The U.S. Westward Movement
Focusing on the Cumberland Gap, Oregon Trail, Santa Fe Trail, and Chisholm Trail, students will incorporate research, creative writing and design skills.
Lesson Plans
Vocabulary Review and Practice
Resources: Teacher: vocabulary words on 4×6 cards Students: none. Teacher Preparation: After reading a story or studying a chapter, write key vocabulary words on cards >>>
A Giant Stack of Free Books
Needing to do exercises looking up words in the dictionary based on the guide words at the tops of pages, but you can’t round up enough dictionaries? Every year when the new phone directories come out, round up enough of the old ones for each student to have one.
Raging Debates
As we near the end of the school year, tempers are hot and everyone is stressed. As students complete final assignments and tests, you may >>>
Charlotte’s Web Activites
The classic childrens novel by E.B. White opens a world of possibilities for classroom projects and lesson plans. Full of themes involving friendship, loyalty, farm animals, this list goes on and on. In fact, we have a rather long list, submitted by another one of the dedicated T2T contributors. While these ideas aren’t complete lesson plans, we know a little creativity can go a long way.
Writing: Where Is It?
Submitted by T2T Contributor, Lee Robbins Objective: Students will improve in their ability to describe place and location in their writing. Resources: Numbered small paper >>>
Burn Off Energy in a Positive Way
Introduce younger children to the concept of Assisted Living for elderly citizens. After a discussion, create artwork to share with an elderly community near you.
Have a Mobius Christmas
When your class is cutting up strips of paper to make Christmas ornaments, it’s a perfect time to introduce them to the Mobius strip. Take >>>
Recycled Christmas Ornaments
For something different, try making Christmas ornaments out of recycled materials. Brainstorm with your art teacher how that might be accomplished in an aesthetically pleasing way, or tackle it on your own with bits of plastic, paper, aluminum foil, string, wire, etc.
One Eyed Drawing: Depth of Field
A tip for students who complain that “it doesn’t look right” is to close one eye while looking at the subject they are drawing.
The 15 Second Drawing
Need a quick filler before the bell rings? Have your kids grab a sheet of paper (scratch paper will be great) and a pencil. Then strike a pose, and give them 15 or 30 seconds to draw you.
Draw From a Fuzzy Idea
Objective: The student will be able to view and draw an object from an unusual perspective. Resources: Teacher: opaque projector, flat three-dimensional objects to fit >>>
A Different Kind of Shadow Box
Resources: Teacher: Overhead projector; plastic shoe box; construction paper; tape; variety of small items (key, string, crayon, paper clips, candy, coins, clothespin, etc. depending on >>>
Making Storage Boxes
Encourage students to be a little more organized by using recycled boxes or cans in this art project. A little creativity is in order in guiding students in assembling materials into a storage unit. Nearly any student will benefit from this fun process of creating, then organizing.
I Made It Myself: Creating Custom T-Shirts
Creating custom t-shirts with your students is a rewarding experience and a great way to wrap up the year. Take the opportunity to say something special about each student or commemorate the “graduation” from your grade level. Maybe your class had a theme or a project that they were very involved in throughout the year – these can also work towards great designs. Whether each student creates a unique shirt or you decide on a universal pattern for the group, you’re assured an afternoon of fun and a group of satisfied artists when it’s all over.