Young scholars realize that density exists. They develop a mental model of density-to realize that something is going on that they cannot see to account for differences between materials.

Founded in 1983 by Ambassador Walter H. Annenberg, this non-profit group (the Annenberg Washington Program), serves as a watchdog for communication related issues.

This document is a guide to an Annenberg video, but it contains a wealth of information that is also useful independently. These thirty-four pages offer background information and activity suggestions relating to Gothic undercurrents in...

This workshop, which is divided into eight segments, teaches how to use primary source artifacts from a variety of genres to support the teaching and learning of specific pieces of literature. The genres include visual arts, political...

During this lesson, students will use close reading strategies to analyze aspects of the setting in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. [7:57] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.10, RL.11-12.10a/b Text Complexity

Short explanation of setting as a literary term. Written in the context of "What makes a good short story?" A link at the bottom of the page leads to additional information about setting.

This nine-part workshop is designed so that it can be used for professional development by individuals, groups of teachers, or as a course for graduate credit. It features videos of eight elementary teachers practicing and discussing...

This search engine provides access to more than 3000 items including visual art, audio files, primary source materials, and additional texts supporting and enriching the understanding of American Literature. RI.9-10.9 US Documents,...

This unit features the rich oral tradition of Native Americans storytelling in various genres predating the introduction and influence of English writings, bringing three contemporary authors to light. RI.11-12.8 seminal U.S. texts,...

Phillis Wheatley, an African-American slave, is featured for her neoclassical poetry of pre-nineteenth century America. Click on "Phillis Wheatley Activities" for more resources.

This biography focuses on the abolitionist Harriet Beecher Stowe, infamous for her novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and author of many other influential published works in the nineteenth century. See "Harriet Beecher Stowe Activities" for...

A proponent of social and environmental rights, Henry David Thoreau is featured in this brief biography highlighting his contributions to literature. See Teaching Tips and Author Questions for discussion ideas.

Explore the elements of a story using the well-known Cinderella story as source material. Learn about setting, character, sequence, exposition, conflict, climax, and resolution.

Twenty-six half hour videos on literary analysis for high school students that feature authors, scholars, actors and noted critics. Topics include The Art of the Essay, Setting and Character in Short Fiction, Responding to Literature and...

Listen to an explanation of the story elements in Cinderella including exposition, characters, setting, sequence, conflict, climax, and resolution.

Explore different ingredients, or elements, that go into stories and make them so much fun. Read the story, "Cinderella," and look at all the different pieces of the tale to see how they all fit together.

Determine your standards (logic, creativity, structure, etc.) when assessing student writing. Evaluate three essays using an analytic or holistic rubric and see how your standards compare with your peers.

Read and listen to stories with some words missing. Click appropriate grade level tab. Fill in the missing words, see how many words you spelled correctly, and get corrections for the ones you missed. L.11-12.2 Cap/Punc/Spell

Multimedia course focuses on thirteen literary classics from many different times and many different cultures. Each lesson centers on a half-hour video offering multiple perspectives on a particular work. Read excerpts from each work and...

This instructional workshop provides eight sessions on teaching reading in intermediate classrooms: "Creating Contexts for Learning," "Fluency and Word Study," "Building Comprehension," "Writing," "New Literacies of the Internet,"...

This interesting interactive website explains kinds of primary sources and gives you the chance to identify them in some games.

This is a brief biography of businessman, politician, scientist, and author Benjamin Franklin. Click "Benjamin Franklin Activities" for related materials.

Study the great oral tradition of the Chippewa Tribe in the Great Lakes regions through their music collected by Frances Densmore. For classroom activities and lesson enhancements click on the link, "Chippewa Songs Activities."

This passage highlights the contributions of poet Louise Erdrich to the literary world. Access recordings, photos and classroom activities through the tab "Louise Erdrich Activities."