K12 Reader
Adverb Clauses in Sentences
If you'd like your class to write in varied sentence patterns, use a instructional activity focused on adverb clauses to enhance their writing. After reading a short explanation and example of adverb clauses, young grammarians underline...
Candlewick Press
A Classroom Guide to Peter H. Reynolds's Creatrilogy
Help young readers find, identify, and use their voices with a set of empowering activities based on Peter H. Reynolds' trilogy of books. Sky Color, Ish, and The Dot focus on recognizing moods and treating each other...
Orlando Shakes
Les Misérables: Study Guide
A writer has the responsibility to defend the less fortunate members of society. At least that was the view of Victor Hugo, author of Les Miserables. The novel is the subject of a study guide from Orlando Shakespeare Theater....
Curated OER
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn: Socratic Seminar
After reading The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and an article about the use of the novel, class members engage in a Socratic seminar focused on whether or not Twain's book should be banned.
Pearson
Non-Action Verbs
A verb is something you do — but can you always see the action? Use a slideshow presentation to clarify the differences between verbs that describe actions, and verbs that describe senses, preferences, and emotions.
Reed Novel Studies
Beezus and Ramona Novel Study
What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of having siblings? Pupils explore this topic with the Beezus and Ramona novel study. Additionally, scholars answer questions about chapter one of the time-honored book by Beverly Cleary...
Curated OER
Good Judgement and Honesty
Seventh graders write about the importance of honesty. In this character education lesson, 7th graders reflect about the value of honesty and following the rules. This lesson is part of a larger unit on honesty.
Curated OER
Trust Circles
Students explore trustworthiness. In this character development lesson, students brainstorm synonyms for trustworthiness. Students consider two communities to which they belong, and compare and contrast these communities by completing a...
Curated OER
Bigger than Life
Students explore courage. In this moral and character development lesson, students read biographical information about Jackie Robinson and identify examples of courage exemplified in his life story.
Curated OER
Heritage: 'And Should We Die...' Attributes of the Pio
Eighth graders use comprehension strategies after reading to reflect on, consolidate, and extend meaning. They show various attributes of the pioneers through character sketches.
Curated OER
Earning Trust
Middle schoolers explore trustworthiness. For this character development lesson, students brainstorm communities to which they belong and generate common traits of these communities. Middle schoolers discuss how trust is gained and...
Curated OER
Cinderella Stories
Young scholars listen to the Scottish tale, The Princess and the Golden Shoes, creating a character chart. They develop a newspaper containing news stories, personality profiles, and editorials regarding The Princess and the Golden Shoes.
Curated OER
Everyday Courage
Sixth graders compare scenarios about courage. In this character education instructional activity, 6th graders discover what it means to be brave. Students analyze scenarios and determine if courage was necessary.
Curated OER
Language Arts: Native Americans and Onomatopoeias
Fifth graders read the Native American tale, "The Frog and the Crane," focusing on the use of onomatopoeia in it. In groups, they brainstorm list of words that are examples of the device. Finally, 5th graders write their own stories...
Curated OER
The Well of Truth
Second graders explore the Egyptian folktale, The Well of Truth. In this folktale instructional activity, 2nd graders read the tale and discuss the events from the text. Students write a diary entry from the point of view of a character...
Curated OER
A Fine, Fine Reader
Learners practice reading more fluently by giving them experience reading various character parts in a story and expressing the attitude of their character. They interact with the book, "A Fine, Fine School," by Sharon Creech as well as...
Curated OER
Altered Books
Students transform a discarded book into a creative art work of art that encompasses a theme and utilizes a variety of media and techniques.
Curated OER
Family Responsibility and Commitment
Students discuss the meaning of family and how they can community love and affection. Using an analysis of the work of Picasso, students define who is in their family. They discuss the various ways family members express their affection...
Curated OER
Using Words to Work Things Out
Students explore classroom community building. In this character development and community building lesson, students listen to Hands Are Not for Hitting and generate a class list of positive ways to handle classroom conflicts. Students...
Curated OER
Describe a Journey
Students describe the sensory experience of a character's journey in an essay. In this precise details writing lesson, students explain the effects on the senses of weather, time of day, landscape, and other...
Shakespeare Uncovered
War and Leadership in Shakespeare’s Henry V
“Compared to war all other forms of human endeavor shrink to insignificance.” “War is not healthy for children and other living things.” These two views of war, embodied in George Patton’s statement and Lorraine Schneider‘s famous 1966...
Shakespeare Uncovered
Women’s Roles in As You Like It
“There is nothing that becommeth a maid better than soberness, silence, shamefastness, and chastity, both of body & mind.” This line, from Thomas Bentley ‘s The Monument of Matrons published in 1582, typifies the way women were...
Curated OER
Shakespeare: Standing on the Bookshelves of Giant
A phenomenal activity on Shakespeare! Middle and high school learners create WebQuests about the texts and authors that Shakespeare himself studied when he was in grammar school. They use a variety of media in order to create dramatic...
Curated OER
Pay It Forward Project
Create a list of random acts of kindness and have your class perform them during a designated week. Learners will also participate in a project centered around being kind to others. Each grade chooses their kindness project, and then...