Curated OER
To Encourage the Others (1972)
Students explore, examine and study Christian beliefs about punishment, justice and capital punishment. They view and analyze the way complex moral and ethical issues are dealt with in moving images like the screen/movie. Each student...
Walters Art Museum
The Symbolism of Allegorical Art
Introduce learners to allegorical art with four bronze sculptures by Francesco Bertos. After modeling how to recognize bias and allegory in Bertos' Africa, class groups examine the other three sculptures in the series before creating...
Curated OER
Pay it Forward
Students explore the basic concept of micro-financing. For this economics/literacy lesson, students listen to One Hen by Katie Smith, in which a small loan changes the life of the main character. Students employ comprehension strategies...
Curated OER
Bigger than Life
Middle schoolers explore courage. For this moral and character development lesson, students read biographical information about Jackie Robinson and identify examples of courage exemplified in his life story.
Curated OER
Horton Hears a Who
Students explore the ways that communities work in the story Horton Hears a Who and compare that to the community in which they live.
Curated OER
Making Akan Gold Weights and Understanding their Proverbial Meanings
Students examine a variety of gold weights used by the Asante in West Africa. In groups, they discuss the purpose of the gold weights and practice saying proverbs associated with different pieces of art. To end the lesson, they...
Curated OER
The New Explorers: Miracle Dolphin
Students view "Miracle Dolphin" which tells the fascinating story of a fable that came true and explores both the story and the science of Holly's life among the Bedouins of Nuweiba El Muzena.
Curated OER
Human Rights Issues Around the World
Seventh graders begin the lesson by comparing and contrasting the Bill of Rights with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. For each document, they highlight the material that is the same for both and discuss the items that are...
Curated OER
A Native American Legend
Young scholars compare the Native American version of Cinderella to the more popular version they know. They compare legends with fairy tales and explore character traits and discuss the meaning of good character. They write a fairy tale...
Curated OER
Lesson Plan: Musical Myths
Create musical myths in this West African tales lesson. Middle schoolers read myths from African Myths and Legends as well as West African Trickster Tales. They note when music could be used to enhance the tales, and then write their own...
Curated OER
A Togolese Tale: The Big Fire
Students identify common elements found in folk tales and read a Togolese folk tale told by Fred Koehler. They analyze the folk tale for its elements and compare and contrast it with well-known Western folk tales.
Curated OER
Why Save? Better Off Saving
Young scholars examine the pros and cons of saving versus spending money and evaluate real-life situations as well as their own spending habits. They discuss the best and worst purchase they have made and why, explore the "Downtown...
Curated OER
Cartoons for the Classroom: Literary Allusion vs. Pop Culture
For this current events worksheet, students analyze political cartoons that feature literary allusion and pop culture. Students respond to 2 talking point questions.
Annenberg Foundation
Becoming Visible
The television and interstate highways both came of age in 1950s America. Scholars use film, text, and discussion to explore how these and other cultural icons shaped the literature of the time. Pupils also create a family history...
Curated OER
The Coin and the Fable: Alaska quarter reverse
An Alaskan quarter and a book of fables is what you'll need to start this lesson. Learners will use the image of the bear and the salmon found on the reverse side of the Alaskan quarter as inspiration. They will compose a fable about the...
Curated OER
Music: Off the Wall & Onto the Stage - Composing
Kids explore Gullah music from Africa and then create original compositions based on what they've learned. They practice traditional melodies and rhythms then make some of their own, which they then perform for the class.
Global Oneness Project
The Consciousness of Nature
Scholars voice their opinions about animal consciousness with an article that challenges common ideas about nature. After reading the article, learners engage in a thoughtful discussion before writing out their arguments in a persuasive...
Teach with Movies
Learning Guide to Thirteen Days
While Thirteen Days is a fantastic film to use in the classroom in reference to the Cold War and the Cuban missile crisis, it is important to take care to effectively and properly incorporate its contents into your curriculum. This...
Teach With Movies
Learning Guide for: Glory
Invite your class to learn about the first regular US army unit composed of black soldiers during the Civil War with the film Glory. This website reviews the historical accuracy of the movie, offers pre- and post-viewing handouts, and...
Curated OER
Traditional African Literature: The Gentleman and the Jungle
In this African literature instructional activity, students read "The Gentleman and the Jungle," and then respond to 6 short answers questions about the African folk tale.
Curated OER
Bully Prevention
Young scholars examine the topic of bully prevention. For this character education lesson, students establish what bullying is, role play bullying scenarios, and discuss how to manage bullying incidents.
Curated OER
Reporting on the 1920s
Use this roaring 1920s history lesson to have young writers research primary and secondary sources. They use their research to examine the events or famous public figures of the time period. Next, they imagine they're in the 1920s and...
Curated OER
Charlotte Perkins Gilman's "The Yellow Wall-paper" -- The "New Woman"
Students examine the roles of women in the nineteenth and early twentieth century. They identify how class and nationality affected a woman's place in society. They also discover women's resistance to change during the time period.
Curated OER
Back to School (Secondary)
Welcome your class back to school! They will participate in a character education instructional activity in order to build community at the school. First they identify needs of new students by putting themselves in their shoes and create...