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Responses to Literature
Middle and high schoolers hone their writing skills by reading Rikki-Tikki-Tavi and the poem Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take the Garbage Out. They fill out a graphic organizer (included here), and use the organizer to write an...
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Drawing Conclusions Based on Literary Elements
Students compare versions of Cinderella and draw conclusions based on the story elements identified. In this literacy comprehension and story elements lesson, students read several versions of Cinderella, complete a "Comparing Folklore"...
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Be the Poet
Learners work through a Haiku Organizer to determine the characteristics they use to write eight haiku poems on a theme that they choose. They design presentation folders of their completed work.
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Rock & Roll through Literary Terms: An Upbeat Lyrical Adventure
Students participate in a variety of activities surrounding Rock & Roll music, lyrics, drama and visual art and how they all help demonstrate examples of literary terms. They use Rock & Roll as an effective aid to stimulate their...
Curated OER
Analyzing the Use of Irony in a Short Story
Ninth graders examine how literature connects to real-life and see how irony aids in the development of theme. They read Shirley Jackson's The Lottery, and discuss elements of foreshadowing and situational irony. Then learners will write...
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Positively Poetry
Students complete a unit on poetry. In this poetry lesson, students complete 19 lessons that focus on reading and writing poetry as well as learning about literary elements and sound devices. Students read poetry orally, debate poetry in...
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The Lamb Theme of Religion
In this literary analysis worksheet, learners consider the comments made about religion in William Blake's poem, "The Lamb." Students read an overview of the poem's symbolic content, then respond to five questions in which they reflect...
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My Life had stood – a Loaded Gun – Theme of Mortality
In this poetry analysis worksheet, learners read a paragraph regarding the preservation of life in "My Life had stood – a Loaded Gun –," by Emily Dickinson. Students consider the will to live, the “power to die,” and the power to kill as...
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My Life had stood – a Loaded Gun – Theme of Gender
For this poetry analysis worksheet, learners read a reflection on the conflict between male and female identities in Dickinson's "My Life had stood – a Loaded Gun –." Students then respond to questions about male and female dominance as...
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Dream-Land Theme of Sadness
In this reading comprehension worksheet, students respond to 4 short answer and essay questions based on the theme of sadness in the poem "Dream-Land." Students may also complete their choice of 3 reading activities suggested.
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Color My World Grey and Blue
Can colors help to convey a mood in writing? Explore this question with your class using the songs "Grey Street" by the Dave Matthews Band and "Blu is a Mood" by Blu Cantrell. After analyzing the effect of the color words in these songs...
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My Last Duchess Theme of Jealousy
In this poetry analysis activity, students examine commentary about the jealousy of the Duke in Browning's "My Last Duchess." Students respond to discussion questions regarding the Duke’s suspicion that his wife is unfaithful, his...
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The Great Figure Theme of Versions of Reality
In this reading comprehension worksheet, students respond to 4 short answer and essay questions based on themes in "The Great Figure." Students may also complete their choice of 3 reading activities suggested.
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Pablita Indian Legends
Scholars are introduced to the characteristics of a legend. They read and discuss Old Father Story Teller by Pablita Velarde. Then, in groups, they write and illustrate a poem based on one of the legends from the book. This lesson plan...
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Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night Theme of Transience
In this reading comprehension worksheet, students respond to 3 short answer and essay questions based on themes in Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night. Students may also complete their choice of 3 reading activities suggested.
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Howl Theme of Madness
In this reading comprehension worksheet, students respond to 4 short answer and essay questions based on themes in Howl. Students may also complete their choice of 3 reading activities suggested.
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Howl Theme of Rules and Order
In this reading comprehension worksheet, learners respond to 4 short answer and essay questions based on themes in Howl. Students may also complete their choice of 2 reading activities suggested.
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Howl Theme of Visions of America
In this reading comprehension worksheet, students respond to 4 short answer and essay questions based on themes in Howl. Students may also complete their choice of 2 reading activities suggested.
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Modernism in Poetry, Painting, and Music
Are you teaching Modernism to your class? Connect different areas of artistic expression in the Modernist Era. Learners read T.S. Eliot, view art by Pablo Picasso, and listen to a Modernist musical composition. This final assignment is...
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Howl Theme of Religion
In this reading comprehension worksheet, students respond to 4 short answer and essay questions based on themes in Howl. Students may also complete their choice of 2 reading activities suggested.
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Compare and Contrast Poems vs. Lyrics
Combine your pupils' love of music with their growing knowledge of poetry! First, have them bring in their favorite songs for a discussion on word choice and literary devices. Then, use a Venn Diagram to compare and contrast the...
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Setting Details in Of Mice and Men
After completing John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, groups are assigned a chapter to reread. Members list major conflicts and events and quote setting details. They then make observations about how the setting prepares the reader for the...
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Poetry Group Activity
In this Romeo and Juliet worksheet, students complete a group project by creating a poem on an assigned topic relating to themes found in Romeo and Juliet.
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Introducing Literacy Elements in Nonfiction
Explore nonfiction writing with your class. They will identify elements in nonfiction by reviewing elements of fiction. Then they use biographies, memoirs, menus, Time for Kids, and text books to identify elements of nonfiction. They...