Literary Discussion in the Elementary School

Grades   3 – 5  |  Lesson Plan  |  Standard Lesson

Unwinding A Circular Plot: Prediction Strategies in Reading and Writing

Students use graphic organizers to explore plot in circular stories while focusing on prediction and sequencing. After exploring the features of circular plot stories, students write their own stories.

 

Grades   3 – 5  |  Lesson Plan  |  Standard Lesson

Literature as a Catalyst for Social Action: Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges

Students are invited to confront and discuss issues of injustice and intolerance in response to reading a variety of fiction and nonfiction texts.

 

Grades   K – 2  |  Lesson Plan  |  Standard Lesson

Building a Matrix for Leo Lionni Books: An Author Study

In this author study, students listen to and discuss four books by Leo Lionni. They identify similarities and differences in the stories and then compare two stories of their choice.

 

Grades   3 – 5  |  Lesson Plan  |  Minilesson

How Big Are Martin's Big Words? Thinking Big about the Future

Inspired by the book Martin's Big Words, students explore information on Dr. King to think about his "big" words, then they write about their own "big" words and dreams.

 

Grades   K – 2  |  Lesson Plan  |  Recurring Lesson

Living the Dream: 100 Acts of Kindness

This lesson provides the "action piece" for any study of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In this project, students participate in Dr. King's dream by doing 100 acts of kindness.

 

Grades   K – 2  |  Lesson Plan  |  Standard Lesson

Martin Luther King, Jr. and Me: Identifying with a Hero

This lesson provides ideas for celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by encouraging students to explore the connections between Dr. King and themselves through journaling and inquiry-based research.

 

Grades   6 – 8  |  Lesson Plan  |  Standard Lesson

Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: Critical Discussion of Social Issues

Through a series of picture book read-alouds, students engage in critical discussion of complex issues of race, class, and gender.

 

Grades   6 – 8  |  Lesson Plan  |  Standard Lesson

Sí, Se Puede: Making a Difference, One Letter at a Time

After reading the book ¡Si, Se Puede!/Yes, We Can!: Janitor Strike in L.A., students learn about labor unions, strikes, and organizing for change. Students interview staff members in their school to learn about their daily work life, and write persuasive advocacy letters.