using a set of consequence cards, 2nd graders discuss the importance of staying away from fire. They use their experience with the board game to develop a fire safety escape...
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Shapes in Art, Shapes in Body
Students explore body movement. In this shapes and dance instructional activity, students demonstrate body movements and positions that resemble simple shapes. Students read I Spy Shapes in Art by Lucy Micklethwait and choose...
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Animal Signs
Students discuss the many different types of animal signs that can be used to identify and track animals. They participate in an hands-on activity in which they examine tracks, trails, homes, territory markings, and even "scat" left by...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Ready, Set,...Research!
Third graders complete a research project on a weather topic using a variety of resource materials. They demonstrate the use of dictionaries and encyclopedias. They write a report using the research material and grade level appropriate...
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Diversity/Journalism - Book Making
Third graders explore Canadian culture by creating a book. In this community analysis lesson, 3rd graders identify the First Nations people of Canada and discuss the culture, language and diversity. Students create a book discussing...
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Life in THE JUNGLE
Students discuss problems immigrants may have when coming to a new country. They take on the role of a law maker from the era and create an action plan and policy based on samples they read (links provided). Students discuss ways their...
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Identify the Element of Line
Students explore the element of "line." In this beginning art activity, students listen to the book Harold and the Purple Crayon, then describe the types of lines Harold drew. Students identify straight lines, jagged lines, curvy...
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M&M Counting Chart
Students practice classifying objects while utilizing candy. In this sorting lesson, students observe an assortment of M&M's and analyze the candy based on color. Students create a color chart based on the number of different...
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Hatched From An Egg
Students discover how animals are born/hatched. In this life science lesson, students listen to a book entitled Chickens Aren't The Only Ones, and discuss animals that are hatched or born. Students receive a picture of an animal,...
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Go, West, Pack Light!
Students investigate the hardships related to pioneer life and the Wagon Train. They listen to an excerpt from the book "Little House on the Prairie," and discuss the hardships faced by pioneers travelling west. In small groups...
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Finding Rhyming Words in a French Poem
Explore rhyming in this phonemic awareness and French lesson. Listen to the poem "J'Adore la Pizza" by Karen Kransky and identify rhyming words. Compare grapheme spelling patterns with like phonemes, and sort word cards according to...
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Silouettes of New York City
Second graders create a New York City silhouette. In this visual arts lesson, 2nd graders view the picture book, Uptown, and identify the silhouettes. Students use construction paper, paint, and a flashlight to create artistic...
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Story Summaries; The Three Little Pigs
Students explore language arts by completing a graphic organizer in class. In this story structure lesson, students read the classic tale "The Three Little Pigs" and discuss the main characters, conflict and setting. Students complete a...
National First Ladies' Library
Saluting Babe Ruth, the Bambino
For first-hand research experience, learners study the achievements of baseball hero, Babe Ruth. They gain a better understanding of the game, especially the role of a home run. They then use their research findings to create...
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Light Reflections
Students explore light. In this physical science light lesson, students display objects on a projection screen and investigate how light absorbs, refracts, transmits and reflects. Students discuss common features of light based on...
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Studying the ABC's of the Environment
Third graders choose a letter of the alphabet and find an environmental topic to research that begins with the same letter. They prepare an article and illustration about their topic and compile them into a class environmental alphabet...
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Solar System Fun Facts
Learners read facts about the Solar System. In this solar system lesson plan, students read facts on the dimensions, planets, and workings of the solar system. There is a big emphasis on Saturn.
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"Afternoon on the Amazon" by Mary Pope Osborne
Students read and complete activities dealing with the book "Afternoon on the Amazon". They create webs of words used in the book and write about what they have read.
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How to Combine Sentences
Students practice combining sentences. In this writing lesson, students view essays and discuss how it can be revised, using sentence combining. Students practice this skill in their own essays.
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The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Learners participate in activities associated with the book, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar". They practice using new vocabulary and the days of the week. They create a book about what they ate on the different days of the week and how the...
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First Day of School: I'll Get to Know You
Students participate in a letter matching game that pairs students so that they can introduce a new friend. They listen to the Shel Silverstein book, The Giving Tree and write a letter to the class telling them what they will give to the...