Teacher Guides to Intermediate & Middle Literature
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Select one of the titles below to view great material that will assist you in teaching these literary classics, old and new. These teacher's guides to works of literature for the late-elementary and middle-school levels (grades 3-8) include overview information, discussion questions, and extended learning activities, in addition to printables worksheets and lesson plans. Find guides to novels, short stories, nonfiction, and poetry by diverse authors such as George Orwell, R. L. Stine, Emily Dickinson, Jean Fritz, Barbara Robinson, James Howe, Jerry Spinelli, Lois Lowery, Roald Dahl, Jeff Kinney, Elizabeth George Speare, and many others. You're sure to foster an interest in literature for your students with these guides, and the included lesson plans, printables, and extension activities will help you discuss these works with confidence.
Fiction by Title A-H | I-M | N-S | T-Z
Nonfiction | Poetry |
Guides to Fiction A-H- 1984
George Orwell's thought-provoking novel 1984 covers the themes of dehumanization, isolation, repression, loneliness, social class disparity, and abuse of power. This teacher's guide includes chapter summaries, questions, and extension activities.
- Adam Canfield, Watch Your Back! Discussion Guide
Address the issue of bullying with your students and encourage class discussion with the resources in this guide to Adam Canfield, Watch Your Back!. This printable packet includes an interview with the author, a post-reading activity, and discussion points to use before and while reading the book. This literature guide is an excellent resource for School Safety Month (October).
- Al Capone Does My Shirts & Al Capone Shines My Shoes Discussion Guide
Further students learning with this discussion guide for Al Capone Does My Shirts – a Newbery Honor Award Book – and Al Capone Shines My Shoes. This guide includes discussion questions, research topics, activities, and bookmarks to help you structure reading instruction. These children's books by Gennifer Choldenko are set on Alcatraz in 1935.
- Among the Hidden Teacher's Guide
Develop students' critical thinking skills with the discussion topics in this teacher's guide for Among the Hidden. Use the activities and research projects to compare the laws, government, and society in this work of fiction to real-world situations.
- Teaching Guide to Angel on the Square & The Impossible Journey
Study themes of family, patriotism, fear, kindness, survival, and change with this teacher's guide to Angel on the Square and The Impossible Journey by Gloria Whelan. In addition to pre-reading activities about the Russian Revolution and Tsar Nicholas II, this printable packet includes a variety of cross-curricular activities and thematic connections.
- Antsy Does Time & The Schwa Was Here Discussion Guide
Lead students in a discussion about characters and events in Antsy Does Time and The Schwa Was Here. This literature guide includes printable bookmarks, advice on how to start a book club, discussion questions, and activity suggestions for these books by Neal Shüsterman.
- A Teacher's Guide to Avi: Reading Across Genres
This teacher's guide provides interdisciplinary and thematic connections for historical fiction, contemporary fiction, and animal fantasy genres by children's author Avi. In addition to the activities suggested in this guide, information about the author is included.
- Because of Winn-Dixie Teacher's Guide
Refer to the discussion questions in this printable literature guide before, during, and after reading Because of Winn-Dixie with your class. Explore the themes of the novel and extend students' understanding of the story through various cross-curricular activities.
- The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Find a collection of tests, grammar sheets, and project ideas for Barbara Robinson's classic book The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. This novel – about finding the true meaning of Christmas – will be a great addition to your literature curriculum.
- Teaching Guide to Louise Erdrich's Birchbark House Books
Supplement The Birchbark House, The Game of Silence, and The Porcupine Year with this teaching guide to the books by Louise Erdrich. Through these fictional stories, students will learn about the life and history of the Ojibwe on Madeline Island during the mid-1800s. This guide includes discussion questions, extension activities, and project ideas to use with the books.
