Curricula/Lesson Plans
- Summer Reading After Harry Potter
- Handwriting Readiness
- Math Lessons for Changing Weather
- National Poetry Month
- High School Debate Topics
- Teaching Students about Politics
- Activities for Changing Seasons
- Reader's Theater
- St. Patrick's Day Lessons
- Parent Involvement at School
Summer Reading After Harry Potter
Posted by
Susan Hyde
Don't end the school year without suggesting some great fantasy classics for your students to read this summer.
Now that Harry's gone, what will you suggest for summer reading? The Harry Potter series appealed the collective imaginations of young and old with adventure, magic, vivid narrative,clever dialogue, and young, clever protagonists. Here are four tried and true series that will keep Harry Potter loving students reading all summer long!
Classic Fantasy Favorites
Classic Fantasy Favorites
- The Chronicles of Pyrdain by Lloyd Alexander: Since the The Book of Three was first published in 1964, young readers of fantasy have enjoyed reading the adventures of the Assistant Pig-Keeper, Taran, as he seeks to become a hero.
- The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis: The recent cinema and DVD successes of Walden Media's The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe have brought well deserved attention to this allegorical series. Challenge students to read Prince Caspian before the movie comes out this May!
- The Time Quartet by Madeline L'Engle: The travels don't end with A Wrinkle in Time. Follow Meg Murry and her family as they tesseract through time and space.
- The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy by JRR Tolkien: Your students will journey through Middle Earth with Bilbo,Frodo and their brave companions as they take on the dark elements that plague their world.
Posted by
Susan Hyde
Handwriting is a complex task . Multi-sensory, kinesthetic activities prepare preschool students for letter and number formation before formal writing lessons begin.
What's the big deal with handwriting? A child grabs a pencil, copies letters, and all is well... right? Well, not exactly. With preschool and pre-K becoming more popular, more children are learning to write earlier. While this might be helpful for reading readiness, research shows that a straight-to-the-pencil approach is developmentally inappropriate for many children and may actually cause problems later on.
At a recent two-day Handwriting Without Tears Workshop, Presenter Patty Bunce, OTR discussed the problems that can occur when children begin writing early but without age appropriate guidance. "Preschools," she explained, "shove all of these kindergarten skills into pre-K." Thus, she continued, "Many kids are going into kindergarten with terrible habits."
This is not to say that young children cannot learn letters. Rather, Bunce suggest ed that quality pre-K programs will emphasize informal multi-sensory and developmentally appropriate readiness activities.
For instance, Bunce suggested that young students should spend a lot of time coloring and drawing with crayons. The resistance that a crayon gives strengthens children's fingers and provides tactile feedback in a way that markers and even pencils will not. Coloring with crayons on construction paper will provide even more resistance. Additionally, crayons are small and developmentally appropriate for little hands as children learn a proper tripod grip.
Squeezing and rolling clay or play dough is another excellent readiness activity that strengthens little hands in preparation for handwriting. Teach students to roll dough balls into snakes. The snakes can then be used to create shapes and letters.
Finally, it is also important to include gross motor activities to "wake up" the brain and help students to become more comfortable with their bodies. Dancing and other kinesthetic activities are fun and provide a wonderful foundation for fine motor movements to come.
At a recent two-day Handwriting Without Tears Workshop, Presenter Patty Bunce, OTR discussed the problems that can occur when children begin writing early but without age appropriate guidance. "Preschools," she explained, "shove all of these kindergarten skills into pre-K." Thus, she continued, "Many kids are going into kindergarten with terrible habits."
This is not to say that young children cannot learn letters. Rather, Bunce suggest ed that quality pre-K programs will emphasize informal multi-sensory and developmentally appropriate readiness activities.
For instance, Bunce suggested that young students should spend a lot of time coloring and drawing with crayons. The resistance that a crayon gives strengthens children's fingers and provides tactile feedback in a way that markers and even pencils will not. Coloring with crayons on construction paper will provide even more resistance. Additionally, crayons are small and developmentally appropriate for little hands as children learn a proper tripod grip.
Squeezing and rolling clay or play dough is another excellent readiness activity that strengthens little hands in preparation for handwriting. Teach students to roll dough balls into snakes. The snakes can then be used to create shapes and letters.
Finally, it is also important to include gross motor activities to "wake up" the brain and help students to become more comfortable with their bodies. Dancing and other kinesthetic activities are fun and provide a wonderful foundation for fine motor movements to come.
Math Lessons for Changing Weather
Posted by
Susan Hyde
Changing spring weather inspires math lessons that teach data collection, averages and graphing.
From snow to rain to sunshine, spring is a time of volatile weather. It is the perfect season to use math and graphing to collect weather data, calculate averages and graph comparisons.
