Curated OER
If I Were the Wind
Eighth graders are introduced to authors in the conservation community. As a class, they describe a personal experience they have had with nature. They identify examples of an author's descriptive writing techniques and answer questions...
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Ideas for Using Current Event Articles in the Science Classroom
It is important that future responsible scientists and citizens are able to read and analyze scientific literature. Here you will find four ideas for bringing current science event articles into your classroom. Suggestions range from...
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Exploring American Tall Tales
Students explore elements of American folktales and tall tales. For 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.
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The Wind in the Willows
In this study guide learning exercise, students read the book The Wind in the Willows and write summaries, use vocabulary, write questions, and more. Students complete 7 activities.
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The Secret Garden
In this study guide worksheet, 5th graders read the book The Secret Garden and write summaries, use vocabulary, write questions, and more. Students complete 7 activities.
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The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
In this study guide instructional activity, 5th graders read the book The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and write summaries, use vocabulary, write questions, and more. Students complete 7 activities.
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Investigating the Harlem Renaissance
The work of Langston Hughes opens the door to research into the origin and legacy of the Harlem Renaissance and how the literature of the period can be viewed as a commentary on race relations in America. In addition, groups are assigned...
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Living Thoreau As A Means Of Approaching Walden
Students investigate the essays and life of Thoreau in order to appreciate his point of view and understand his way of thinking. They participate in various activities and writing assignments to gain a similar perspective. Students write...
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Introduction to The Stone Cutter
Students write journals in response to the beginning of The Stone Cutter. In this The Stone Cutter lesson, students discuss the opening of the book and the main character. Students look for connections with architecture in...
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What is Poetry?
Tenth graders are introduced to the poetic process. They onnect poetry to life in a meaningful way become more careful readers of poetry. They listen to a variety of poems, then write responses at the end of each adventure.
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Dream of the Red Chamber - Essay Questions
In this literature instructional activity, students respond to 15 short answer and essay questions about Dream of the Red Chamber. Students may also link to an online interactive quiz on the novel at the bottom of the page.
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The Oedipus Trilogy by Sophocles
In this literature worksheet, students respond to 8 short answer and essay questions about The Oedipus Trilogy. Students may also link to an online interactive quiz on the selection at the bottom of the page.
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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...
Orange County Department of Education
Trapped by the Ice
Third graders read the story "Trapped by the Ice" which is about the Antarctic adventures of Sir Ernest Shackleton. They identify, write and share examples of respect and responsibility demonstrated by the stories' characters. Students...
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Literature Circles
Students complete the reading of an age appropriate piece of literature. They think critically about their reading and discuss it with a group of peers. Students make connections among their reading, their own lives, and the discussions...
Orange County Department of Education
Pepita Talks Twice
Third graders read Pepita Talks Twice and define the character traits of respect and responsibility. They write their examples of the characters traits on a character trait doll. Students recognize the character traits of respect and...
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Literature Circles
Young scholars respond aesthetically to a piece of text. They give book talks about a picture book their small group read and rate it. Each student has a different job in the literature cirlce during the discussions. Finally, the...
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Career Skills
Seventh graders work together to focus upon the skills needed for career development. They work together to find the kind of responsibilities that are needed in the contexts of home, work, and school. They create a poster based upon the...
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The Little Red Hen
Students analyze a classic children's story by discussing it with their peers. In this reading comprehension lesson, students read The Little Red Hen, and discuss ways the hen takes care of his responsibilities. Students...
Orange County Department of Education
The True Story of Abbie Burgess
First graders read a story about Abbie Burgess. They identify at least three specific actions exhibiting traits of courage and responsibility. Students explore ways children and adults become heroes by helping others out in a time of...
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Take a Stand
Students defend their stances regarding topics. In this writing process lesson, students read The Sunflower by Simon Wiesenthal and participate in writing activities that require them to determine how the feel about a...
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Interative History Notebook Mini-lesson
Students respond to Holocaust literature. In this interactive history lesson plan, students select quotes from chapter 1 of Elie Wiesel's Night and reflect on their meaning as they record their thoughts on poetic, prose, comic. or...
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Which Way is Up? The Tree of Life in Africa
Pupils read a book titled This is the Tree about a baobab tree and draw a picture and label the tree. In this tree lesson plan, students also write a paragraph explaining why they drew that tree.
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Comparing Similar Themes in Art And Literature
Students view examples of Rembrandt's artistic works that include beggars and the unfortunate. They also read The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischmann. They use a Venn diagram to compare and contrast the themes shared by each.