- Educator's Guide to the Books of Joan Bauer
Help students keep track of their reading with bookmarks to accompany the works of Joan Bauer: Peeled, Thwonk, Stand Tall, Sticks, Squashed, Rules of the Road, Hope Was Here, and Backwater. Each bookmark provides discussion questions and a brief synopsis for one of the eight books. This educator's guide also includes an interview with the author and suggestions for starting a reading group.
- Bridge to Terabithia Teacher's Guide
Promote discussion and critical thinking before, during, and after reading Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson with the resources in this guide. This printable packet includes discussion questions, vocabulary, writing prompts, classroom activities, and more to develop reading skills and strategies.
- The Cats of Roxville Station Discussion Guide
Enrich a classroom discussion of The Cats of Roxville Station, written by Jean Craighead George and illustrated by Tom Pohrt, with the questions and activities in this teacher's guide. Use this printable resource with the book to examine feline behavior and explore friendship between species.
- A Certain Strain of Peculiar Discussion Guide
Use the discussion questions in this guide to engage students in a conversation about the characters, feelings, relationships, and story elements in A Certain Strain of Peculiar, a novel about self-discovery. This printable packet also includes extension activities and information about the author.
- Reading Guide for Chains
Extend students' learning with discussion topics for Chains, a National Book Award finalist. The questions in this printable literature guide examine character development, literary devices, and life in Colonial times.
- Chancey Discussion Guide
Explore the themes, characters, and story elements of Chancey–a novel told from the perspective of a horse–with the resources in this literature guide. This packet includes an introduction to the book, a list of main characters, discussion points, information about the author, and extension activities that connect music and literature.
- Novels by Sharon Creech: Using Literature Circles
Use Literature Circles to promote small group discussion in your classroom. This teacher's guide illustrates how to set up Literature Circles and use them to teach the novels of Newbery Medalist Sharon Creech. It also includes a model lesson for Pleasing the Ghost, information about the author, and cross-curricular activities for Bloomability, Chasing Redbird, Walk Two Moons, The Wanderer, Absolutely Normal Chaos, and Ruby Holler.
- Dork in Disguise, Dork on the Run, and Midsummer Night's Dork Teaching Guide
Use the discussion questions, curriculum connections, and thematic connections in this literature guide to supplement students' reading of Dork in Disguise, Dork on the Run, and Midsummer Night's Dork by Carol Gorman. Thematic connections will help students think about self-acceptance, revenge, judging others, popularity, and friendship.
- Double Dutch Teacher's Guide
Enrich students' reading experience with the discussion questions, writing prompts, research topics, and drama activities in this teacher's guide for Double Dutch. Students will learn about the competitive sport of jumping rope while examining family relationships, the idea of fear, and the consequences of lying.
- Family Reminders Teacher's Guide
Enrich students' reading experience with comprehension questions and extension activities for Family Reminders, a short novel about a family overcoming hardship in the late 1800s. This printable also includes a biography about the author, Julie Danneberg.
- Feathers Reading Guide
After reading Feathers with your class, use the questions in this reading guide to start a discussion about race, segregation, and the 1970s.
- Fever 1793 Teacher's Guide
Explore late eighteenth-century life in America with the discussion topics and cross-curricular activities in this teacher's guide for Fever 1793. Students will learn about the yellow fever epidemic, the Free African Society, and life after the American Revolution.
- Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey
Enrichment activities and Internet resources to enhance the teaching of the true story Fireboat: The Heroic Adventures of the John J. Harvey by Maira Kalman, a retired boat that was called into service again on September 11, 2001.
- Flygirl Discussion Guide
Promote thoughtful discussion about race, heritage, and women's history with this printable discussion guide to Flygirl. It includes questions, research, and activities about World War II and the Women Airforce Service Pilots program.
- Frindle Teacher's Guide
Your students will enjoy reading Frindle, a story about language and creativity. The projects, activities, and discussion topics in this teacher's guide will get students thinking about vocabulary, story-telling, and inventions.
- Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Teacher's Guide
Explore the medieval world through the monologues in Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!, then have fun casting students in a readers' theater. Use this literature guide to help students analyze their characters, create costumes, research life in the Middle Ages, and much more.
