National Endowment for the Humanities
Elements of the Epic Hero Cycle
Here's a handy worksheet applicable to any study of epic heroes, including those in epic poetry. Readers record examples from their text that identify the quest, the tests, helpers and companions, as well as the low point, the...
Curated OER
The Cay
Designed for teachers who use Theodore Taylor's The Cay, this 11-page packet includes a synopsis of the story, chapter-based quizzes, and an answer key.
Primary Resources
Drama Warm Ups and Circle Games
Circle games, energetic games, calming games, exit games. Whether used as ice breakers, warm ups, or exit strategies, or used in drama classes or content areas, the 28 games detailed in this packet deserve a spot in your curriculum...
Curated OER
Michelle Kwan: Heart of a Champion
Who is a champion to your class? Elementary and middle schoolers think of a role-model from their lives. Then, in their journals, they write evidence of that person's perseverance. They identify the character trait of perseverance with...
Novelinks
The Devil’s Arithmetic: Concept Analysis
A helpful guide to Jane Yolen's The Devil's Arithmetic for your literature unit. Use the sections on point-of-view, dramatic irony, and background knowledge, among others, to frame your lessons in an engaging and educational way.
Curated OER
Bridge to Terabithia
Students read Katherine Paterson's book, A Bridge to Terabithia, and select small groups to complete a project based on a chapter of the book. They create a story web for the chapter, summarize it, design a brochure or advertisement,...
Curated OER
The Keeping Quilt
Students discover story analysis by discussing a book the class reads together. In this reading comprehension lesson plan, students read the book The Keeping Quilt and discuss the different characters and plot points among the...
Curated OER
Wemberly Worried Lesson Plan
Students read a book and explore the feelings of the main character during a book talk. In this lesson about the book Wemberly Worried, students listen as the teacher reads, recall events from the story as teachers lists them on a piece...
Curated OER
Business Travel Operations
Students examine the structure of the business travel industry. They identify the main characters and analyze trends. They read articles and answer questions about the sector as well.
Curated OER
The Trumpet of the Swan: Sam's Diary
For this reading worksheet, students respond to the book The Trumpet of the Swan by completing a diary writing activity. Students write two diary entries about their day and end them with a question, just as Sam the main character did in...
Curated OER
Hallo-Wiener Lesson Plan
Students listen to the story The Hallo-Wiener by Dav Pilkey in order to learn about the "monster" character. In this reading and art lesson plan, students cut a "bun" from beige construction paper, cut out an image of the main character...
Curated OER
Roll With the Punches: Oprah's On!
Sixth graders prepare questions for an Oprah Winfrey talk show featuring the characters from Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, the amazing novel by Mildred D. Taylor. Selected students role-play the characters and answer questions Oprah...
Curated OER
"Theseus and the Minotaur"
Students analyze the features of myths and legends. They read the myths "Theseus and the Minotaur" and "Orpheus and Eurydice," identify the myth story elements, evaluate each story for the overall theme, describe the characters, and...
Curated OER
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Fourth graders read and take quizzes over the book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Curated OER
Summarizing
Fourth graders listen to the teacher discuss the definition of "Summary." They read a story aloud with their classmates. After finishing the story, 4th graders are asked to choose the best summary statement.
Curated OER
Exploring the Mystery Genre
Students determine the story elements of typical mystery stories including characters and plot structure. They look at vocabulary that is common to mystery stories before reading and responding to mystery chapter books. Working in guided...
Curated OER
Language Arts Lesson: Printing and Publishing
Students listen to an African folktale about an animal character that can walk and talk and retell the main events of the story in their own words. They illustrate the folktale utilizing a relief printmaking method as a replica of an...
Curated OER
Memories, A Connection to the Past
Students read four or more books. They make predictions before reading, complete a picture walk, read in partners and complete graphic organizers. Various graphic organizers are provided in English and Spanish.
Curated OER
Sequencing The Three Billy Goats Gruff
First graders participate in sequencing activities. In this sequencing activity, 1st graders read the book the Three Billy Goats Gruff. Students retell the story and act out the scenes in groups. Students create a mural of the story...
Curated OER
Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray
In this online interactive reading comprehension worksheet, learners respond to 29 short answer and essay questions based on Thackeray's Vanity Fair. Students may also access an online quiz on the selection using the link at the...
Curated OER
Miss Nelson Is Missing/Miss Nelson Is Back- Lesson 4
Young scholars compare two stories. In this compare and contrast lesson, students read Miss Nelson is Missing and Miss Nelson is Back. Young scholars brainstorm similarities and differences in the two stories, use a Venn...
Curated OER
Freckle Juice
Students identify and define vocabulary words in the book, Freckle Juice. In this vocabulary lesson, students read the text and define the words "formula," "reflection," and "remover." Students use an online dictionary to define the...
Curated OER
Science Fiction Literature
Students identify the elements of science fiction literature. They write and illustrate a science fiction story using real and exaggerated science. In addition, they read their stories aloud in small groups.
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Comparing Key Ideas and Details in Fiction and Nonfiction
Students recognize the differences between fiction and nonfiction texts. In this genre study lesson plan, students discuss what nonfiction means and write the definition. Students listen to a read aloud and vote whether the text is...