Start kids thinking about point of view and autobiographies by telling them a short story about your morning (first person), and then asking a volunteer to re-tell the story to you (second person). There are tips to help you tie this...

Sometimes the most important details of an informational text aren't within the text at all. Teach your class how to read timeline with a set of activities that prompts them to find specific dates and events on the timelines, as well as...

During elections, headlines constantly lament the issue of low voter turnout. Help class members understand why this is such an important topic with relevant articles, a discussion of both sides of the issue, and a reflective essay. 

Students discuss African-American history from slavery to the civil rights movement. They discuss individual people who shpaed history by reading their biographies and researching the age in which they lived. Studnets comprehend the...

Have historians use primary sources to learn about the circumstances and implementation of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and think about the issue of boycotts as a means of effecting social change. Wrap it up with a...

Eleventh graders explore, analyze and study the background to America's Civil Rights Movement through the court system, mass protest, public opinion, political cartoons and legislation. They research Rosa Parks, Brown vs. Board of...

As part of their study of the US Civil Rights Movement and the Montgomery bus boycott, class members read Dr. Martin Luther King's "Integrated Bus Suggestions." They then craft a short story about the first week of Montgomery...

What does it mean to be a hero? Who qualifies as a hero? In groups, middle and high schoolers brainstorm a list of heroes and create a list of characteristics that a person must possess in order to be a hero. Extend this lesson by having...

Learners explore the similarities and differences among their classmates. They are introduced to the Civil Rights Movement-that all people be treated equally and fairly. Students discuss the importance of appreciating individual...

Students explore plot structure, conflict, setting, and mood. In this literary elements lesson, students read Rosa Parks, My Story and complete the provided plot outline worksheets. Students discuss the text elements of non-fiction...

Students are segregated into groups according to their clothing and experience first hand what it feels like to be a minority in everyday life. In this cultural acceptance lesson plan, students experience discrimination first hand....

Your young learners will delve into the language of primary source documents in order to identify the characteristics, benefits, and costs of nonviolence. The lesson plan includes a mix of activities, including an anticipatory activity,...

Fifth graders explore the positive and negative consequences of choosing to fight against discrimination. They read the story of Rosa Parks. Students discuss the movement against segregation. Students read other books about...

Young scholars explain a picture or caption using events from a story. In this literacy lesson, students analyze a picture and make a connection to the text. Additionally, young scholars share ideas about how pictures can form a better...

Use this instructional activity to study similes and metaphors and the inferred meaning. In this language arts instructional activity, 5th graders write their own similes and metaphors. A worksheet is provided for extension work or to...

Examine the women who contributed to the Civil Rights movement. In groups, children read excerpts of writings from Eloise Greenfield and research the women she mentions using the internet. To end the lesson, they create a timeline of...

Second graders investigate philosophy by researching the life of Mahatma Gandhi.  In this biographical activity, 2nd graders listen to a reading of the book "Gandhi" and make a character map of his actions, feelings and thoughts....

After reading The Other Side and guiding children through a picture walk, third graders investigate evidence of the civil rights movement. In the mini unit, 3rd graders analyze photographs of the past and make connections...

Students understand the sacrifices and problems in undoing an unfair situation. In this unfairness activity, students discuss the reasons for the Montgomery Boycott and discuss worksheet and feelings about dealing with unfair situations.

Learners explore the concept of philanthropy. In this service learning activity, students define rights and responsibilities. Learners discuss the role of philanthropy in contributing to the common good. They also review historical...

Eighth graders explore the concept of serving the common good. In this service learning lesson, 8th graders brainstorm a list of real-life heroes and create charts displaying how the actions of the heroes affected others.

Students explore Civil Rights. In this Civil Rights instructional activity, students read about Ruby Bridges and define the words segregation and supremacy. Students make a timeline of important events in Civil Rights and write a...

Learners create a list of famous African Americans, then read a news article about Jackie Robinson. In this current events lesson, the teacher introduces the article with a discussion and vocabulary activity, then students read the news...

Students investigate the amount of starch in a plant under 3 different conditions. In this photosynthesis lesson plan, students compare the amount of starch in a plant with increased carbon dioxide conditions, a plant with decreased...