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Introduction to "The Secret School"
Fourth graders read The Secret School and define vocabulary in the text. In this Secret School lesson, 4th graders recognize difficult text and are able to comprehend its meaning and answer questions.
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Create a Word Graveyard to Teach Synonyms
Students explore descriptive writing by creating headstones. In this memorial activity, students utilize an 11" x 17" piece of paper to create a cemetery headstone memorializing a word rather than a person. Students decorate their...
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Let's Make A Dill
Students perform an "autopsy" on a dill pickle to determine its' cause of death. After finding "clues" inside the "body," students organize facts and use their imagination to write an epitaph. As an alternative, students may view a...
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Bullying
Fourth graders define the role of a bully, then participate in skits with bullying situations. In this health and safety lesson, the teacher introduces the idea of bullying with the book Enemy Pie. Then students create a double bubble...
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Reference Resources: Being a Good Detective
Students explore a variety of reference resources while seeking information. atlases, almanacs, dictionaries, encyclopedias, thesauri, and online search engines as well as library card catalogs are utilized in this lesson.
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Adjective Games and Associated Worksheets
In this adjective games worksheet, students use adjective wheels, practice spelling adjectives, combine roots words to create an adjective, and explain how different objects using adjectives. Teachers are given detailed information on...
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Our community and New York City
Fourth graders research websites to gather information about New York City and the Ridgewood community. In this New York City and Community lesson, 4th graders make a semantic map. Students write short postcards to send to students...
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Power Words
Using words can create a power struggle! Using antonyms and synonyms can create a Power Words game! Check out this lesson that teachers your class the difference between the two and how to use a thesaurus.
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Salinger and the Vocabulary of the Vernacular
Young scholars discuss the use of slang expressions in literature. In this literary analysis lesson plan, students examine the use of slang words and expressions in the popular novel Catcher in the Rye. Young scholars...
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Beginning, Middle or End
Second graders work with a partner. In this library skills lesson, 2nd graders watch a demonstration on how to find a word in a dictionary. Students practice finding words in the dictionary with a partner.
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Rooting One's Way To Meaning
Students use a thesaurus on the internet to explore the meanings of Greek and Latin roots. They find definitions of given words, draw a concept map for root words, and write four synonyms for each word. Students discover how Latin and...
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Shakespeare: Henry V - Writing Task
Pairs of pupils choose a person who they consider to be a hero. They research that person, develop a speech, and deliver it to the class in hopes of persuading them that this person really is a hero. A vote is taken after the...
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Encyclopedia Introduction
Second graders demonstrate how to use reference materials. In this library media lesson, 2nd graders are introduced to the encyclopedia and are shown how to use the encyclopedia as a reference. Students use encyclopedias to complete a...
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Cool Words to Share
Fifth graders use teacher-selected vocabulary to present a written story to a first grade student. The book include a glossary of terms and illustrations of the terms. This is a great lesson for big/little buddies to do together!
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What is a Dictionary?
Second graders explore the purpose of a dictionary. In this library media lesson, 2nd graders explore My First Dictionary and identify guidewords, entry words, and captions. Students list ways they can use the dictionary.
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Book Search
Fourth graders are introduced to how to use the Dewey Decimal System in libraries. After taking a pre-test, they complete a worksheet in which they determine the location of different books on the internet and on the shelf. To end the...
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Happiness is A Warm Puppy
Students investigate dog breeds and write a short story from a dog's perspective. In this dog research and writing lesson, students watch the film, "Dog: The Early Years. They apply critical thinking skills to determine which type of dog...
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Star -Spangled Illustrations
Third graders create a PowerPoint presentation to show their patriotism and express their thoughts on the meaning of The Star-Spangled Banner with this exciting and creative activity.
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We Thank You, Veteran!
Fifth graders use information from videos, picture books, and relatives' military backgrounds to write a short or extended message of gratitude on a greeting card for local veterans.
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Publishing an Alphabet Book
Pupils research, write and publish an A,B,C book based on research of their own.
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Mix and Match Poetry
Third graders compare boring and vivid words: adjectives, adverbs, and verbs. They list them and come up with 10 vivid words on cards. They shuffle all the cards and use 10 to write "vivid" poetry.
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Which reference book helps most?
Fourth graders utilize various reference materials to find specific types of information. In this library research lesson, 4th graders choose the best source of information from the library's reference collection to answer questions.
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The Raven: Creator of the Universe?
Young scholars explore biology by researching birds in class. In this raven identification lesson, students utilize the Internet to identify the anatomy, habits and habitat of ravens. Young scholars write descriptive paragraphs about...
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The Poet's Message-"The Colored Soldier" by Langston Hughes
Young scholars analyze the poem, "The Colored Soldier" by Langston Hughes to gain a greater experience of how poets use language to create meaning, influence thinking and thus become pioneers of change in American society. They work on...