Paperback Exchange
Every student has at least a few paperback books at home that they have read and then set aside to collect dust. Bring new life to these books by having a Paperback Exchange.
Literature List for Grades 4-8
When a member on T2T posted a message that she had a childrens literature list geared for fourth through eighth grade, she was overwhelmed with requests for copies! Here is the entire list for all to use.
Vocabulary Development Using Music
Use popular songs or a catchy song of your choosing to improve students’ vocabulary skills.
Where Were You When…?
Have students interview their parents about certain historical events, taking notes about where they were and what they remember, to share later with the class.
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.
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 >>>
Fun With Feelings: Perception
This activity is a great way to raise awareness about the way we perceive our own attitude and disposition. By becoming more aware that we are feeling sad, or mischievous, we pay more attention to our own actions that reflect this feeling towards others. Letting others know we they feel can also affect the way we are received.
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.