Curated OER
A Comparison of the Play and Movie "Inherit the Wind"
Students read the play "Inherit the Wind" about the Scopes "Monkey" Trial. In groups, they choose their favorite scene and create a diorama dipicting the scene as they see it. They watch a recording of the play and compare it to their...
Curated OER
Introducing Tolkien and His Words
Students identify and describe the types of narratives that made Tolkien the writer he was. In groups, they examine different myths and folktale motifs. They discuss what Tolkien meant by "faerie" and "eucatastrophe." As a class, they...
Curated OER
The Eighty Yard Run
Students read and explore the themes of the book The Eighty Yard Run. In this literature lesson, students discuss their observations and predictions. Students develop their own story which is similar to that of The Eighty Yard Run.
Curated OER
Living By the Book
Students read a story individually or in groups to begin the lesson. As a class, they discuss their viewpoints on reading and compare it with the viewpoint of those living in Fiji. In groups, they compare and contrast American and Fijian...
Curated OER
Exploring American Tall Tales
Students explore elements of American folktales and tall tales. In this literature lesson, students read examples of American folktales and tall tales and prepare a monologue or news report to present to the class based on their readings.
Curated OER
Jargon
Eighth graders investigate the concept of jargon and how it is used in different contexts in relation to the study of vocabulary. They practice interpreting jargon by concentrating on the comprehension strategy of using context clues.
Curated OER
Tolkien's Moral Universe
Young scholars analyze the landscape used in Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings". In groups, they discuss how Tolkien developed Elrond's promise and develop a case assuming Tolkien rejected "Manichaean dualism". They also compare and...
Curated OER
A Visit to the Rain Forest
First graders preview "The Great Kapok Tree" by discussing the cover and the tree. They read the book and acknowledge the animals. They play a sequencing game in groups to identify the order the animals appeared in the book.
Curated OER
Solid Waste and Our Natural Resources: Utilizing the Story THE LORAX
Young scholars gain an introduction to our planet's solid waste problem and our personal responsibility in curbing and solving said problem through the use of Dr. Seuss' book, The Lorax. After hearing the book, class discussion follows.
Curated OER
Journey Home: The Active Learner
Students discuss focus questions prior to reading and preview the book, "Journey Home." In this language arts lesson, small groups present vocabulary words. Students complete after-reading discussion questions and choose writing...
Weston Wood
Joseph Had a Little Overcoat
Create a cross-curricular learning experience based on the children's book Joseph Had a Little Overcoat with this collection of learning activities. Starting with a class reading of the story, children go on to learn about the sequence...
Curated OER
Children's Literature Across the Curriculum Ideas-The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey
Pupils read The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojacieckowski. They complete a variety of cross-curricular activities surrounding the Christmas holiday. Included are reading, art, math, science, writing, social studies,...
Curated OER
Fairy Tales
Class groups examine fairy tales from a feminist and a Marxist perspective, identifying how these tales present gender roles and class/power systems. The groups then script and perform their own tale that uses one of these lenses.
California Education Partners
Tuck Everlasting
An assessment takes a close look at the story, Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt, and tests writing abilities. Over the course of two days, scholars read an excerpt, answer questions on a worksheet pertaining to the author's purpose...
Curated OER
Step into the Painting: Social Studies, Literature, and Art
Travel back in American history to the era of slavery and abolition. After reading about the Underground Railroad, young historians examine a painting depicting the event, and write a narrative from the point of view of a person in the...
Curated OER
Introduction to American Literature
Pupils discuss the topic of freedom and what the National Anthem means to them and to our country. They create a new and original verse for the National Anthem.
Curated OER
The Clever Stick
Students read the book The Clever Stick and answer discussion questions about it. In this reading lesson, students read the given book, and participate in answering questions based on the book. There are also writing, drawing, and games...
Curated OER
The Search for Identity: "Their Eyes Were Watching God"
High schoolers read the novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God". While reading the novel, they identify and discuss the figurative language used and use a passage of interest to them and analyze it in a written paper. They also discuss...
Education World
Literary Bash
Young scholars create a Halloween party or event based on a piece of literature they're reading during the season. This allows the students to plan a celebration and discuss a unique title for their themed celebration along with...
Curated OER
Self-Esteem through Literature and Music
Learners research representations of self-esteem in music and literature, reflect on their meanings and use in developing positive attitudes. They make a presentations based on their research. They also keep a daily journal.
Curated OER
Literature Circles
Fourth graders work in groups in order to motivate one another to develop reading comprehension and literacy skills. The skills are built through the sharing of fine literature. They maintain a reading log to keep accountable for the...
Curated OER
Journey to Understanding Vocabulary
Students examine word parts. In this word study instructional activity, students practice breaking words into parts and using their knowledge of Greek roots, prefixes, and suffixes determine the words' meanings.
Curated OER
Treasure Hunt
Students find lost "treasure" using a treasure map after being shown a map that you have created where terms and symbols are discussed. The class is divided into small groups where they locate your treasure and then read a section from...
Curated OER
Multi-Media Hero Analysis
Students consider how the attributes of heroes have evolved. In this character traits lesson, students define heroism in their culture and research the epic heroes of literature. Students select heroes to write about and share their...