K12 Reader
My Favorite Book
A simple question can spark such a range of responses and creative thought. Use this writing prompt to get your youngsters talking about the thrills and adventures of reading, as they detail their favorite books, what they are about, and...
Curated OER
Back to School Writing
Students compile a daily journal to improve their writing skills. In this writing skills lesson, students use a picture to help them write on a daily basis. Students write reflectively each day to improve their writing skills.
Curated OER
Japanese-American Relocation
Consider the causes and effects that led to the internment and relocation of Japanese Americans during WWII. Learners read the story "Baseball Saved Us" and selected chapters from Farewell to Manzanar. Then, they view a slide-show, and...
Curated OER
September Journal Prompts
In this September journal prompts worksheet, 4th graders cut out the cards, one for each day of the month, then use them as writing prompts for a daily journal.
Smithsonian Institution
Mary Henry: Journal/Diary Writing
A great way to connect social studies with language arts, a resource on Mary Henry's historical diary reinforces the concepts of primary and secondary sources. It comes with an easy-to-understand lesson plan, as well as the reference...
Curated OER
World War II - Memory Book
Eighth graders read about and reflect upon a variety of events that occurred during World War II. They conduct research on the Holocaust and Anne Frank's life, the attack on Pearl Harbor, American life during this time and the bombing of...
Curated OER
How to Keep a Scientific Journal
Young scholars record observations of a living organism over a period of time. They observe meal worms and record their observations in a scientific journal.
Curated OER
Analyzing Folklore: Redwall
Brian Jacques’ novel Redwall provides the focus for a series of lessons involving the analysis of folklore. Adopting the persona of a character, groups write letters in the voice of their character, assemble a collage using Microsoft...
Curated OER
Fitness Walking Class
The Fitness Walking Class unit is well-organized, and you could use the skeleton of this unit to organize your own Fitness Walking Class. Use pedometers to keep track of steps, write in journals, and get other people to walk with you....
Curated OER
"Memories of Mom" Memento
Young scholars brainstorm a list of writing topics for a "Memories of Mom" book, choose one of the topics as the subject of a daily essay and combine a week of daily essays into a book to give their mothers for Mother's Day.
Curated OER
Unit Plan for The Catcher in the Rye —A “Place-Based” Approach
"People never notice anything." As part of their study of The Catcher in the Rye, class members adopt Holden Caulfield's approach and spend time as quiet observers of their surrounding, recording their observations/reflections in a...
Curated OER
Lesson 3: Vary Your Veggies and Focus on Fruits
Young scholars explore fruits and vegetables. In this nutrition lesson, students generate a list of all known fruits and vegetables. Young scholars cut out and compile pages for a weekly fruits and vegetable journal. Students complete...
Curated OER
the Holocaust: the Life of a Jew
Students describe in detail the harsh conditions that the Jews were faced with. They practice their writing skills by keeping a daily journal and identify how their lives have been influenced by the Holocaust.
Curated OER
Day to Day Life in a Small African Village
Students analyze what it is like to live in an African village. They locate Tanzania on a map and compare life there to life here in the United States. They write about the health issues in East Africa.
Curated OER
Ideas to Spice up Greek and Latin Roots
Learning Greek and Latin roots is an important way to develop vocabulary, but it does get quite boring. Use this list of ideas to add some fun to your daily lessons. Lots of games are suggested to get your kids up and moving. Note: no...
Curated OER
It's Everyone's Home
Students research environmental destruction. In this cause and effect lesson, students students gain an understanding of everyday things we do to harm the environment. Students work in groups to create a brochure that tells the negative...
Curated OER
Daily Activity Duffel Bags
Students in the first and second grade classroom takes home the D.A.D. bag. They look inside the bag and there is equipment designed for use with other family members. Students look inside a first grade bag and it contains short jump...
Curated OER
Wandering in Washington
Young scholars plan a sightseeing and shopping trip around Washington, DC taking into account train safety messages. They write about the experience in their jounals and must include five safety messages.
Curated OER
Your Day as a Cycle
Fourth graders investigate several cycles such as life cycles, and the moon cycle. They examine the sequences and patterns that are associated with daily life by keeping a daily journal for three days, and comparing it with others....
Curated OER
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Who Needs Math in Life at All?
Learners think and talk about the ways in which they use math throughout the day. They add each way to a "math in real life" bulletin board and reflect in writing on the ways they use math.
Curated OER
Electric Blues
Students brainstorm a list of electrical devices used in their home. They read an article about electricity usage in a heat wave. In groups, they create public service announcements promoting energy conservation. They share their ideas...
Curated OER
Images of Children in Dorthea Lange's Photographs
Students research the photographs of Dorthea Lange. For this visual art lesson, students look at photographs of children taken by Lange and answer several questions. They write or tell stories to explain what they think is occurring in...
Curated OER
Growing A Coral Skeleton
Learners research the growth of coral. In this coral polyps lesson, students simulate the growth of coral by using available materials to grow crystals. Learners record observations in a scientific journal.
Curated OER
Cooking Up the Scientific Method
First graders identify the different steps of the scientific method. In this life science lesson, 1st graders apply this method when conducting a series of hands-on activities. They collect data and write observations in their journals.