- Guests
Discover lesson plans, web resources, and references to accompany the book Guests by Michael Dorris -- the story of a Wampanoag boy in the 1620's. Use these resources to teach students about Native Americans and Colonial times.
- Novels by Will Hobbs: Using Literature Circles
Encourage student-led discussion in your classroom with Literature Circles. This teacher's guide illustrates how to set up Literature Circles and use them to teach the adventure novels of Will Hobbs: Ghost Canoe, Far North, Wild Man Island, Jason's Gold, Down the Yukon, and Jackie's Wild Seattle.
- Hurricane Song Discussion Guide
Thought-provoking discussion questions for Hurricane Song will deepen students' understanding of this book about a high-school boy's struggle for survival in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. This literature guide also includes bookmarks with discussion questions for Rucker Park Setup, Rooftop, and Black and White.
Guides to Fiction I-M - The Importance of Wings Discussion Guide
Engage students in a discussion about the characters, themes, and events in The Importance of Wings with the questions in this printable guide. This literature guide also includes a biography about the author, Robin Friedman.
- Impossible Discussion Guide
Explore the themes of true love, friendship, and family through the discussion questions in this guide to Impossible, a novel by Nancy Werlin, inspired by the ballad "Scarborough Fair."
- In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson
This literature guide includes enrichment activities and internet resources for In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson, a book about a Chinese child who comes to Brooklyn, New York in 1947 and becomes Americanized by her love for baseball.
- Island of the Blue Dolphins
Island of the Blue Dolphins tells the story of an American Indian girl stranded on an island, alone, for 18 years. This literature guide for the Newbery Award winner will excite students to keep reading from cover to cover. Our resources will help teachers to extend the book.
- Jason's Gold Teacher's Guide
Delve into the story of Jason's Gold, an adventure novel by Will Hobbs, and enhance students' reading experience through the suggestions and activities in this teacher's guide. As they read the historical novel and complete these activities, students will learn about the Klondike gold rush, Greek mythology, and American adventure-writer Jack London.
- Teacher's Guide for Lady Liberty
Deepen students' appreciation for the history behind famous landmarks and monuments with the resources in this literature guide for Lady Liberty. This printable packet includes reading comprehension and discussion questions, cross-curricular activities, and research topics for further study.
- The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
The classic tale of a fantasy world and four children's adventures in it,The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, will surely delight and inspire your students. We provide enrichment activities and resources for the book.
- Locomotion & Peace, Locomotion Discussion Guide
Expand students' understanding of the world with discussion questions and activities for Locomotion and Peace, Locomotion, by Jacqueline Woodson. The resources in this printable literature guide will help students examine characters, emotions, experiences, and events in these novels.
- A Long Way from Chicago and A Year Down Yonder
These two stories by Richard Peck offer a lively picture of the depression years in small-town America. Joey and his sister Mary Alice describe the time they spent with their grandmother, a feisty, terrifying, and goodhearted woman.
- Looks Discussion Guide
Engage students in a thoughtful discussion about physical appearance, social hierarchy, friendship, and revenge with the questions in this printable guide to Looks, a novel by Madeleine George.
- Study Guides to Books by Laurence Yep
This literature guide to Laurence Yep's The Serpent's Children, Mountain Light, Dragonwings, and Dragon's Gate – books that explore the political and social aspects of the Chinese-American experience and address universal themes – includes instructional materials for teachers as well resources for readers. This packet includes information about each book, questions to promote classroom discussion, tools to develop reading skills and strategies, and extension activities to further learning.
- The Magician's Elephant Teachers' Guide
Use the discussion questions in this guide to engage students in a conversation about Kate DiCamillo's The Magician's Elephant, a magical story about the impossible quests facing a little boy, an old musician, and a lost elephant. This literature guide also includes extension activities that will enliven children's imaginations and spark creativity.
