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The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders read "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty." As they read the story, 9th graders list characters on a chart, define the characters as dynamic or static, make predictions of each character and justify their reasoning. Students...
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The Star-Spangled Banner

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Students explore the Star-Spangled Banner. In this civics lesson, students read the lyrics of the song as well as a handout that details its creation. Students respond to discussion questions from the handout.
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Making Inferences While Identifying Similes and Metaphors

For Teachers 5th
Use this activity to study similes and metaphors and the inferred meaning. In this language arts activity, 5th graders write their own similes and metaphors. A worksheet is provided for extension work or to check understanding as homework.
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A Formal Analysis of Science Fiction

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students write a five paragraph expository theme. They explain in their theme how the story they read qualifies as science fiction. Students write using all the conventions of English correctly.
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Silly Nilly

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders create their own stories with a life instructional activity and illustrate them.
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Tell Me a Whopper!

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders investigate tall tales as a literary genre. They listen to a number of tall tales to discover how exaggeration is used as a story element. They write and publish a tall tale using word processing software. They illustrate...
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Bridge to Terabithia

For Teachers 4th - 6th
Students read Katherine Paterson's book, A Bridge to Terabithia, and select small groups to complete a project based on a chapter of the book. They create a story web for the chapter, summarize it, design a brochure or advertisement,...
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Common Theme in Folktale: 900 Versions of Cinderella

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders examine various stories that have a Cinderella theme.  In this Language Arts lesson, 7th graders compare and contrast stories.  Students write various journal assignments in regards to the stories. 
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A Sure Bet!

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders analyze Chekhov's "The Bet". They repsond to a journal quesiton and use examples from the novel. In groups, they take on different roles analyzing the novel and then write one of my prompts to complete the lesson.
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A Fish Skit

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students work together to create and perform a skit with a fish theme. After viewing a performance of another children's play, they discuss the basic elements to be found within a play. They perform their play in front of the class and...
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What's the Problem? Exploring Conflict in "On the Sidewalk Bleeding"

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students use the story 'On the Sidewalk Bleeding' to analyze the various conflict types found in literature. In this conflict lesson, students view a PowerPoint about the story and identify the four types of conflict. Students identify...
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Problem/solution

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Young scholars examine presentations of problems and reaching solutions in literature. In this writing skills lesson, students read "The Three Little Pigs," and respond to several discussion questions about plot, characters, setting,...
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Connecting Families through Folk Stories and Fairy Tales

For Teachers K - 5th
Students engage their families to write down a folk story from their primary language. In this family literacy activity, students rewrite the story or fairy tales in English. Parents and students are invited to present the stories in...
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The Crucible

For Teachers 12th
Twelfth graders use an Internet scavenger hunt, vocabulary, sample essay questions, and short answer questions suitable for study and review of the play, The Crucible.
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Fiction vs. Nonfiction

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students explore fiction and nonfiction writing. They identify the elements of fiction in a short story and identify the criteria necessary in a nonfiction piece. Students distinguish the author's purpose in an expository text,...
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Incorporating Reading Comprehension Using Cinderella Stories from Different Lands

For Teachers 1st
First graders investigate Cinderella tales from different lands to discover their commonalities in this unit. They perform their favorite Cinderella story.
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Out of the Dust

For Teachers 7th
Seventh graders read a book of poems called "Out of the Dust". In groups, they research the Dust Bowl and how it affected people living through the Great Depression. Using the text, they identify the theme and key turning points and...
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Where the Red Fern Grows: A 4th Grade Literary Focus Unit

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders explore the human and animal connection along with the idea that death is a part of the life cycle. They read "Where the Red Fern Grows." Students examine the feelings and emotions surrounding death and they discover the...
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Building Relationships in a High School Classroom

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explore building new friendships during the first week of school. They participate in a variety of getting to know each other activities. Students work cooperatively and develop collegial relationships with their classmates.
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Because of Winn Dixie: Water Management Practices

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders read the book Because of Winn Dixie and define the characters, setting, and plot. In this Winn Dixie lesson plan, 4th graders also identify quality water management techniques addressed in the story.
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Mary Shelley's Frankenstein

For Teachers 10th - Higher Ed
Students complete close reading and analysis activities for Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. In this literature analysis lesson, students complete multiple close reading and analysis activities to evaluate the 19th century story.
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Cracking the Mirror of the Past

For Teachers 11th - 12th
Young scholars compare and contrast two pieces of artwork in regards to their nastalgic elements. Using the internet, they research local religious institutions in their area and note their function in society. They also compare and...
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Totem Poles -- Storytellers of Long Ago

For Teachers 3rd
Third graders discover the main purpose for totem poles was to communicate with others. In groups, they compare and contrast the four types of totem poles and the various symbols used. They write their own stories based off of pictures...
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Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A Pirate's Map for Me: An Original Story

For Teachers K - 3rd
Students read Blackbeard and brainstorm their knowledge of maps. In this language arts and geography lesson, students use landmarks on their playground to review north, south, east and west and discuss the compass rose. Students read...