Indiana University
British Literature Restoration Unit: The Pillow Book – Sei Shonagon
First drafted in the year 996, The Pillow Book contains reflections of those met by a lady-in-waiting in the Japanese court. A brief summary, historical context, and discussion questions are provided on the first two pages. Then, two...
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Author Activities
In this author activity worksheet, students read a variety of books and discuss ideas that go along with the themes of the books. Students read Ruby Rogers books, Stink books, and also Troll Trouble books. After reading the books the...
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Francis Scott Key
In this reading comprehension worksheet, students enjoy a biography of Francis Scott Key, the author of the National Anthem. The students then answer 20 questions, some of which call on them to recall the words to the song.
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Sense of Place: No River Too Wide-Bridges
Fifth graders discover the history of their hometown Des Moines River. In this U.S. Geography lesson plan students speak with Iowans that tell stories of the settlers and early villages near the Des Moines River. Students...
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Using Primary Sources in the Classroom
Students draw their own conclusions by studying documents created in the past.
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Looking at Portraits: Reading Poe
Students compare the daguerreotype of Edgar Allan Poe by an unknown photographer with Poe's writings in an effort to discover the character of this mysterious author.
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Author Study
Young scholars focus their attention on the study of one author's works - not just one book, but a variety of works written by the same author - to discover what themes and/or other commonalities might run throughout the body of one...
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Autobiography: Maya Angelou
Learners study the concepts of autobiography, biography, and fiction as literary genres. They read, study, and analyze Maya Angelou's autobiographical writings in terms of what she intended to accomplish by her writings. They develop and...
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Naughty or Nice?
Students practice computer skills by generating Christmas lists and communicating with Santa using the Internet.
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Authors of the Past and Present
Students research a chosen author. In this authors instructional activity, students pick one author from the list provided, do research, and write a paper.
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Diversity - Grade 8
Eighth graders consider the diversity of the First Nations cultures in Canada. For this cultural diversity lesson, 8th graders research the cultural groups of the First Nations as well as their contributions to Canadian society. Students...
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Dinosaurs - Online Research
Second graders familiarize themselves with dinosaurs through online research.
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John Paul Jones: Captain of the High Seas
Students explore John Paul Jones. His sense of adventure brought him to America. His bravery made him the country's greatest naval hero.
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Shifting Gears
In this activity, students will write a personal narrative that is designed to help them reflect on the nature and meaning of change in their lives.
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Invent a Holiday
Young scholars compare their own special holidays and traditions and then use their imaginations to create their own holiday.
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Understanding Primary Sources
Students draw conclusions from primary sources and share information and interpretations with a small group. They are introduced to the Jigsaw technique. Students discuss why a grocery receipt would be a primary source. They...
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Yours and My Trail of Tears
Students investigate the Trail of Tears. In this United States history lesson, students identify the reason for removing the Cherokee Nation and role play a modern day situation similar to the Indian Removal Act. Students reflect their...
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Connecting Rembrandt and J.R. Tolkien
Students trace continuous thread of art from the 17th to the 20th century. They compare and contrast the painter Rembrandt with the writer Tolkien. They prepare and deliver an individual presentation.
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Writing in Math Class
Students brainstorm and discuss ways math is all around them, explain in writing how they solve math problems, describe mathematical ideas in writing, and create original story problems.
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Romare Bearden
Learners examine and discuss a collage by the artist Romare Bearden. They analyze the impact of jazz on art, listen to jazz, and create an original collage.
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Courtship and Calligraphy in The Tale of Genji
High schoolers discover through an examination of The Tale of Genji the importance of calligraphy to courtship rituals in the Japanese court culture of the late Heian period ( 897-1185). Three possible enrichment activities are included
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A Parade Of Penguins
Second graders complete a variety of penguin-related activities. They discuss and compare different types of penguins, complete worksheets and Venn diagrams, make craft penguins and dioramas.
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"Carnival Overture"
Students assess that music can be used to express feelings and create a story portraying many different feelings based on "Carnival Overture," by Antonin Dvorak. They become more educated listeners as they listen to and interpret...
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Jobs and Places
Students match a job to where this job would be performed. In this jobs and places lesson plan, students have to decide where a certain job would be performed by filling out a worksheet and drawing a symbol to match each place.