Over the course of five periods, scholars create a poetry portfolio. They begin with a reading of the poem, Firefly. With a focus on vocabulary, learners reread the poem then look for sight words and other skills. 

Have you ever looked for a new way to teach an old concept? Scholars thinking about the rising action of a story in a whole new perspective. However, Book Report Alternative: Rewind the Plot! challenges readers and allows for much...

Ever wonder if that miracle product in the commercial is really a miracle? Chances are, the only miraculous part is how many people the advertisers are able to convince to buy it! Class members look over short descriptions of techniques...

Learners read several websites and the story Officer Buckle and Gloria to identify bicycle safety tips. They experiment with a bike helmet and melons and create a safety poster.

Young scholars examine the function and steps of procedural writing. They listen to two stories, identify the nouns, verbs, and adjectives, and write a recipe based on the guidelines for procedural writing.

Students read the book Bridge to Terabithia and investigate the characters' search for friendship and their roles as friends. They create trading cards for the main characters using a website as a resource.

Students construct their own diamante poems illustrating cause-and-effect scenarios of their choice.

Students recognize textual patterns in picture books. They use a Venn Diagram to compare and contrast two topics. They also recognize and practice using transitional devices in writing.

Young scholars review the characteristics of the literary element of plot. They demonstrate an understanding of plot structure by applying the term in familiar contexts and using a plot diagram graphic organizer to present their analysis.

Students explore the use of symbolism in Elie Wiesel's novel, Night. They express their response to the book's symbolism by creating a photomontage using images from multiple Holocaust websites and text from survivor stories.

Students read, listen to, and/or view MLK's "I Have a Dream" speech. They analyze his use of literary devices and choose powerful words. Then they arrange them into original diamante poems, seven-line, diamond-shaped poems based on...

Students examine the characteristics of transcendentalism using excerpts from the works of Emerson and Thoreau, comics, and songs from different musical genres. Students develop their views on individualism, nature, and passive resistance.

Learners explore a class inquiry project, collecting Web-based resources for further study during the course or for more in-depth projects. Students use Internet search engines and Web analysis checklists.

Learners explore their own right to freedom of speech by examining the Pledge of Allegiance from historical and personal perspectives and in relation to fictional situations in novels they have read.

Learners explore historical fiction. This lesson looks at the history of historical fiction and has the students research the facts. They compare and cross-reference information from historical fiction and nonfiction texts on a specific...

Learners create poetry collections with a back-to-school theme of getting to know each other. Students write poetry to introduce themselves, helping create a sense of classroom community.

Young scholars sing a song repeatedly while following along with a picture book containing the lyrics and illustrations. They are then encouraged to participate in several hands-on activities to reinforce learning of the vocabulary words.

Learners listen to four books by author Leo Lionni. Each reading is followed by a discussion focusing on literary elements and comparing characters and plots. After the discussion, students participate in creating and organizing an...