Curated OER
The Xmas Factor
Students examine the mass marketing of Christmas. In this gift giving lesson, students visit selected websites to discover the history behind gift-giving, research marketing techniques, and consider giving alternative gifts.
Curated OER
Comparison of Multicultural Literature
Students examine three different versions of "Twas the Night Before Christmas" and complete a comparison activity. Their own version of the poem is created and illustrated in this lesson.
Curated OER
Comparison of Multicultural Literature
Learners read and compare/contrast three different cultural versions of "Twas the Night Before Christmas." Using handheld computers, they read eBook versions of each version, complete a BooksLog, and write and illustrate a modern version...
Curated OER
Christmas Poetry
Middle schoolers explore writing using literary terms. In this Christmas poetry lesson plan, students write a poem about a Christmas tree or a snowman using at least one example of each: metaphor, simile, and personification.
Curated OER
Band Aid and Changing the World
Students examine the origins of well known charities and the impact of the first Band Aid single 20 years ago. They explore what is involved in turning the dream of a different kind of world into a reality. They complete a worksheet...
Curated OER
Hark, the Herald Atheists Sing
Students complete a one minute interview on their classmates views on religion and holiday traditions. They read an article about how Americans celebrate Christmas in different ways. Creating in-depth questions, they practice...
Curated OER
Celebrate Hanukkah in Israel
Explore Hanukkah and its origins with a social studies lesson. Learners discover the history of Hanukkah and its traditions. They locate Israel on a map, hear the story of the menorah and create their own dreidel. Afterwards, they sing...
Curated OER
Print-Making Card Designs
Students explore print making. In this art and print making lesson, students listen to biographical information about Leonardo da Vinci, then define "mirror image" as a technique used by this artist. Students cut out magazine pictures...
ESL Kid Stuff
Months of the Year
What month is it? Language learners engage in a series of activities designed to introduce them to the names and order of the months of the year.
Curated OER
December Celebrations
Learners study customs of various winter holidays. In this holiday lesson, students read the book The Reasons for the Seasons and complete a winter glyph. Learners use graphing software to create a chart of the holidays that are celebrated.
Curated OER
Old Fashioned Christmas Toy
Students create an old fashioned toy that explains stored, potential and movement energy.
Curated OER
Winter Holidays
Students investigate the traditions associated with winter holidays. They examine why most of the holidays are associated with light. They examine the origins and customs of these holidays before creating an original holiday.
Curated OER
An Immigrant's Story
Students discuss famous examples of historical fiction as a genre and why it is used so often. They create an original piece of historical fiction by developing a character who is an immigrant to the United States. They are assessed...
Curated OER
The Journey of the Magi
Middle schoolers create storyboards. In this pre-Christmas special lesson, students produce a storyboard for a TV version of the poem, "The Journey of the Magi". Options to complete with or without technology are included.
Curated OER
Buggy Patterns
First graders discuss the definition of patterns, and sing the song, Going Buggy, identifying patterns in the song. They create original patterns using bug counters and insect stickers.
Curated OER
Remembering Chuck Jones
Young scholars investigate the art of animation and various cartoon characters created by Chuck Jones. They complete a Webquest, watch video clips, draw a cartoon character, answer discussion questions, and create an original caricature...
Curated OER
Shamrock Man
Pupils create "Shamrock Men" using construction paper, pre-cut patterns, glue, and scissors in this lesson that celebrates St. Patrick's Day. The lesson was originally create for a Special Education class but could be adapted for...
Curated OER
Korean Holiday Calendar
Pupils engage in research in order to find the origin of a Korean holiday. They compare American holidays to the ones of Korea in order to find the true meanings of holidays in both cultures.
Curated OER
High-Tech Heaven?
Students read and discuss, "Post-Christmas Comes a Geek's Gizmo-Rama" by David Pogue. They consider how technologies they use impact their lives.
Curated OER
Participants are challenged to create several different sorting groups for the set of images.
Students examine the influence of interaction with other cultures and the environment in relation to calendars. They also look at the origins of the calendar we use every day.
Curated OER
Developing Dialogue
Why do people argue? Use the article "A Holiday Medley, Off Key" to discuss the struggles that interfaith couples face when choosing to celebrate certain holidays. Then, in small groups, encourage learners to write dialogues that...
Curated OER
Music and Animation: 200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons
Music has been used to convey thoughts, feelings, and the human condition for thousands of years. Your class will analyze several songs hear in the animated classic, "Charlie Brown." They will listen to several jazz pieces from the show,...
Japan Society
Tanabata: Japan's Star Festival
The Star Festival or Tanbata, is a holiday celebrated in Japan every year. People make tanzakus out of paper and hang them on the trees. Pupils will learn about this culturally significant holiday while creating tanzakus of their own....
Novelinks
The Giver: Guided Imagery
Guide your class through the imagery of Lois Lowry's The Giver with a peaceful meditative experience. After you create a serene environment in your class, read through a provided script in which kids sift through their favorite memories...