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The Dream Catcher
Students create a dream catcher. In this visual arts lesson, students read the book Dream Catcher and create a dream catcher by using a willow branch, leather string, feathers, and beads.
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A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare
Young scholars read and perform William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. In this Shakepeare play lesson, students read the script for the play and practice the simplified version of the play.
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"Tear him for his bad verses:" Cinna the poet and Shakespeare's Sonnets
Poor Cinna, the poet. His dream of “things unlucky” certainly comes true as the mob tears him apart, at first because they mistake him for Cinna, the conspirator, and then continue to “tear him to pieces for his bad verses.” As part of...
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Dream! (Part One)
Young scholars share with the class what they want to be when they grow up. As a class, they identify what they want to be for Halloween as well. They are videotaped stating their dream and photographed with their mask. Using the masks,...
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The Pearl: Problematic Situation
Is money the root of all evil, or the answer to everyone's dreams? Analyze the role of money in John Steinbeck's The Pearl with a writing prompt where kids imagine that they have won the lottery, and must think about the ways it will...
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Big, Bad, "B" and "D"
Students practice discerning between the letters D and B. Through hands on and listening activities, they recognize the difference between the commonly confused letters B and D. They practice writing both letters and correcting common...
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Six Trait Writing with Jonathan Swift and Washington Irving
Fourth graders demonstrate and evaluate the six traits of writing. They read and identify good writing and bad writing, utilize a rubric to self-evaluate their own writing, participate in a Reader's Theater, and publish a class book.
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Let's Draw
Students listen to the story "Art Lesson" by Tomie dePaola, and discuss the importance of reaching for their dreams. They then use an "I Can Draw" book to help aid their drawing. Finally, they use Kidspiration to list what they learned...
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Creating A Life Map
Students investigate the concept of a life plan and how to write one with the help of a graphic organizer that encourages one to create a timeline for planning. They write journal prompts that are based upon personal knowledge of life...
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Attracting an Audience With Purpose
Students discuss the attributes of a good speech and a bad speech, and listen to Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech, I Have A Dream. They rewrite a speech, directing it to a different audience than it was intended for.
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Dreamcatchers
After reading a Native American legend about dreamcatchers, why not make some. This resource provides several good links that explain the legend of the dreamcatcher and step-by-step instructions for making them with the class. Tip: If...
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Yakety-Yak
Do talk back! The transcript of one side of a telephone conversation launches a study of dialogue. Class members imagine the response of the speaker on the other side of the conversation and record these responses on the provided...
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Justice for All
A reading of Roald Dahl’s Lamb to the Slaughter opens a discussion of justice and fairness. Using a Venn diagram and an Idea Wheel graphic organizer, class members consider the similarities and differences in these two terms. They then...
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Daniel's Story Study Guide
Students explore the plight of Jews during the Holocaust. In this World War II lesson, students read Daniel's Story by Carol Matas and complete the provided comprehension, characterization, and vocabulary activities.
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Heroes Or Role Models?
Students recognize that "heroes" and "role models" are not synonymous terms. By analyzing heroes of other cultures and periods, they determine that many heroic figures, mythic or historical, rather than providing a model of a societal...
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VH1 Driven: Jamie Foxx, Lesson 3
Students examine the blues, poetry, the Harlem Renaissance, and the 12-bar blues form. They watch a segment from the video, "VH1 Driven: Jamie Foxx," participate in a class discussion, and listen to songs by Ray Charles and a poem by...
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Art Mystery
Students explore famous artists in order to write mystery stories incorporating their life and works. They write their own based on their research of a particular artist.
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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Fourth graders research and write an author report on Roald Dahl, including books written by him, birthplace, family life, and other information on his writing. Students read aloud chapters in the book. Students create a newspaper...
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Why Should We Clean The Beach?
Students volunteer for the International Coastal Cleanup. They describe the purpose of the Lake Michigan Foundation and a history of the dunes. They reflect on their experiences with writing.
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Let's Draw!
Students practice their drawing skills using a variety of stories as sources for their inspiration. Crayons and pencils are utilized to model different line widths, textures, and shapes.
Varsity Tutors
Varsity Tutors: Web English Teacher: Chris Van Allsburg Lesson Plans
Explore the informative links found within this site to gain an insight into the life and work of Chris Van Allsburg. This site provides lesson plans, teaching ideas and activities for several of his works.