Unit Plan
Georgia Department of Education

Ga Virtual Learning: American Literature: American Romanticism: Edgar Allan Poe

For Students 9th - 10th
This lesson focuses on Edgar Allan Poe and his short story "The Fall of the House of Usher." It features links to the Discovery Education Video: "Profile of the Author: Edgar Allan Poe" (Registration required), a Poe biography, the text...
Unit Plan
Annenberg Foundation

Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Native Voices

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
This unit features the rich oral tradition of Native Americans storytelling in various genres predating the introduction and influence of English writings, bringing three contemporary authors to light. RI.11-12.8 seminal U.S. texts,...
Lesson Plan
Utah Education Network

Uen: Human Rights and Discrimination

For Students 5th
This unit plan from the Utah Education Network engages students in understanding how authors backgrounds often impact their writing choices. "Human rights" and "discrimination" are the featured topics in the five texts incorporated in...
Unit Plan
Annenberg Foundation

Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Spirit of Nationalism: Ralph Waldo Emerson

For Students 9th - 10th
This features a brief biography of Ralph Waldo Emerson, an optimistic Transcendentalist author who's personal life was filled with tragedy. See "Ralph Waldo Emerson Activities" for related materials.
Website
Other

Mem Fox

For Students 3rd - 8th
Read all about favorite author Mem Fox in this very comprehensive website. Features her biography, her books and some stories even read aloud.
Website
Other

Reading Quest: Making Sense of Social Studies

For Teachers 9th - 10th Standards
Teaching students to read well in areas other than language arts requires teaching and reinforcing the kinds of reading strategies taught here. There are 27 strategies, ranging from brainstorming to word mapping. The site includes PDF...
Primary
Aaron Shepherd

How Frog Went to Heaven, a Tale of Angola (Rt)

For Teachers Pre-K - 1st
This reader's theater version of a folktale from Angola has been adapted by children's book author Aaron Shepard from his short story "How Frog Went to Heaven." For 16 players, ages 7-9, the story explores themes of inventiveness and...
Primary
Aaron Shepherd

The Magic of Mushkil Gusha, a Tale of Iran (Rt)

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
A reader's theater version of a folktale from Iran for ten players, ages 9-13. Adapted by children's book author Aaron Shepard from his short story "The Magic of Mushkil Gusha," the story explores themes of thankfulness and sharing....
Unit Plan
Georgetown University

Georgetown University: Edgar Allan Poe (1809 1849)

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
This site is a professor's guide for students. This guide features information on how to distinguish between Poe and his narrators in his stories.
Article
Other

Infotoday: Digital Storytelling Finds Its Place in Class

For Teachers 9th - 10th
When we use multimedia to develop and share student stories we foster self-expression. The added dimension of video provides a method for these students to display their creativity. This article features an educator's insight and tips in...
Primary
Aaron Shepherd

Forty Fortunes, a Tale of Iran (Reader's Theater)

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
A reader's theater version of a folktale from Iran for 11 players, ages 8 and up. The performance length is ten minutes. Adapted by children's book author Aaron Shepard from his picture book "Forty Fortunes." You will find links to name...
eBook
Blackdog Media

Classic Reader: "A Romance of the Line" by Bret Harte

For Students 9th - 10th
The complete text of the story "A Romance of the Line" by Bret Harte. Free site registration offers some additional features, e.g., the ability to insert annotations.
Lesson Plan
Scholastic

Scholastic Instructor: Teaching With Pourquoi Tales

For Teachers Pre-K - 1st Standards
This site features activities that revolve around "Teaching With Pourquoi Tales." Students will learn more about these types of old legends that deal with the natural world.
Primary
Aaron Shepherd

The Battle of Song, a Hero Tale of Finland (Rt)

For Teachers 9th - 10th
A reader's theater version of a Finnish folktale adapted by children's book author Aaron Shepard from his picture book "The Maiden of Northland." For eight players, ages 11 and up. Performance length is six minutes. You will find links...
Primary
Aaron Shepherd

The Magic Brocade, a Tale of China (Reader's Theater)

For Students 9th - 10th
A reader's theater version of a folktale from China for nine players, ages 8-15. It touches on themes related to following one's dreams and the creative process. Adapted by children's book author Aaron Shepard from his picture book "The...
Primary
Aaron Shepherd

The Crystal Heart, a Vietnamese Legend (R's Theater)

For Teachers 9th - 10th
A reader's theater version of a folktale from Vietnam for 13 players, ages 10 and up. Adapted by children's book author Aaron Shepard from his picture book "The Crystal Heart," the themes explored are kindness and false imagining....
Primary
Aaron Shepherd

Monkey Lives! A Superhero Tale of China (R's Theater)

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
A reader's theater version of a folktale from China for six or more players ages ten and up. Adapted by children's book author Aaron Shepard from his short novel "Monkey: A Superhero Tale of China," the performance length is five...
Website
Scholastic

Scholastic: Fractured Fairy Tales and Fables With Jon Scieszka

For Students 3rd - 5th
In this resource students will have an opportunity to learn about fractured fairy tales and fables with the help of Jon Scieszka. This site also features a writer's workshop where students can write their own fractured tale and publish...
Unit Plan
Annenberg Foundation

Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Regional Realism: Joel Chandler Harris

For Students 9th - 10th
Creator of Uncle Remus and other African American folklore tales, journalist Joel Chandler Harris is featured as a revolutionary writer regarding oppression and prejudices. For more resources click the "Joel Chandler Harris Activities" tab.
Website
Aaron Shepherd

The Gifts of Wali Dad, a Tale of India and Pakistan

For Teachers 3rd - 8th
A reader's theater version of a folktale from India and Pakistan adapted by children's book author Aaron Shepard from his picture book "The Gifts of Wali Dad." For 15 players, ages 8-13, it contemplates questions of generosity....
Lesson Plan
Teachers.net

Teachers.net.: Animal Farm

For Teachers 11th - 12th
This site features a complete project guide for George Orwell's book "Animal Farm."
Primary
Other

Lib.ru: Classic Russian Literature

For Students 9th - 10th
Great resource for finding online text for classic Russian literature in Russian. Features the most popular writers and their works. Valuable resource for students studying Russian. Russian-speaking ELL students might translate passages...
eBook
Blackdog Media

Classic Reader: "Jupiter Doke, Brigadier General" by Ambrose Bierce

For Students 9th - 10th
Text of the short story "Jupiter Doke, Brigadier-General" by Ambrose Bierce. The story is set up as a series of letters, diary entries, and editorials written in 1861 and 1862. (Free site registration offers some additional features,...
eBook
Blackdog Media

Classic Reader: "The Pimienta Pancakes" by O. Henry

For Students 9th - 10th
Text of the short story "The Pimienta Pancakes" by O. Henry, a story set in the Old West. (Free site registration offers some additional features, e.g., the ability to insert annotations.)