Young scholars write a story. In this genres instructional activity, students learn the meaning of realistic fiction and write a short story in that genre.

Sixth graders write a narrative. They choose options for plot and climax within the context of an outdoor survival story.

Seventh graders read, "Where the Red Fern Grows" and write a RAFT letter from the point of view of the character Billy to his grandpa reflecting on the death of his dog and his adjustment to life in town.

Students explore color terms and related meanings and metaphors in cultural and literary contexts. They use the main colors to explore synonymous color terms and related metaphorical meanings of color words. Students recognize the...

Students examine mystery plays by reading a number of five-minute mysteries. They write and perform their own plays.

Students discover world geography by writing persuasive letters. In this literacy instructional activity, students discuss what percentage of children are illiterate in our country compared to other geographic locations. Students...

Pupils develop arguments for and against the construction of hydroelectric power plants. Poll the groups to determine which view dominates in the class and students write a summary of their conclusions.

Students take a closer look at the Women's Suffrage Movement in America. In this women's rights lesson plan, students research suffrage leaders and write papers about them. Students then read and discuss information about Susan...

Sixth graders become members of the BSI in this research simulation. They apply for Biographical Scene Investigator membership, investigate an individual, keep an evidence notebook and write an investigator's report.

Students examine the basic elements and vocabulary of debating. They research an issue and write a letter to the editor of the local newspaper, and role-play a Parliamentary debate on a particular bill.

Remember the Lusitania! As part of their study of the causes of World War I, class members examine newspaper articles and propaganda posters about the sinking of the Lusitania and then craft their own news story about the event.

Decisions, decisions. Scholars take a close look at making decisions by discussing the character Sam in chapters one through eight of Frightful’s Mountain. Partners discuss whether Sam should interact with Frightful and then...

For every action there is a consequence. Scholars continue their work on creating a cascading consequence chart about DDT using Welcome Back, The Exterminator, Rachel Carson: Sounding the Alarm on Pollution along...

Students are able to identify and describe the persuasive techniques used in editorial writing. They are able to label persuasive techniques with the logos, pathos, and ethos terminology.

Students write a persuasive letter home defending their decision either to settle in Utah and farm the land, or to go on to California to seek gold. They analyze a problem, make a decision, and write a letter defending their choice.

Students analyze primary sources on slavery from Kansas Territory. In this Civil War lesson, students evaluate the antislavery and pro-slavery arguments and summarize key points. Students write a persuasive paper from the antislavery...

Students examine medical pioneers and identify their characteristics. They survey their contributions to the medical field and society and present persuasive argument for or against modern medical pioneers.

High schoolers use the Internet to research the Indian Removal Act and write a journalistic article showcasing their findings. They choose from a variety of viewpoints and topics to narrow their focus.

Students examine the Great Schism in the Roman Catholic Church and research the positions of the three popes. The three groups research their popes' positions and then hold a debate. Students write position papers about the Great Schism.

Learners compare and contrast the traditional Cinderella to the modern-day fairy tale, Cinder Edna. In this fairy tales lesson plan, students read both stories and construct a Venn diagram to compare the two fairy tales. Learners...

Learners create and send postcards to friends and family members. Using actual photographs, they write a rough draft and final draft of a paragraph and print it out to glue onto a postcard template to mail to their friend or family member.

Tenth graders consider the move westward. In this Westward Movement lesson plan, 10th graders compare and contrast the experiences of 2 pioneers by creating t-charts. Students analyze diaries, photographs, and political cartoons that...

Students research the biology and natural history of the cougar. Students conduct Internet research to determine how cougars have been protected by humans and how it is affected by human decisions. Students write about reconciling...

Pupils investigate instances of genocide and role play as reporters writing news stories and editorials.