First graders discover that a chemical reaction is responsible for the effects seen with Crayola Color Wonder markers. They observe that the color changes are the result of a chemical reaction between chemicals in the Color Wonder paper...

Based on Alex Haley's moving essay "My Furthest Back Person: The African," these 11 questions support comprehension and prepare readers for discussion of the text. Use this tool, and the essay, as a nonfiction addition to units on...

Using context clues is an effective way to define unfamiliar words. Encourage elementary learners to look at the sentences around the word in question, with a short informative slideshow presentation.

Learners discuss whether honesty really is the best policy with a lesson on "The Empty Pot," a Chinese fable about integrity. After reading the story, class members answer several comprehension and reflection questions about what...

What is the difference between a news story and a personal narrative? This plan has learners write a personal narrative using the topic of service projects in their community. Consider completing a cross-curricular extension by bringing...

Students explore the life cycle of the Painted Lady Butterfly. They set up cameras near a butterfly culture. They create an iPhoto photo book to document and journal their observations of the metamorphosis. Students produce a narrated...

In this reading response worksheet, learners answer twenty three questions in short answer format. They answer questions on their reading relating to basic facts, making predictions, explaining why or how, making connections, and giving...

Second graders listen to the story, The Whispering Cloth and discuss the message of the story. In this feeling alone lesson, 2nd graders make connections about what feeling alone means to them. Students define and interpret...

Seventh graders compare the original tale of Cinderella with the Disney version of the story. They listen to the book "Yeh-Shen," complete a Venn-diagram and discuss the similarities and differences in small groups, and participate in a...

Students explore similarities and differences. In this Teaching Tolerance lesson, students read literature and participate in activities that features mammals and their hair. Students learn that they share things in common while we are...

Students compare the movie Miracle on 34th Street to the book. In this holiday instructional activity, students read the book and view the 1995 version of the movie, Miracle on 34th Street. Students use a Venn diagram to analyze the...

Students examine philanthropy through art using their senses. In this philanthropy lesson, students investigate what respect looks like, sounds like and feels like using their senses. They talk about diversity and tolerance before...

Students determine that we are the same. They discuss that we have differences and realize our differences make us special. They recall the ways in which human beings and Sesame Street characters are alike. They create a second...

Students are taught that most people have different birthday days, and realize it is something that makes them unique and special. They bring in a photograph of their favorite birthday. Students write or dictate a story about their...

Young scholars compare similarities/differences of two characters. They demonstrate use of graphing software to compare/contrast their two characters. Students incorporate Inspiration/Kidspiration and the use of a Venn Diagram.

Learners participate in a simulated trade session similar to one that may have occurred at Wyam during the Lewis and Clark expedition. They determine how trade with the native people allowed the expedition to be successful.

Writers use varied sentence patterns. They listen to the story of Cinderella rewritten so that each sentence starts with the next letter of the alphabet. They create their own version of The Three Little Pigs using the same concept.

Listen to the book Madeline, and identify rhyming words with learners as they hear them in the book. Learners will engage in a class discussion about rhyming words. After listening to Madeline, they will circle pictures of words that...

Students participate in a shared writing experience about rice. In this writing lesson, students listen to  Norah Dooley's, Everybody Cooks Rice. They write about, and discuss different ways their families and those in the book use...

Equal rights, state law, and Civil Partnerships is the topic of this class discussion. Upper graders hone their research skills to engage in an intelligent and well-supported discussion on the Civil Partnership Act of 2004. Provided are...

Reading with expression excites listeners of any age. They will discuss different ways to change their reading expression as they listen to the teacher read Froggy Goes to the Doctor. Then in small groups, they'll practice reading...

Elementary schoolers observe and demonstrate a variety of strategies for reading with expression. They listen to the teacher read A Fine, Fine School with and without expression and discuss the differences. Then in pairs, read the...

Students read a variety of Cinderella tales from different cultures. They discuss the differences in character, plot, and conflict resolution in the stories from different countries.

Discuss ways to determine if the information middle and high schoolers gather online is accurate. Using the Internet, they cite two sources that show conflicting points of view on a subtopic of conservation. They summarize and analyze...