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...
Academy of American Poets
We Sing America
Pair the famous poems "I Hear America Singing," by Walt Whitman, and "I, Too, Sing America," by Langston Hughes, with a more recent poem by Elizabeth Alexander called "Praise Song for the Day" to demonstrate a theme and introduce your...
Curated OER
The Lamb Theme of Religion
In this literary analysis instructional activity, students 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...
Curated OER
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...
Curated OER
My Life had stood – a Loaded Gun – Theme of Gender
In this poetry analysis worksheet, students 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...
Curated OER
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.
Curated OER
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...
Curated OER
My Last Duchess Theme of Jealousy
In this poetry analysis instructional 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...
Curated OER
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.
Curated OER
Western Medieval European Poetry and Literature
One of the Common Core standards requires learners to make connections between literature or media of the past and the present. Provided here, are key elements found in medieval poetry and literature that are connected to several more...
Curated OER
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...
Curated OER
Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night Theme of Transience
In this reading comprehension worksheet, learners 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.
Curated OER
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.
Curated OER
Howl Theme of Rules and Order
In this reading comprehension activity, 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.
Curated OER
Howl Theme of Visions of America
For 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.
Curated OER
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...
Curated OER
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.
Curated OER
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...
Curated OER
Poetic Elements
Poetry is all about sound and rhythm. The sound of the words, the rhythm of the lines, and the emotional atmosphere created by these elements and the literary devices poets use, compress whole stories into a few stanzas. The specialized...
Curated OER
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...
Curated OER
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...
Curated OER
Out of the Dust: Background notes about the novel, The Great Depression, and The Dust Bowl
If your class is reading the historical fiction novel, Out of the Dust, then you are in luck. Here are a few slides that will help you provide historical context for the book, as well as define main characters, setting, symbolism, and...
Curated OER
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.
Curated OER
Poetry in Motion
Students choose a poetry theme. They write a poem, illustrate it with digital images and record it using a digital video camera.