Charting the Weather
First, work with your class to determine what elements of weather are typically charted. Depending on the level, students may suggest high and low temperatures, average temperatures, humidity levels, rainfall amounts or even barometer readings.
Bring in a variety of weather tools (or perhaps create a PowerPoint presentation of weather tools), old and new, and discuss how the tools are used to measure rainfall, temperature and other levels. As an alternative, meet technology standards by retrieving statistics from the National Weather Service website.
Collecting Data
Discuss why it is important to predict and chart weather. What interest would a farmer have in the weather? An engineer? A fisherman? A NASA scientist? How does weather affect other industries?
Break students into small groups for the purpose of collecting daily weather data. While one group determines temperatures, another group might be in charge of measuring rainfall , humidity or water temperatures. Provide data collection worksheets for younger students. Ask lder or more advanced students to design their own.
Graphing Averages
Continue the data collection for one month. After one month, allow students to work together to determine data averages, highs and lows, and extreme weather changes. Ask students to create a variety of graph designs to Compare results with average information from other years. Can students chart trends? Remember to provide students with an assessment rubric so that they know what elements will be graded.
This would also be a perfect time to invite a meteorologist to the classroom or to create a multidisciplinary unit that includes poetry (April is, after all, National Poetry Month!) or Earth Day gardening projects.
Charting the Weather
First, work with your class to determine what elements of weather are typically charted. Depending on the level, students may suggest high and low temperatures, average temperatures, humidity levels, rainfall amounts or even barometer readings.
Bring in a variety of weather tools (or perhaps create a PowerPoint presentation of weather tools), old and new, and discuss how the tools are used to measure rainfall, temperature and other levels. As an alternative, meet technology standards by retrieving statistics from the National Weather Service website.
Collecting Data
Discuss why it is important to predict and chart weather. What interest would a farmer have in the weather? An engineer? A fisherman? A NASA scientist? How does weather affect other industries?
Break students into small groups for the purpose of collecting daily weather data. While one group determines temperatures, another group might be in charge of measuring rainfall , humidity or water temperatures. Provide data collection worksheets for younger students. Ask lder or more advanced students to design their own.
Graphing Averages
Continue the data collection for one month. After one month, allow students to work together to determine data averages, highs and lows, and extreme weather changes. Ask students to create a variety of graph designs to Compare results with average information from other years. Can students chart trends? Remember to provide students with an assessment rubric so that they know what elements will be graded.
This would also be a perfect time to invite a meteorologist to the classroom or to create a multidisciplinary unit that includes poetry (April is, after all, National Poetry Month!) or Earth Day gardening projects.
Posted by
Susan Hyde
April is National Poetry Month! Bring in the spring with lessons that celebrate language.
Spring brings new colors, sounds and experiences. What better time to use poetic language to celebrate the newness of the season?
Modeled Poetry
Nature poetry invites students to imbibe in the glory of this fabulous season. Provide and discuss daily poetry models, and encourage students to create poetry of their own. Students will enjoy imitating the styles of famous poets as well as hammering out original verse. Here are some examples of lessons that you may want to use in your language arts or English classroom:
Modeled Poetry
Nature poetry invites students to imbibe in the glory of this fabulous season. Provide and discuss daily poetry models, and encourage students to create poetry of their own. Students will enjoy imitating the styles of famous poets as well as hammering out original verse. Here are some examples of lessons that you may want to use in your language arts or English classroom:
- Read William Wordsworth's Tintern Abbey. Challenge students to write a poem that similarly combines nature with themes such as time, imagination or even religion.
- Read Gary Snyder's Pulitzer Prize winning poem, Rip Rap. How does he use natural images as a metaphor for poetics? Ask students to write metaphoric poetry using spring images.
- Play music with nature images in the lyrics such as John Denver's Rocky Mountain High or India Arie's Nature. How do natural images contribute to emotion in these songs? Ask students to create their own lyrics or have them sing together.
- Read Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem Kubla Khan. Ask students to use pastels or paint to draw what the images suggest.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson's Concord Hymn. Allow students to write a poem of their own that uses natural images to mark a historic event.
Posted by
Susan Hyde
Great debate topics will make the research for debate and persuasive writing more interesting for your high school students.
Students love a good argument, but too often teachers assign and re-assign the same argumentative topics so many times that the debates become uninteresting for students and instructors. Update your lackluster persuasive writing list with engaging topics that matter to high school students.
- Do magazines marketed for teenagers send the wrong message? Using at least three specific magazines for support, argue for or against the moral and ethical messages that dominate magazines directed for the teen demographic.
- Is it freedom of the press or harrassment? Argue whether the papparazzi helps or hinders the purpose of the free press.
- Are grades important? Discuss whether grades are necessary in order to keep students on track with learning.
- Is homework necessary? Should teachers lay off, or is homework a necessary element of learning?
