1 What Makes a Good Short Story? Resource Type: Lessons Discipline: Reading Grades: Grade 8 Professional Commentary: This resource provides a solid introduction to commonly taught literary elements (i.e., point of view, character development, theme and setting) through an analysis of the short story, "A Jury of Her Peers" by Susan Glaspell. At the site, links to excellent supplementary resources including historical essays, literary theory, and an author biography are provided.... 2 Get the Reel Scoop: Comparing Books to Movies Resource Type: Lessons Discipline: Reading Grades: Grades 4–5 Professional Commentary: In this lesson, students compare and contrast books to movies. The process of comparing and contrasting teaches students to think critically about the different forms of media presented to them.... 3 Writing Alternative Plots for Robert C. O'Brien's Z for Zachariah Resource Type: Lessons Discipline: Reading Grades: Grade 7 Professional Commentary: After reading and discussing Z for Zachariah, students apply their knowledge of cause and effect to create alternative plots for the story. First, students select a part of the story where the main character makes a critical decision and then rewrite the remaining portion of the plot based on the predicted effect of different choice.... 4 Witness for the Prosecution: Creating an Online Newspaper Resource Type: Lessons Discipline: Reading Grades: Grades 9–10 Professional Commentary: This integrated language arts unit, created by a high school English teacher, includes many opportunities for reading fiction and nonfiction texts, conducting research using the internet, and producing an online newspaper. Centered around Witness For the Prosecution by Agatha Christie, this unit uses literary response and research as the context in which students produce a variety... 5 Graffiti Wall: Discussing and Responding to Literature Using Graphics Resource Type: Lessons Discipline: Reading Grades: Grade 6 Professional Commentary: This literature-based project centers around a novel study. After reading a novel voted on and selected by the class, students work individually and in groups, to create visual and written interpretations.... 6 Weaving the Multigenre Web Resource Type: Lessons Discipline: Reading Grades: Grades 8–10 Professional Commentary: This lesson combines reading and writing as students work through collaborative, small-group learning experiences. In small groups, students read novels as part of a whole class study, in literature circles, with a partner or individually.... 7 Id, Ego, and Superego in Dr. Seuss's The Cat in the Hat Resource Type: Lessons Discipline: Reading Grades: Grades 9–10 Professional Commentary: In this lesson, The Cat in the Hat is used as a primer to teach students how to analyze a literary work using the literary tools of plot, theme, characterization, and psychoanalytical criticism. In part one, students use a plot handout to identify the elements of plot and theme for The Cat in the Hat.... 8 Boys Read: Considering Courage in Novels Resource Type: Lessons Discipline: Reading Grades: Grades 6–8 Professional Commentary: In this lesson designed to motivate adolescent boys to read, they are given a selection of five young adult novels with distinct male protagonists. A suggested booklist is provided.... 9 Et Tu Brutè: Performing Julius Caesar Resource Type: Lessons Discipline: Reading Grades: Grades 9–10 Professional Commentary: This resource is a study of the Shakespearean play, Julius Caesar. The instructional unit, maintained by the New Zealand Ministry of Education, provides opportunities for students to analyze, interpret, and respond to language, meaning, and ideas in the play.... 10 Violent Delights and Violent Ends: Romeo and Juliet Resource Type: Lessons Discipline: Reading Grades: Grades 9–10 Professional Commentary: Reading Shakespeare's plays presents many challenges for students. This resource describes engaging activities to familiarize students with the plot and language of Romeo and Juliet.... |