Curated OER
Poet James Whitcomb Riley: Famous in His Own Day
An engaging biography of "Hoosier" poet James Whitcomb Riley serves as a springboard for study of his unique dialect-based verse. Several activities illuminate differences between spoken vernacular and formal language. Learners record...
Curated OER
Quote Poker
Students work in small groups in order to find environmental quotes. The quotes are passed around and they decide which one is liked the most. Then students read the quote out loud to the class and explain the reasons for picking the quote.
Curated OER
Worksheet 5/7 A Colony of Collective Nouns
Practice identifying and using collective nouns with this resource. For this activity, pupils circle the collective noun and the group that it describes in each sentence. They then use the collective nouns to write their own sentences....
Curated OER
Vocabulary: Identify and Define Multiple Meaning Words in Context
Context can make all the difference. Early readers discover the importance and usefulness of context by examining the word bark in a variety of sentences. Each sentence provides learners with a context they can use to determine the...
Curated OER
Four Folk Tales About HYO: The Confucian Tradition of Filial Piety
Learners explore the nuances of Confucianism. In this Korean society lesson, students complete jigsaw reading assignments on the Hyo. Learners compare their own reverence for parents to that described in the pieces about Korea.
Curated OER
"The Lottery," by Shirley Jackson
Middle schoolers who are about to read the chilling tale, The Lottery, do some writing beforehand. They are asked to write how their lives would change if they won a huge lottery jackpot. Then, they read the short story, and will be...
Curated OER
The World of Work: Job Applications
Young scholars use online resources and activities to examine the vocabulary of a job application. In this job application lesson, students review and take sample online job readiness exams. Young scholars read a publication about...
Curated OER
Getting Hooked, Introduction for a Narrative
How can you interest your reader? Here is a great lesson on reading and discussing the characteristics of a narrative. Elementary schoolers explore writing techniques to hook the reader. They identify their hook and share their...
Curated OER
Persuasive Writers
Use the power of the pen to persuade others to get involved in community issues! Individuals reflect on personal service learning activities and the writing process. They compose essays regarding service to others. While designed for...
Curated OER
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer: K-W-H-L Strategy
Ah, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer! Before your class reads this classic novel, encourage them to activate prior knowledge and build interest in the book with the KWHL strategy. Directions for walking your class through this strategy are...
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Farm Animals
Why are farm animals important to the community? Expand young farmers' knowledge of furry and feathered friends through stories and a video. There are several books recommended; however, you could use any book about farm animals. A video...
Curated OER
The Creaky Door Says "ehhhh"
Study the long vowel sound /e/, as in a creaky door noise. Children repeat the sound and learn a chant. They use letters in letterboxes to make words with the /e/ sound before reading a book and writing a message about their favorite...
Scholastic
Ask the Author
Here is a quick activity that could help your kids with their reading comprehension. They practice a classic strategy that gets them to start asking questions about what they are reading, while they are reading it. They write out...
Curated OER
Mosetsana
Students read and discuss a poem about the issues of gender, education, and family written by a Peace Corps Volunteer serving in South Africa. In this poetry lesson, students read the poem 'Moetsana' and discuss the issues South...
Curated OER
Connotation: "My Papa's Waltz" by Theodore Roethke
What's happening in this poem? Have your high schoolers participate in an activity about connotation and denotation. They apply the concept of connotation to a reading of Theodore Roethke's poem "My Papa's Waltz." Lead a discussion about...
Curated OER
Children's Literature Across the Curriculum Ideas-Miss Spider's New Car
Students read Miss Spider's New Car by David Kirk. They complete a variety of cross-curricular activities surrounding the study of spiders. Included are reading, art, math, science, writing, social studies, and library connections.
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The Tell-Tale Heart
Bring Edgar Allan Poe's spooky story to life! After reading the short story "The Tell-Tale Heart," middle and high schoolers identify the theme, character traits, irony, and other story concepts. During pre-reading, they take notes,...
Curated OER
Soneka's Village
Students explore the Maasai culture. For this cultural traditions lesson, students read primary documents and story books about the Maasai in order to compare their culture to the culture of those living in a Maasai village.
Curated OER
Rhythm, Verse and Rhyme: COMPOSING A LIST POEM
Students are provided an opportunity for self-expression. They collaborate with a partner and compose a list poem. Students practice reading and writing skills. They explore lists and catalogues--both elements of poetry and practical...
Curated OER
Breaking up a Poem
Seventh graders break down the barriers in reading, speaking, listening, writing and understanding poetry. As a whole group, they establish their own criteria for line breaks by discussing questions and taking notes on a PowerPoint...
Curated OER
Lesson One: Decoding Strategies
Review decoding strategies to read a chosen text. Readers tape themselves reading out loud, listen to the recording, and mark where they have misread words or phrases. They then discuss which words were misread and review how to correct...
Curated OER
How We Feel
Learners examine how their feelings make them unique. They read and discuss a poem, develop a list of feelings, and create a drawing of them feeling happy and healthy.
Curated OER
Children's Literature Across the Curriculum Ideas-If You Made A Million
Pupils read If You Made A Million by David M. Schwartz. They complete a variety of cross-curricular activities surrounding the study of earning, saving and spending money. Included are reading, art, math, science, writing, social...
Curated OER
Women Call Out: The Personal Narrative
After reading and discussing several personal narratives written by women in the 1920's, class members write a personal narrative of their own about a time in their lives they felt controlled. Sample narratives can be accessed through...