Involve your readers in finding works of literary genius. Have each individual write down compelling sentences that they read or hear, whether in a newspaper, advertisement, book, movie, song, or any other place! Once each person has a...

What do Robert Downey Jr., Basil Rathbone, Jeremy Brett, Fritz Weaver, Roger Moore, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Daffy Duck have in common? Why, it’s elementary, my dear Watson! They all have portrayed Sherlock Holmes. Literary detectives...

Explore film adaptation of literature with this lesson, which focuses on the world of film advertisements. Middle schoolers discuss various films (including The Lord of the Rings) and create advertisements for a pretend film based on a...

In his 2013 introduction to Fahrenheit 451, Neil Gaiman states, “Fiction is a lie that tells us true things, over and over.” In this extraordinary unit plan, readers "explore the power of written language to educate and...

Tenth graders read "Beloved" by Toni Morrison. In groups, they research the life and works of Morrison and read a speech by Sojouner Truth. Using the novel, they discuss the experiences of slaves and the effect of slavery on their...

Students explore expressive reading. In this literature lesson, students read the book The True Story of the Three Little Pigs and interpret key themes. Students perform a different version of the text.

To better understand the cultural achievements of the Harlem Renaissance and become familiar with its major figures, class members examine a painting by Aaron Douglas and a poem by Langston Hughes and compare how the artists develop...

Young scholars identify the significance of the author's experiences on his written work; describe the hardships faced by slaves and plantation owners once the caves were set free; explain the role of the Seceses and why they were a...

Students create and write mini books.  In this Dr. Seuss lesson plan, students bring in their favorite Dr. Seuss book, share why it is their favorite with the class and write a paragraph explaining why they like it.  Students...

Young scholars explore journalism. In this expository writing lesson plan, students read several newspaper articles and note common features. After reading Goldilocks and the Three Bears by Jan Brett, young scholars work with a partner...

Fourth graders examine the role of money. In this money lesson, 4th graders read a chapter from Judy Blume's, Double Fudge, to see how money is made and how people make money. They finish a worksheet, and play a game about money.

Students practice their reading comprehension while investigating vegetables.  In this children's literature lesson, students are read The Tale of Peter Rabbit in class and analyze the concept and themes.  Students complete...

Students write letters to penpals. In this geography/literacy lesson, students become penpals with a classroom in England to learn about customs and society across the ocean. Flat Stanley by Will Holton is read aloud, and students...

Students explore language arts by completing a graphic organizer in class. In this story structure lesson, students read the classic tale "The Three Little Pigs" and discuss the main characters, conflict and setting. Students complete a...

Students identify and define vocabulary words in the book, Freckle Juice. In this vocabulary instructional activity, students read the text and define the words "formula," "reflection," and "remover." Students use an online dictionary to...

Young scholars read and examine the novel Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick. A variety of assignments involving this novel is offered for the students to complete with higher order thinking skills.

Students discover books about planting enormous things. In this reading lesson plan, students experience several books centered around growing enormous plants. Cross curricular activities are included

Students analyze the multiple voices in William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying. In this multiple voices lesson plan, students explore the use of symbolism with the narrative voices of the text. Students write a detailed profile of one...

How many ways can you break down a classic novel? Based on the acclaimed Romantic-period novel by Emily Bronte, the Wuthering Heights activity pack includes a pre-reading exercise. Next, learners create a resume for one of the...

Students explore the relationship between names and certain cultures and locations. In this identity lesson plan, students create family migration or immigration maps. Students read excerpts from When My Name was Keoko and Lost Names:...

In this online interactive reading comprehension worksheet, students respond to 15 multiple choice questions about Ibsen's Ghosts. Students may submit their answers to be scored.

Gear up for Halloween by studying the horror genre with your class and analyzing films and texts to uncover the genre's traditional conventions.