- It has been said that America's biggest export is pop culture. Is Hollywood a good ambassador for America?
- Should public schools provide more classes and internship programs for students who choose not to go to college?
- Are college entrance exams like the SAT or ACT good indicators of university success?
- Would a voucher system that allowed for more school choice be a positive change for the American education system?
- Should parents be allowed to sumbit their teens to drug testing?
- Would single-sex public schools be more effective than co-ed?
Teaching Students about Politics
Posted by
Susan Hyde
Ask your State Representative about allowing your students to have a hands-on experience as an Honorary Page at the State House.
This week Maine Representative Kerri Prescott (R-Topsham) arranged for my two boys and other members of our homeschool co-op to have a truly inspiring hands-on political experience. The children, who ranged in age from five to eleven, worked as Honorary Pages in the House of Representatives during a legislative session at the Maine State House.
We arrived early for the session so that the kids could meet Representative Prescott, take pictures, and receive a briefing on the rules of serving as an Honorary Page. Before the session, the ten children waited at the back of the chamber where they met several more representatives, including teacher and state Representative Seth Berry (D- Bowdoinham), and they learned about the role of the Sergent-at-Arms.
After the benediction, National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance, Speaker of the House Glenn Cummings (D-Portland) introduced the students by name as they were led to the front of the State House ("We were famous!" my younger son exclaimed later.)
As the legislative session commenced, our well-dressed group was kept quite busy delivering messages throughout the chamber, and while I'm quite sure that they did not have a full understanding of all of the precedings, they were definitely introduced to the idea that our representational democracy is "of the people and by the people."
Honorary Page programs exist in many states and can usually be arranged with a call to a local Congressman. What a perfect way to introduce children to the workings of the government.
We arrived early for the session so that the kids could meet Representative Prescott, take pictures, and receive a briefing on the rules of serving as an Honorary Page. Before the session, the ten children waited at the back of the chamber where they met several more representatives, including teacher and state Representative Seth Berry (D- Bowdoinham), and they learned about the role of the Sergent-at-Arms.
After the benediction, National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance, Speaker of the House Glenn Cummings (D-Portland) introduced the students by name as they were led to the front of the State House ("We were famous!" my younger son exclaimed later.)
As the legislative session commenced, our well-dressed group was kept quite busy delivering messages throughout the chamber, and while I'm quite sure that they did not have a full understanding of all of the precedings, they were definitely introduced to the idea that our representational democracy is "of the people and by the people."
Honorary Page programs exist in many states and can usually be arranged with a call to a local Congressman. What a perfect way to introduce children to the workings of the government.
Activities for Changing Seasons
Posted by
Susan Hyde
Here comes the sun! Celebrate the seasons with books and lessons and holidays that mark the coming of spring.
The sun is shining and the icicles are dripping their last drops. Now is the time to create lesson plans that celebrate the arrival of spring!
Books About Spring
Picture books about spring invite students to think about weather changes. Here are a few of my favorite titles:
After reading a book about spring, ask students to do their own writing. For instance, after reading Spring: An Alphabet Acrostic, students might enjoy making their own colorfully illustrated acrostic books or posters.
Writing garden poetry is another fun way to bring the spring changes into the classroom. Encourage students to use vivid imagery to capture the beauty of spring renewal.
Science of Seasons
Books About Spring
Picture books about spring invite students to think about weather changes. Here are a few of my favorite titles:
- Hurray for Spring! by Patricia Hubbel (Northword Books for Young Readers, 2005)
- It's Spring by Linda Glaser (Millbrook Press, 2002)
- Spring: An Alphabet Acrostic by Steven Schnur (Clarion Books, 1999)
- That's What Happens When It's Spring by Ellen W. Good (Good Books, 1996)
- When Spring Comes by Robert Maas (Henry Holt & Co., 1996)
After reading a book about spring, ask students to do their own writing. For instance, after reading Spring: An Alphabet Acrostic, students might enjoy making their own colorfully illustrated acrostic books or posters.
Writing garden poetry is another fun way to bring the spring changes into the classroom. Encourage students to use vivid imagery to capture the beauty of spring renewal.
Science of Seasons
- In spring everything is new again. When spring rains bring earthworms to the surface of the play yard, collect them for a spring composting lesson!
- Spring is also an ideal time to plant gardens, make a sun dial or study the parts of a flower.
- Celebrate the Irish with yummy recipes on St. Patrick's Day
- Easter isn't only for bunnies. Use Jellybeans to teach students about graphing.
- Study the Celtic origins of May day, and make Maypoles to mark the beginning of spring.
- Don't forget mom! Use your the class compost for planting flowers to use as gifts on Mother's Day.
Posted by
Susan Hyde
Reader's Theater improves reading comprehension, fluency and oral communication skills while making reading interaction and fun!
If reading groups and basal instruction aren't inspiring your students to love reading, it may be time to try Reader's Theater.
