Middle schoolers explore characterization. In this characterization lesson, students give analytical responses to questions and determine a character's beliefs. Middle schoolers use the school mission statement to develop two beliefs...

Students read various sources about a country to understand viewpoints about that country.  In this country activity, students recognize that different sources portray different organizations differently.  Students compare how...

Students create tri-fold biographical brochures. Each of the sections of the brochure refers to either the past, present or future of the student. They use the back of the brochure to list ways to be successful in high school and reach...

Students read Mr. Popper's Penguins.  In this Mr. Popper's Penguins lesson, students record descriptive clues from the book.  Students research Adelie penguins and compare and contrast to their local community. Students prepare...

Students act as if they are newspaper reporters from 1787 and they are to interview the signers of the Constitution. Teachers help guide students in what to ask the signers.

Students listen to story, "Never, Ever Shout in a Zoo," by Karma Wilson, practice finding information from Internet, write information about one chosen zoo animal, draw picture of their zoo animal, pair up and read their My Zoo Animal...

Learners explore, analyze and study about fire fighters and fire safety. They listen to a book, list what they already know about firefighters and fire safety rules and compare/contrast types of firefighters. Each student then writes a...

Middle schoolers are introduced to literary elements and definitions in the worksheet Understanding Character but reading through each of the elements and definitions aloud. They read the story, "La Bamba" and identify examples of the...

Students explore their new classroom with this hunting and matching game. In this early childhood problem solving lesson, students use observation and matching skills as they hunt for pre-cut shapes around the classroom.

Students discover dinosaur facts using internet research. In this 2nd - 3rd grade lesson plan, students identify various dinosaur facts. Students use internet research to answer questions regarding dinosaurs.

Students relate the myth genre to history and culture.  In this myths lesson plan, students compare culture in the past and present.  Students answer critical thinking questions  and discuss the unique characteristics of...

Students create a class book award. In this book award lesson plan, students review the book awards already created (Caldecott or Newbery) and look at books that have received these awards. They come up with their own award and nominate...

Students explore reading nonfiction. In this nonfiction instructional activity, students practice using KWL charts to organize nonfiction information gained from reading. Students explore unfamiliar words from reading and recognize...

Students explore the first Thanksgiving. In this holiday lesson, students create a KWL chart on what they know about the first Thanksgiving and conduct Internet research on this topic. Students use a Venn diagram to compare and contrast...

Learners create presidential presentations. In this presidential lesson, students research a president and create their own museum presentation for that president. They create a script or brochure and make costumes.

Students explore the concept of racism.  In this character building lesson, students read a biography about a hero Matthew Henson.  Students discover the challenges he, and others, faced during a time of unfairness. 

Students create a character map of the main characters in The Tale of Despereaux. After reading the text, students create a character chart based on information they gleaned from the story. They use this information to write a letter...

Students complete a variety of activities that revolve around the book "Hoot" by Carl Hiaasen. They view and discuss stills from the move "Hoot" and compose original storylines, conduct Internet research about the life of Carl Hiaasen,...

Students explore their five senses and what makes them special and unique. They listen to books about their senses and participate in a taste and smell experiment. Students also create a senses journal, and create an "I'm Special" book...

Students read independently the novel, "Dragonwings," by Laurence Yep and make connections between a text and the world. They summarize, paraphrase, analyze and evaluate skimming and scanning techniques when reading a novel. Each student...

Students interview each other and their parents to examine why and when writers write and where published authors get their ideas. They complete a class T-chart, fill-out an interview worksheet, and read and discuss a variety of book...

Students complete a variety of activities related to Colonial America and how people lived at that time. They conduct research on a selected colonial trade and present an oral report as role-playing that craftsman, and participate in a...

Phonetic masters identify and recognize short vowel sounds by reading and listening to a story that highlights select words. They use picture clues to aid comprehension and construct a story by actively choosing and identifying...

Learners are introduced to the five major reasons for extinction. In groups, they read scenarios and divide them into different categories. Using the internet, they identify which reason a certain animal became extinct. To end the...