- Maniac Magee Literature Guide
This Newbery Medal winner tells the mythical tale of a legendary hero: 12 year old Jeffrey Magee – known as Maniac Magee. An orphan with no place to call home, Maniac Magee enters the town of Two Mills, a town sharply divided by race. Magee's athletic skills, combined with his nonjudgmental way, lead the people of Two Mills to overcome segregation, racial profiling, and ignorance.
- Milkweed
In Milkweed, author Jerry Spinelli paints a vivid picture of the streets of the Nazi-occupied Warsaw during World War II, as seen through the eyes of a young orphan. This teacher's guide, which includes summary, discussion questions, and activities, will help in your instruction of the novel.
- The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane Teacher's Guide
This teacher's guide to The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is chock-full of discussion questions, lesson planning resources, projects, and research ideas that will help students examine the book's characters, events, and meaning.
- The Misfits Teacher's Guide
After reading The Misfits, use the discussion questions in this guide to examine the events in the book and develop students' critical thinking skills. The related activities and research projects will encourage students to learn about political parties, the history of name-calling, and the experiences of misfits.
- My Brother Sam Is Dead
Tim is forced to deal with the difficulties of the Revolutionary War in the story My Brother Sam Is Dead. The young boy is torn between his father, who is an English loyalist, and his brother, a Rebel.
- Mythology Teacher's Guide
Enrich your study of religions and ancient civilizations with discussion points and cross-curricular activities to accompany Mythology: The Gods, Heroes, and Monsters of Ancient Greece. This printable teacher's guide includes lesson planning resources for each chapter in the book.
| Guides to Fiction N-S - Teacher's Guide to Books by N. E. Bode
This is a five-part teacher's guide to books by N. E. Bode, including The Anybodies, The Nobodies, The Somebodies, and The Slippery Map. This guide includes pre-reading activities, writing exercises, discussion questions, and cross-curricular activities to use with the books.
- Our Only May Amelia Teacher's Guide
Use the lesson-planning resources in this teacher's guide to Our Only May Amelia by Jennifer L. Holm to educate students about life as a Finnish-American pioneer in 19th century America. Then, discuss the nature of family relationships. This guide includes suggestions for before, during, and after reading the book, as well as art, language arts, and social studies activities to incorporate the book across your curriculum.
- Pedro's Journal Literature Guide
The literature guide for Pedro's Journal, a story about Columbus' travels, includes enrichment activities and Internet resources, as well as a list of other books by Pam Conrad. Enjoy this novel for Columbus Day or during a unit on explorers.
- Preacher's Boy Teacher's Guide
Set the stage for group discussion, meet the author, and enrich lessons with cross-curricular activities for Katherine Paterson's Preacher's Boy. This teacher's guide includes resources to examine themes and improve reading skills and strategies.
- A Teaching Guide for Beverly Cleary's Ramona Books
Find great suggestions for using Beverly Cleary's Ramona books in your classroom. This teacher's guide includes an interview with the author, book descriptions and extension activities for Beezus and Ramona, Ramona the Pest, Ramona the Brave, Ramona and Her Father, Ramona and Her Mother, Ramona Quimby, Age 8, Ramona Forever, and Ramona's World.
- Red Scarf Girl Teacher's Guide
Study a difficult time in Chinese history with this teacher's guide to Ji-li Jiang's Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution, a novel about a family's courage during a political reign of terror in China. This printable includes an author interview, reading skills and strategies, questions for group discussion, and cross-curricular activities.
- Remembering Mrs. Rossi Teacher's Guide
Deepen students' understanding of life, love, loss, and grief through the resources and activities in this printable teacher's guide to Remembering Mrs. Rossi. This literature guide includes a dictionary activity, open-response questions, writing assignments, teacher appreciation activities, and curriculum connections for art, math, and social studies.
