This lesson is an exploration of figurative language using the novel "The Phantom Tollbooth" and various Web resources. Students examine figurative language in the story and create a chart representing the literal and figurative meanings of words and phrases. During the four to eight 40-minute class sessions, middle school students will: read the…

Involving students in drawing activities prior to writing helps them to visualize what they want to express in their writing. Drawing before writing makes writing an easier process. In this lesson, K-2 students learn story elements, use graphic organizers, and access the Internet to gather factual information about frogs and toads. During the two-…

Teachers have long surrounded young students with a print-rich environment within the classroom, but the purpose of this lesson is to bring the print-rich environment of the community into the classroom through the use of environmental print, enabling emergent readers to delight in the realization that they are indeed readers. During 10 to 20…

This lesson uses the informational power of the Internet for a prewriting activity. Through various Internet sites, students gather information about the history and celebration practices associated with Veterans Day. Following the prewriting activity, students write content-rich poems that honor veterans. During the 45-minute prewriting session,…

Letter poems make poetry accessible, meaningful, and fun. Letter poems are also an apt medium for exploring a defining characteristic of poetry--line breaks. Students explore letter poems and experiment with writing letters as poems, using the placement of line breaks to enhance rhythm, sound, meaning, and appearance. During the two 40-minute…

This paper introduces "lesson study" as used in Japan to improve instruction. Lesson study is the process of planning, conducting, and discussing the research lesson for teachers to study. Four features are identified as essential to Japanese lesson study: (1) a shared long-term goal for teachers; (2) important lesson content; (3)…

This curriculum guide was designed with the purpose of developing public awareness of LaCrosse (LAC) encephalitis, which is a mosquito transmitted disease. LAC cases have been increasing in large numbers in the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes regions during recent years. This disease primarily affects children under the age of 15, and this guide…

This lesson plan is intended to teach students about the new Internal Revenue Service (IRS) law which provides "credit" or "refund" to low income families. The lesson can fit into any of five specific basal texts. Students should work in cooperative groups, with each group member having a specific responsibility (e.g., leader,…

This lesson plan is intended to teach students about the new Internal Revenue Service (IRS) law that provides "credit" or "refund" to low income families. The lesson can fit into any of four specific basal texts. Seven stages in the lesson are outlined (warm-up and review, introduction, presentation, practice of new skills and…

This paper describes an undergraduate level course developed with the dual agenda of teaching students basic empirical research skills and permitting them to explore concerns related to the workplace. Familiarizing students with workplace issues can assist them in making appropriate career choices and can help them to formulate plans for making a…

All lessons in this unit of study are designed to introduce some of the basic elements of poetry (simile, metaphor, alliteration, sensory language, etc.) while exposing students to a realistic slice of Appalachian life. Appropriate grade levels and a time frame are suggested, and relevant Virginia Standards of Learning are outlined in the unit.…

Describes Artrain, a museum, a studio and an audio visual theater all in one aboard an innovative train, whose mission is to get people to make an effort to get involved in art, alone or as participants in community projects. (Author/RK)

Author discusses the mini-system, a clear, orderly, and functional educational plan that is an abolute necessity if an effective educational process is to take place. (Author)

Proposes a plan for teaching reading based on determined reading skill weaknesses of the students. (RB)

Final part of a series on teaching Spanish grammar. (DS)