The fourth instructional activity in the series of 16 asks researchers to analyze an exchange of letters between John and Abigail Adams for what they each valued in letter writing.

Part of being a strong researcher is knowing if you're headed in the right direction. Class members study their research frames formulated in the previous lessons of the unit and decide what parts of their inquiry paths need revision or...

Practice makes progress. Working in pairs, presenters rehearse and refine their presentation skills before the big day when they pitch their film choices. Rehearsing also allows for refining prompt cards based on peer feedback and...

The end. Scholars discuss how the end of the text in Flush contributes to the plot development of the story. They then write book reviews to share their thoughts about the story. After finishing their book reviews, learners share them...

The end is in sight. Pupils complete an end of unit assessment, analyzing an interview with a rainforest scientist and then comparing and contrasting two informational texts. Next, they complete a self-assessment to reflect on their...

Students investigate Imperial Japan. In this Japanese history lesson, students listen to a lecture about Imperial Japan and then complete jigsaw reading activities about the country during the 20th century. Students write essays that...

Students use a rubric to analyze their neighborhood and write a persuasive essay about changes that should be made. In this writing instructional activity, students use a rubric to grade their neighborhood and brainstorm improvements....

Third graders write about a summer event they participated in. In this paragraph writing instructional activity, the teacher models how to write about a place they have visited. Students then write their own paragraphs.  Students...

Third graders write essays after participating in mini-lessons that encourage better writing. They write using the model of a skeleton to which they add the muscles.

Learners explore the trait of voice. In this language arts instructional activity, students focus on the writing trait of voice. Learners view a video and practice writing.

Students develop a deeper awareness of the use of journals and gather inspiration to begin their journal from their graphic time lines. They explore, ponder, test and illustrate self-expression through daily journal writing. Each student...

Students summarize articles found in the newspaper and use key concepts to write a poem. In this reading comprehension and writing lesson, students work with a partner to choose a current newspaper article. Key concepts and vocabulary...

Learners discover writing strategies authors use to enhance characters.  In this character writing lesson, students are read the Knuffle Bunny books by Mo Willems and analyze the story, characters and settings as they listen....

Students culminate a service project associated with a Cinderella study. In this service project lesson, students write letters to thank donors and sponsoring organizations for their donations of shoes. They practice their presentation...

Tenth graders experiment with poetry devices to write poems. In this poetry lesson, 10th graders participate in learning stations. Students create a word pool and select a word from the list to create a line of poetry. Students complete...

Students write friendly letters. In this language arts lesson, students discuss the parts of a friendly letter. Students compose a friendly letter. Students share their letters with small groups and draw a picture to go with the letter.

Students identify the strengths and weakness in their community. They take a community walk and take pictures of people interacting with the environment and the "green spaces" in their community. They then write a persuasive essay...

In this Easter activity, students write a poem, make a collage, and discuss what Easter is about. Students complete 3 tasks total.

High schoolers respond to Holocaust literature. In this interactive history activity, students select quotes from chapter 1 of Elie Wiesel's Night and reflect on their meaning as they record their thoughts on poetic, prose, comic. or...

Pupils read Romeo and Juliet and then write an essay from the point of either Lord Capulet or Friar Lawrence persuading someone to adopt their views concerning marriage.

Students design a service-learning project with pen pals. In this philanthropy lesson, students research various charitable organizations with a pen pal and collect cans in order to get money for a donation. Students write to their pen...

Students examine the writing techniques of professional authors and apply them to their own work. In pairs, they email authors to discover the tricks of the trade. Students create their own Website for their work.

Students read "Soccer Until Dusk". As a class, they discuss the various settings and actions in the poem and discuss the life in Guatemala and compare it with the United States. To end the lesson, they complete a journal reflection...

Illegal immigration is an ever-changing source of consistent controversy. A reading passage about the rights of undocumented workers and illegal immigrants—and the lack thereof—guides high schoolers into a mock trial activity. Three...