Curated OER
Wolf Fact Cards
Students write a non-chronological report about wolves. They read and discuss wolf fact cards in small groups, complete a KWL chart, observe the teacher model the steps of writing a report, and conduct research and write an original...
Curated OER
Research project
Eighth graders explore reference materials and then complete a research project. In this research project lesson, 8th graders choose the best reference source to use. Students learn to correctly site sources for their project....
Curated OER
“Home on the Range”
Fourth graders analyze the song "Home on the Range" and identify its meaning and setting. In this timeline and retelling lesson, 4th graders use dictionaries to find definitions of unfamiliar words, create a timeline and retell the...
Curated OER
Vivid Words
In this vocabulary and word study instructional activity, students explore the use of vivid words as they complete 8 fill in the blank questions. Students may also complete the challenge question at the bottom of the sheet.
Curated OER
Decoding Strategies
Students practice using context clues to decode the meanings of unfamiliar words. In this vocabulary skills lesson, students follow the provided instructions to complete graphic organizers that enable them to decode words in "The...
Curated OER
Colorful Idioms
In this recognizing meanings of idioms in sentences online/interactive activity, students use context clues to determine the correct color words to complete the sentences. Students choose 11 multiple choice answers.
Curated OER
Poetry Pop-Up
Third graders, after exploring the process of writing poetry through imagery words that go beyond pen and paper, create a Poetry Pop-Up Book. They incorporate the use of the Thesaurus and clip-art/digital photography to assist them in...
Curated OER
Words That Hold Court
Students recognize the importance of the Supreme Court. In this legal terminology instructional activity, students define a list of words to understand the Supreme Court and the language used in cases. Students revise a case summary.
Curated OER
Words That Hold Court
Students research legal terminology used in the Supreme Court. For this legal terminology lesson, students study a quote from President Obama about the Supreme Court. Students make a list of facts about the Supreme Court and the justices...
Curated OER
Math Words with Multiple Meanings
Learners of many ages use the Visual Thesaurus to help them understand the language of math. They work in groups to explore the multiple meanings of common math terms. Pupils come up with examples of the words in mathematical and other...
Curated OER
Passive Voice and Grammar Checkers
This handout gives an overview of the passive and active voices as well as pointing out that the grammar checkers in word processing programs mark sentences written in the passive voice as incorrect. While this is not an interactive...
Florida Center for Reading Research
Vocabulary: Word Meaning, Word Clues
Young learners develop a deeper understanding of target vocabulary. In pairs, pupils independently complete a series of word clue cards, asking them to find information about key terms, including their definitions, synonyms, antonyms,...
Florida Center for Reading Research
Comprehension: Text Analysis, Compare and Contrast
Grab any two topics, some index cards, and a couple of kids, and you're ready to compare and contrast! The resource provides instructions for this method and three graphic organizers in addition to or in place of the index cards.
K12 Reader
Christmas Tree Add an Adjective
The star on the top of a Christmas tree can be beautiful, or it can be gold, or it can be shiny—or, in fact, it can be all three! A picture of a decorated Christmas tree encourages pupils to choose from a list of 18 adjectives to...
National Endowment for the Humanities
Vengeful Verbs in Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”
It's time for pupils to read, examine, and contemplate literature to explore the difference between vivid and generic verbs. Pupils distinguish between the two types of verbs as they read the ghost scene from Shakespeare's Hamlet. They...
Curated OER
Synonym Trees
Fifth graders create synonym trees by writing their main word on the tree trunk and gluing synonym words to represent the leaves. In this synonyms lesson plan, 5th graders play a class game where they must find a partner who has a...
Curated OER
Reference Materials
Students discuss reasons to use reference materials, identify correct reference material to use for specific information, find answers to specific questions by locating information in encyclopedia, dictionary, atlas, almanac, glossary,...
Curated OER
Writing with Vivid Verbs
Learners find vivid verbs in literature and use them in their own writing. In this vivid verbs lesson plan, students use a 'Thinking Thesaurus' of major verbs to study common verbs. Learners then practice rewriting sentences using vivid...
Beacon Learning Center
Power Words
Using words can create a power struggle! Using antonyms and synonyms can create a Power Words game! Check out this lesson that teachers your class the difference between the two and how to use a thesaurus.
Curated OER
Salinger and the Vocabulary of the Vernacular
Students discuss the use of slang expressions in literature. In this literary analysis lesson, students examine the use of slang words and expressions in the popular novel Catcher in the Rye. Students research the various...
Curated OER
Reference Source Four Square
Fourth graders play a four-square game on the playground while reviewing four main references -- dictionary, atlas, thesaurus, and encyclopedia. Students must throw the playground ball in the correct "square" identifying the correct...
Curated OER
Writing Similes
Fifth graders identify and write similes. They define simile and discuss different examples, and with the help of a thesaurus, write original similes that compare the colors of crayons to objects or feelings. Students copy their rough...
Curated OER
Homophones and Vivid Verbs
Students define and practice using synonyms, antonyms, homonyms, and homophones in complete sentences, paragraphs and essays. They include "vivid verbs" in their writing with the aid of a dictionary or thesaurus.
Curated OER
Rooting One's Way To Meaning
Pupils use a thesaurus on the internet to explore the meanings of Greek and Latin roots. They find definitions of given words, draw a concept map for root words, and write four synonyms for each word. Students discover how Latin and...