Reader's Theater refers to the use of scripted plays to encourage student reading. The plays usually do not include complicated props or costumes so that they can be used concentrate on the actual presentation of the words.
Because Reader's Theatre uses drama, students learn to articulate and project while also improving reading skills. It is also a perfect way to differentiate reading instruction since stronger readers can be assigned more difficult or lengthier parts than weaker readers, but all students are engaged in all parts of the reading.
In addition to reading skills, students are encouraged to listen to their classmates since inattention might cause them to miss a line. Teachers may likewise encourage kinesthetic involvement by allowing readers to stand and move while reading their lines.
Teachers who use reader's theater should still take time for pre-reading and post-reading activities:
Reader's Theater refers to the use of scripted plays to encourage student reading. The plays usually do not include complicated props or costumes so that they can be used concentrate on the actual presentation of the words.
Because Reader's Theatre uses drama, students learn to articulate and project while also improving reading skills. It is also a perfect way to differentiate reading instruction since stronger readers can be assigned more difficult or lengthier parts than weaker readers, but all students are engaged in all parts of the reading.
In addition to reading skills, students are encouraged to listen to their classmates since inattention might cause them to miss a line. Teachers may likewise encourage kinesthetic involvement by allowing readers to stand and move while reading their lines.
Teachers who use reader's theater should still take time for pre-reading and post-reading activities:
- Pre-Reading Activities: Introduce point-of-view, ask students to visualize or even draw the setting, require students to silently pre-read their parts and ask questions about vocabulary terms, ask students to make predictions based on the title
- Post-Reading Activities: Ask students to re-tell the story, and discuss literary devices used in the script, use a plot diagram to discuss the conflicts in the story, extend the story by asking students to predict what might happen next
Posted by
Susan Hyde
From Irish food to Irish literature, middle school and high school students will enjoy learning about Ireland's rich history and heritage.
Irish Ancestry
St. Patrick's Day has its roots in Ancient Ireland. With as many as 35 milliion Americans claiming Irish ancestry, it is appropriate to learn about Ireland's history, stories, music, traditions and culture.
Research Projects for St. Patick's Day
St. Patrick's Day has its roots in Ancient Ireland. With as many as 35 milliion Americans claiming Irish ancestry, it is appropriate to learn about Ireland's history, stories, music, traditions and culture.
Research Projects for St. Patick's Day
- Research the story of St. Patrick. What facts are known about this Irish-Catholic Saint? What stories surround his life and Sainthood? Write and illustrate a picture book that tells about this 4th century Saint.
- Research Irish symbols. Examples: Celtic Harp, Leprechauns, Irish Flag, Shamrock, Claddagh Ring, Celtic Knotwork, Celtic Cross or Wheel Headed Celtic Cross
- What role did animals play in Celtic Mythology? Explain the significance of at least three.
- Research traditional Irish recipes and bring in a few dishes to share (Irish panakes, scones, soda bread, Dublin coddle, champ, potato bread, corned beef and cabbage, etc.)
- Watch a movie or read a play by prolific Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw. (Recommended: St. Joan, Pygmalion)
- Read excerpts from celebrated Irish novelists and poets such as C.S. Lewis, James Joyce, Jonathon Swift, Oscar Wilde or William Butler Yeats.
- Create a map of Ireland. Include major cities, landmarks and geographic landforms.
- Tell the history of the Book of Kells. Create a visual aid to help with an oral presentation.
Posted by
Susan Hyde
Students are more successful when they receive support from home and school. Encourage student achievement with active communication.
Students who have support from both home and school are more likely to reach their potential. For this reason, teachers should encourage parental involvement in all aspects of learning. Positive communication througout the school year will invite parents to take an active involvement in their child's education.
- Write notes: Parents should not have to wait for report card time to hear from you. A personal note home shows that you care about a child's learning. Be sure to include positive student information as well as noting areas of concern.
- Email: Emails are a great way to keep parents informed. Use this tool to inform parents of upcoming due dates, holidays, fieldtrips, conferences and classroom activities.
- Class Newspaper or Website: Keep parents interested in student activities with a newspaper or website that highlights from theme units and fieldtrips as well as examples of student writing, poetry, and achievements. Find a way to include every student in these projects.
- Conferences: Meet with parents to discuss student achievement. Don't wait for report card time to address concerns or praise achievement.
- Invite parents to Volunteer: Many parents will be happy to help. Ask parents to assist struggling students, lead small group discussions, create bulletin boards, provide food or assistance with theme days or class parties, or just visit the classroom.
- Parent Classroom Committees: Encourage parental input on everything from fieldtrips to completing course objectives. What would parents like to have happen in the classroom?
- Develop Workshops: Work with other teachers and administrators to create parent workshops on everything from discipline to learning styles.