Students create an ocean haiku. In this haiku instructional activity, students use their five senses to write a haiku. Students watch videos about the ocean, make a sensory portrait, and create a class haiku.

Students participate in a guide close reading of the Prologue to Romeo and Juliet. They write a prologue sonnet to another piece of literature they have read.

Students examine the text of the Ethics of the Fathers. They decide which characteristics would make a better friend. They evaluate the actions of others around them and write a poem with a partner about sharing.

Student study the properties of wind. They make a miniature hot-air balloon and compose diamond-shaped poems about the wind. They explain that as the sun warms air around the earth, the air rises. Colder air then moves in to fill the...

Students discuss the meaning and tone of Shakespeare's Sonnet 130.  For this sonnets lesson, students compare Spenser's sonnets to Shakespeare's.  Students discuss specific words that add to the humor in Shakespeare's sonnet,...

Students examine an elegy for form, tone and subject matter.  In this elegy lesson, students share impressions from Dylan Thomas's poem and a critic's response to the poem. Students discuss emotions and the refusal to mourn...

In this alphabet worksheet, learners read three poems, each about a different alphabet letter (A-C). The rhyming poems feature words that begin with the letter. Note: These appear to be songs, but no tune suggestions are provided.

In this Autumn activity worksheets, students go on a nature walk and find the colors of fall. Students then use paint to color the leafs in the fall colors they saw on the walk. Students then finish a poem about the fall leaves.

Foster community in your classroom and encourage learners to get up and get to know each other. Individuals each receive the classmate inventory handout included and use it to fill in information about their fellow scholars. Once they...

Utilizing the classic Magic School Bus series, young scientists explore the solar system. Some excellent worksheets are included in this plan, such as Planet Roll Call and Solar System in Motion. This is an ambitious 5-day unit that...

Eighth graders explore the life and works of Pablo Neruda. They complete an author map concerning his personal and professional life. Students identify the key components of an ode. They write an ode to a common object around their...

Students explore the sonnet form. In this lesson plan on sonnet form, students explore various sonnets and how a sonnet can range from conventional to experimental.

Students survey several concepts in literature, science, history, and geography as a preparation for the CSAP standardized testing experience. This nine lesson unit provides exposure to the format and content of the test.

Pupils write a dramatic scene based on The Odyssey and perform it for the class. In this living literature lesson, students work in small groups to discuss the way the characters look, act, and sound. They then choose scenery and props,...

Learners discover literature by conducting a free writing experiment. In this sonnet lesson, students read the sonnet "The Parting" and compare it to modern-day songs about breaking up. Learners listen to pop music in class and...

Eighth graders study the 'Rime of the Ancient Mariner.' They study the ballad and explore style and technique. Students use the internet and search previously identified news sites for current items of interest. They use images copied...

Learners study Mars and Odyssey's mission to Mars. In groups, they plan a community that could live on Mars.

Students create greeting cards. They listen to verses from various cards and evaluate each one. They research websites of greeting card makers and complete a chart. They discuss themes and ideas in greeting cards and edit their free...

Students read sonnets and choose one which contains words or phrases that create an emotional reaction to study the Shakespearean language. In this Shakespearean sonnet activity, students read Shakespeare sonnets and circle words that...

Students consider the literal and figurative definitions of the word journey. In this metaphor lesson, students discuss life journeys and their diversity. 

Students create poems using the same method as young poet Mattie J.T. Stepanek's mother use to help him write his early poems.

Young scholars read passages from My Own True Name. They write their own poems and present them to the class. They share their favorite lines from the poem as well.

Students investigate the genre of poetry and focus upon its purpose while participating in class discussion. They read about the life and writings of Charles Simic and use it for the context of creating poetry that is similar in style.

Students examine Asian American culture through the analysis of the poem, 'Aerogrammes.' They watch a video, read and discuss the poem, take a field trip to Chinatown, and write a poem about their Chinatown experience.