Introduce ELA scholars to the basics of literary criticism with a 41-slide presentation that identifies eight different approaches to critical analysis. Each approach is defined, and advantages and disadvantages are listed. Also included...

The second lesson in the Lord of the Flies unit asks scholars to consider the characteristics of a good leader. After generating a list of these qualities, they annotate a passage from the novel highlighting the leadership qualities of...

Words carry baggage. In addition to their literal, denotative meaning, words also carry the weight of the associations and connotations attached to the word—the connotations of words writers use to create the tone of a piece. An...

As part of a unit study of Bud, Not Buddy, readers compare Buddy's list of rules to live by with those that Steve Jobs enumerates in his commencement address to Stanford's 2005 graduating class.

Does Bud use his rules to survive or thrive? That is the driving question of a lesson plan following the reading of Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis. In an argument essay prewriting activity, pupils use textual evidence to...

Discover how to use search terms effectively! Scholars continue their exploration of Charles Fishman's The Big Thirst, engaging in a read aloud and then answering text-based questions. Next, pupils learn about using search terms and...

Some things are better the second time around. Scholars reread an article about Hawaii's happy face spider, answering text-dependent questions as they read. Then, they use a Venn diagram to compare the text features of interviews and...

Let's have a look at something different. Scholars take a look at the text Investigating the Scientific Method with Max Axiom Super Scientist and discuss how the structure, graphics, and images appear different than previous works...

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...

Learners use reading, math, and writing skills to complete this activity in which they make chocolate chip cookies. This instructional activity seeks to tie real-life skills to classroom learning to make curriculum more meaningful. While...

Summary writing is tough for native English speakers, let alone English language learners! In this plan, high school English learners examine how to annotate online articles and write a one-page summary. They can post this summary on...

Class members categorize and then label a list of words drawn from "The Raid," chapter nine of Gary Paulsen's Canyons. Individuals explain the rationale for their word groupings.

Practice reading because practice makes perfect! In this sentence building lesson plan, young readers play the game Memory using word cards. They play in small groups to match words and use the words correctly in a sentence. This lesson...

Use the list-group-label strategy to introduce your class to In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez. The teacher begins by writing a word on the board (dictatorship is suggested here), and then the kids write as many words...

Students discover the importance of healthy eating. Using food nutrition labels, they read and examine the nutritional value. Students collect the data on a spreadsheet and create a graph. They analyze the media influences on product...

Use this list of 25 high frequency words to boost sight word recognition, as a spelling list, or as a quiz. These are very simple words that are 2-4 letters in length.

Beginning with anticipation guide strategies is a powerful method for improving reading comprehension. First, list initial ideas for a topic the class will be reading about. These ideas are formulated into statements, some of which are...

Fourth graders read the book "Teammate" after participating in pre-reading activities that include examining the concepts of segregation and discrimination. In this six week literature study, they make timelines, discuss what they know...

Students study place value. Students participate in place value and number relay games, write numbers in words, and discuss how numbers are read. As a class, they discuss the meaning of less than and grater than signs. Students use...

Assist your pupils in making healthy food choices with this instructional activity. First, have them bring in different kinds of food labels, and put a list of key words on the board (list is not included, but can be nutrition or...

This Dolch list includes sight words intended for a second grade audience. Have students say the words as they come up or challenge students to use each word in a sentence.

When studying pollution and the environment, you can use this activity as an enrichment. Safety-conscious learners read a 2005 article about an ammonia leak from a Kentucky fast-food product plant. They work in small groups to discuss...

Build word fluency! With this word recognition lesson, first and second graders play a game to practice saying irregular words with automaticity. They play in small groups using a set of word cards provided by their teacher. This lesson...

Young readers test their comprehension skills with an interactive practice. Pupils read a brief informational text about money then answer five questions. A detailed page appears at the end to showcase participants' work.