Build your youngsters' knowledge of the short /u/ sound with a quick exercise. Class members read a brief poem designed to include many words with the short /u/ sound and then answer three reading comprehension questions about...

Young writers learn about similes and read some examples using the topic of volcanoes. They write 10 similes of their own and choose one to illustrate. The graphic design of the sheet is clean, promoting focus and clarity.

Pigs are often big, but what else can your class find out about this particular pig? They'll learn a few things about it by reading the poem full of -ig words, and then answering the three reading comprehension questions.

Combine a study of -op words with a bit of reading comprehension. Learners read a quick a silly poem containing many -op words and then answer three questions.

Make sure your class has a grasp of words that include the long /a/ sound and follow the _a_e pattern. They can read the short poem on this page, which includes many examples of this pattern to practice, and then complete the three...

Keeping readers on track while reading the 64 chapters in Charles Dickens's David Copperfield can be a challenge. If readers are punctual and diligent, and respond to the worksheet questions in order with determination, they can be the...

Now that your class has read all of Esperanza Rising, take the time to tackle big metaphors and themes. Pupils will participate in an activity called Chalk Talk, in which they circulate around the room in small groups and add...

How do you create (and punctuate) really good dialogue so that it moves your story forward and provides strong characterization? Use this literary worksheet loaded with examples, clearly stated directions, and fun exercises.  Fifth...

Support a class reading of the novel Song of the Trees by Mildred D. Taylor with this series of discussion questions. Covering a variety of topics from character and setting to historical accuracy and symbolism, these questions...

Practice reading a timeline with this two-page activity that illustrates a fun week at summer camp and tests comprehension with seven questions.

How can you tell if someone is happy? The lesson works with elementary and middle school scholars to activate their schema and pay attention to details to make inferences in their daily lives, poetry, and other literature. Cleverly...

Which images show things that start with the letter S? Let your pupils decide and then cut and paste those six images to this page. After that task is complete, individuals write the words sun and sad to practice even more words that...

Cross-comparison, the technique of focusing on two different texts with the same themes, motifs, events, etc., is employed in an exercise that asks groups to examine two different translations of “The Ruin,” a poem, written in Old...

A lot has been going on in the Middle East over the past 20 years. Your class can read and then write to describe the US and Soviet involvement in the Iran-Iraq War, the impact of Islamic fundamentalism on world politics, and Egypt's...

The effects of changes in the Latin American government are the topic of this writing exercise. Challenge your class to read and respond to three prompts that describe the Sandinistas of Nicaragua, Latin American immigration to the US,...

Explore absolutism and monarchy worldwide. This social studies learning exercise includes three short-answer questions for learners to ponder. To answer these questions, they must have previously read material on the topic of Absolute...

Study the three writing systems of Japanese: Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji. Your middle schoolers will practice writing Kanji and write a mini story in English which uses at least 10 of the Kanji in the place of the English words....

Refuse to alienate your scientific-minded young scholars during your creative writing unit. Learners explore how literary writing can reflect observable fact, and be based in actual science. The links include examples of fiction and...

Identify examples of strong voice in popular picture books. Young authors add voice to their writing and revise their own writing. In addition, they share their writing with their peers.

Fourth and fifth graders try their hand at persuasive writing. They listen to well-written persuasive articles so they can get a sense of what good persuasive writing is. Then, they brainstorm topics they'd like to write about and are...

After reading excerpts from Frederick Douglass' autobiography, pupils will draw on what they've learned about the cruelty of slavery to write and present an anti-slavery speech or editorial.