NASA
Is It Alive?
Determining whether or not something is living can be more difficult than it seems. Put your young scientists to work defining their own criteria to identify life, then work with three samples to see if they are alive or...
Curated OER
My Foot and the Standard Foot
Young mathematicians put one foot in front of the other as they learn how to measure length in an elementary math lesson. Using paper cutouts of their own feet, children measure classroom objects as they discover the importance of...
K12 Reader
Summarize It: President Theodore Roosevelt's 7th Annual Message to Congress
How did Theodore Roosevelt stress the importance of conservation during his time as president of the United States? Take a closer look at the language Roosevelt used himself in a 1907 address to Congress, and have your young...
Missouri Department of Elementary
Other Changes (Life-Changing Events Outside of the Family)
Change is inevitable. Kindergarteners discuss coping skills to properly manage changes that can occur outside the family. Scholars reflect on their life changes after starting kindergarten. They discuss their feelings and draw a...
Curated OER
Number Stories (Part 4): Presentation
Students observe a model classroom where children are using clip art to add to a number story. After viewing the video, students discuss methods of teaching technology skills. They explore how the room arrangement affects the students...
Curated OER
Managing Medical Conditions
Students investigate more about a medical condition that is of interest to them and write what they have learned about that condition, using the information as a personal resource or to share with others. They record information they...
Curated OER
Poetry for the Elementary Classroom
Use Shel Silverstein's poem "Batty" to introduce poetry to young readers. This lesson is not formatted well, but the plan does suggest learners memorize a poem, recite the poem individually, and then recite the poem as a class. Poetry...
Curated OER
Measurements - Franklin College
Second graders review measurements in inches and practice measuring different objects. As a class, they estimate various objects in their classroom and compare their estimation to the actual measurement. To end the lesson, they complete...
Curated OER
Matching
Consider using this simple list of matching vocabulary to welcome learners to (or back to) your Spanish classroom. They're not confined to one category, so they'd be a good general introduction back to Spanish. Bienvenido!
Curated OER
Line Up Balls
At times special needs or Autistic children have a difficult time disengaging from a lesson to line up at the door. This brief strategy overview employs mini-porcupine balls and a pocket. It was developed to help pupils...
Nemours KidsHealth
Sportsmanship: Grades 6-8
Losing isn't any fun. It is, however, a part of competing. Two activities encourage middle schoolers to consider what good sportsmanship is, how they can be a good sport, and ways to handle situations when some are acting...
Curated OER
Farming: It's a Fact
Understanding where our food and textiles come from is key to understanding business, economics, and the importance of modern agriculture. Learners play a game, read text to determine farm fact from opinion, and itemize a grocery receipt...
Curated OER
Take a Ride in Honor of National Bike Month
Tap into the joy of bicycling with these suggestions to make a celebration of National Bike Month a blast.
Achievement Strategies
Unit/Chapter Design Template
A thorough lesson plan template allows teachers to design balanced and standards-based lessons for any grade. The template includes spaces for unit vocabulary and concepts, objectives, and additional resources.
Achievement Strategies
CCSS Unit Design Template for PE
From baseball and tennis to capture the flag and four-square, here is a great document that will help you design your next unit on a sport-related activity.
Endowment of United States Institute of Peace
Active Listening
Ensure that your pupils listen to one another in constructive ways by introducing them to active listening skills through discussion, role playing, and partner work.
Curated OER
Angry Feelings (Responsible Personal Conduct)
Students review proper classroom behavior and anger management techniques.
Curated OER
Using The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe as a Bibliotherapy Technique for Foster Children
As the title suggests, this lesson is designed for a foster care therapy group. C.S. Lewis' novel provides children an opportunity to discuss life issues vicariously through fictional characters. However, the discussion questions and...
Curated OER
Bits of Braille
Intended to build an understanding of Braille in a general education classroom. They read the book Helen Keller then write their names using a braille website. Many interesting web links are included. Could be used for a general or...
Shmoop
ELA.CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.7
Your pupils are beginning their research project and are having a hard time narrowing their topics down. If you’re not sure how to help them, then start here. Provided is a student dialogue that works though the issues of narrowing a...
Curated OER
Listening Well
Pupils demonstrate good listening skills. In this listening skills lesson, students identify the signs people give when they are actively listening, such as eye contact. Pupils practice good listening skills in a an interview activity.
Nemours KidsHealth
Healthy Snacking: Grades 6-8
Two activities focus on healthy snacking. In the first activity, scholars create a poster displaying two messages—pack a healthy snack and make good food choices. The second activity challenges pupils to draft a snack list and tag along...
Michigan State University
Create an Animal
Think beyond the animals and habitats we've already discovered and allow scholars to dream up their very own habitat and an animal that lives there. Class members present the new habitat and animal on a poster alongside an...
Curated OER
Weekly Progress Report
When we have learners with behavioral or special needs in is extremely important to be able to communicate effectively with parents at home. Here you'll find an A to Z checklist for you to fill out during the week. As behaviors occur,...