Mark Twain, often considered the “father of American literature,” was the first American writer to tell his stories in an emerging American vernacular--the speech of [More]

Mark Twain, often considered the “father of American literature,” was the first American writer to tell his stories in an emerging American vernacular--the speech of common folk. Based on his many adventures, Twain’s books reflect his witty observations about everyday life in nineteenth-century America. By examining two primary source activities and a short video, students will learn how this literary icon used humor and a uniquely American voice to chronicle post-Civil War life in the United States. View the Lesson Plan

The Giver is a Newberry Award-winning book by Lois Lowry that tells the story of 12-year-old Jonas, who lives in a seemingly perfect society called [More]

The Giver is a Newberry Award-winning book by Lois Lowry that tells the story of 12-year-old Jonas, who lives in a seemingly perfect society called “the community,” where memories and feelings have been eliminated. He eventually discovers the community’s dark side and takes a daring step to save a life and seek freedom. We explore how Jonas is an ordinary boy who does the extraordinary. Learning objectives
Students will: 

• Watch a video segment and answer contextual questions 
• Build vocabulary, reading and listening comprehension skills
• Complete a vocabulary worksheet 

 

A little thing can do a big thing in a big thing’s life.” E.B. White’s story of unlikely heroes on a small farm has made [More]

A little thing can do a big thing in a big thing’s life.” E.B. White’s story of unlikely heroes on a small farm has made a lasting impact on America. Follow along with school children in Brooklin, Maine, as they explore E.B. White’s very own farm where he wrote Charlotte's Web.

Learning Objectives Students will:

• Watch a video segment and answer contextual questions
• Explore the importance of friendship in a classroom discussion
• Create character “book covers,” exploring the character traits of the three main characters in “Charlotte’s Web”

In this interactive lesson, discover how literary techniques like setting, characterization, and conflict contribute to the overarching theme of a text. Through analysis of Lorraine [More]

In this interactive lesson, discover how literary techniques like setting, characterization, and conflict contribute to the overarching theme of a text. Through analysis of Lorraine Hansberry's iconic play A Raisin in the Sun, explore the importance of these different elements individually, then learn how each piece comes together to establish theme. 

As part of The Great American Read, lesson plans have been created surrounding English language arts topics and books from The Great American Read list. This [More]

As part of The Great American Read, lesson plans have been created surrounding English language arts topics and books from The Great American Read list. This is the third of three lessons surrounding symbolism in Jayson Reynold's Ghost. For more videos, lesson plans, and resources regarding The Great American Read, check out the collection.

This video from American Masters: Harper Lee: Hey, Boo highlights Scout, one of the most beloved characters in all of American fiction and the main [More]

This video from American Masters: Harper Lee: Hey, Boo highlights Scout, one of the most beloved characters in all of American fiction and the main character of the novel To Kill a Mockingbird. In the video, students learn what makes Scout unique as well as what makes her a “typical American character.”