ELA.6.R.3.1

This lesson is the first in a series of three focusing on the importance of freedom. In this lesson, students begin with a journal entry about freedom. Students then read the poem - "Sympathy" by Paul Laurence Dunbar - analyzing the poem according to literary and poetic elements. Text questions, a poetry chart, sample answer keys, and a PowerPoint are included.

Type: Lesson Plan

In this lesson, students will read the poem "Uncoiling" by Pat Mora, analyze the poem's theme by identifying personification and connotations in the text and then composing a written analysis of the poem.

Type: Lesson Plan

In this lesson, students will work in small groups to identify and interpret the personification used in "blessing the boats" by Lucille Clifton. At the end of the lesson, students will individually write an expository response about the poet’s use of personification and how it contributes to the meaning of the poem.

Type: Lesson Plan

Students will review the meanings of similes and metaphors. The teacher will share multiple examples from different types of media. During the lesson, students will practice identifying and explaining the meaning of similes and metaphors in selected songs. Students will complete a graphic organizer with examples from song lyrics of their own choosing. Students will then be asked to create a presentation about how the figurative language expresses the speaker’s attitude along with visuals to illustrate the examples from their song.

Type: Lesson Plan

In this lesson, students will study the short story "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" by Rudyard Kipling. Students will analyze the confrontations that drive the story's plot, noting what happens and who is involved, how Rikki's character is developed through each confrontation, and how each confrontation helps develop the plot. A copy of the story is included with the lesson, as well as a text discussion guide for teachers, comprehension questions, a vocabulary key, a graphic organizer and key, and an optional rubric for the summative assessment. 

Type: Lesson Plan

This is a sixth grade unit on the sci-fi novel A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle. Students will examine the characteristics of scientific and futuristic fiction including vocabulary, setting, and plot development. This unit includes a complete packet with graphic organizers, a pacing guide, and an assessment with answer key and possible student responses.

Type: Unit/Lesson Sequence

This is a sixth grade unit on the verse novel Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate. This unit explores narrative and lyric poetry, figurative language, author's purpose, voice, and symbolism. It is rich with games, graphic organizers, and a complete student packet and includes a pacing guide and assessment with sample student answers.

Type: Unit/Lesson Sequence