Students explore the attributes of American tall tales. In this folklore lesson, students read several tall tales, describe the elements of tall tales, and then use hyperbole to write their own tall tales.

Young scholars explore the themes of the book Swimmy by Leo Lionni. In this literacy lesson, students dramatize a character from Swimmy and identify common themes such as cooperation and caring. Young scholars create a new ending to the...

Young scholars explore fiction that moves individuals to social action. In this literature instructional activity, students read The Jungle by Upton Sinclair and analyze its literary worth as well as its investigative journalism. Young...

Students relate their favorite childhood stories to their lives today. Through personal interviews, students discover the connections between their favorite stories and their own choices and characters, as well as connections to the...

In this review of the book, Shadowmancer, by G. P. Taylor activity, 6th graders answer questions divided into the sections Before you Begin, What to Do as you Read, Chapters one through twenty-five, and After Reading. Students write 108...

Students analyze the plot, problem, and resolution of a story. In this story analysis lesson, students read stories and fill out graphic organizers about the plot, story problems, and resolution.

Third graders describe, represent and compare fractions using pieces of a chocolate bar.  In this fractions instructional activity, 3rd graders demonstrate how to read and write fractions correctly. Students then integrate...

Learners explore the concept of philanthropy. In this service learning instructional activity, students read stories and then discuss the meaning of philanthropy as they identify ways the characters contribute to the common good.

Students explore weather conditions. In this weather investigation lesson, students use various search engines to list three facts about weather patterns, new vocabulary words, and a picture of a weather condition. Students use this...

Students examine the philanthropic concepts and values in the play, "The Diary of Anne Frank." They read the play, role-play characters, create a poster, and write journal entries.

Students build a budget. In this philanthropy lesson, students write a personal budget that includes spending, saving, investing, and donating. Student philanthropists donate money to charities.

Students read books by the same author and compare what they find.  In this Dr. Seuss lesson, students learn about Dr. Seuss' writing style, listen for the rhyme scheme in his stories, and create a KWL chart on Dr. Seuss. ...

Students write a context paper.  In this teaching the novel in context lesson, students view a primary sources to recreate the cultural and historical context of the novel.  Students make the connection between the literary...

Second graders investigate the accomplishments of Amelia Earhart. They read and discuss a biography of Amelia Earhart, complete a Venn diagram, and conduct an interview with a classmate and write and publish a biography of their classmate.

Fifth graders complete an analysis of the Revolutionary War through literature. After "My Brother Sam Is Dead," students create a time capsule containing items that would be relevant during the Revolutionary War. They identify key...

Students explore philanthropy in literature. In this cross curriculum literacy and character development lesson, students read A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and note charitable acts described in the story. Students relate story...

Students examine the elements of a story, read a review of Chris Rock's new sitcom, "Everybody Hates Chris" and create original sitcom episodes based on their own lives.

Students read and debate the purpose of Dr. Seuss' The Lorax, analyze its story elements, and write their own The Lorax II.

High schoolers determine whether the ends truly justify the means by examining the behavior of historical and fictional heroes. They view and discuss film versions of Gangs of New York and Les Miserables. Then they break into small...

Students read The Kapok Tree and write about the story.  In this rainforest story, students write a book in the genre of The Kapok Tree. Students research their animals on the Internet and find facts about the importance of...

Third graders use the concepts found in a PowerPoint presentation, and write leads for book reviews that attract readers and stimulate book interest. They are graded on their ability to engage the reader with their writing.

Learners examine the Great Depression through the analysis of the novel, 'Bud, Not Buddy.' They analyze photos from the National Archives website, complete a character analysis, and conduct research and summarize a topic from the Great...

Ninth graders watch the video, 'El Cid.' They participate in teacher-led discussion about the beliefs, customs, goals, and heroes of both Spaniards and Moors. They create and present an artifact to the class showing the results of their...

Students explore the Tamil language. They listen to parts of a story read in English, Hindi and Tamil. Tamil word cards are matched with their English equivalent. Practice saying basic Tamil words daily within the lesson.