- The Report Card Teacher's Guide
Encourage elementary and intermediate students to think about educational issues with the discussion topics, activities, and projects in this teacher's guide for The Report Card. These resources will get students thinking about the meaning of intelligence, the emphasis on grades, and the significance of test scores.
- Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
Mildred D. Taylor's Newbery Award-winning novel, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, will capture your middle and intermediate students' attention. This story is about a black family who must struggle with discrimination during the Depression of the 1930s.
- The Rules of Survival Teacher's Guide
After reading The Rules of Survival with your students, use the resources in this literature guide to discuss the novel's portrayal of family dynamics, mental illness, and abuse.
- Savvy Discussion Guide
This printable literature guide to Savvy, a novel by Ingrid Law, includes pre-reading points, discussion questions, and activities to extend students' learning and enjoyment of the book. The book features a family with a gift: they each earn special powers when they turn thirteen. The almost-13-year-old girl at the center of the story is awaiting her "savvy" when she receives terrible news. Her coming-of-age story will resonate deeply with intermediate students.
- A Season of Gifts Discussion Guide
After reading A Season of Gifts by Richard Peck, use the discussion questions in this guide to continue a classroom dialogue about the book. The story of Grandma Dowdel, an eccentric, forceful, big-hearted woman, continues in this sequel to A Long Way from Chicago and A Year Down Yonder.
- The Secret Garden
Use this guide on The Secret Garden to stimulate discussions focused on themes, symbols, recurrent motifs, and Frances Hodgson Burnett's style.
- Seedfolks Teacher's Guide
Examine the themes and characters in Newbery Medalist Paul Fleischman's Seedfolks, a series of first-person vignettes about an urban garden that brings hope and community to a diverse neighborhood, with this reading guide for educators. This printable packet includes reading skills and strategies to use with students, questions for group discussion, a variety of cross-curricular activities, and a Q&A with the author.
- Seek Teacher's Guide
Enhance students' reading experience with discussion topics that explore the characters, plot, and writing style of Seek. This printable teacher's guide includes activities and research projects about autobiographies and radio broadcasting.
- Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events Teacher's Guide
Incorporate the books from Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events into your classroom curriculum. This literature guide includes in-depth teaching plans for The Bad Beginning and many activities to use across the rest of the series (books 2-13). Use these discussion questions, vocabulary activities, writing activities, character studies, and cross-curricular activities to supplement and enhance your teaching of these books.
- Shakespeare – Teacher Resources
We have dozens of resources about Shakespeare – from teacher's literature guides, to lesson plans, to art activities. You'll find plenty of ways to help your students appreciate the Bard's plays and poetry.
- Silent to the Bone Reader's Guide
After reading Silent to the Bone, use the discussion topics in this reader's guide to explore the book's characters and events. These resources will help you engage your students in a conversation about serious emotional issues, family relationships, and abuse.
- Speak Discussion Guide
Use the resources in this literature guide to Speak to engage students in a thoughtful discussion about the serious and sensitive issue of rape. This printable includes a poem by Laurie Halse Anderson and discussion questions about friendship, social hierarchy, truth, and the importance of speaking up.
- A Step from Heaven
This is the story of a Korean family that immigrates to California in search of a better life, only to find that the American Dream is harder to achieve than they thought. The tale is told through the eyes of Young Ju, as she grows from preschooler to young woman.
- The Storm in the Barn Teacher's Guide
Use The Storm in the Barn – a graphic novel by Matt Phelan – to teach students about the Dust Bowl and life in America during the 1930s. This teacher's guide includes historical information, book discussion questions, extension activities, and a note from the author.
- Surviving the Applewhites Teacher's Guide
This teacher's guide to Surviving the Applewhites, a 2003 Newbery Honor Book by Stephanie S. Tolan, includes group discussion questions and suggested activities to inspire deep thinking about creativity, individuality, personal growth, and self-esteem.
Guides to Fiction T-Z - The Tale of Despereaux Teacher's Guide
Deepen students' reading comprehension through the pre-reading questions, reading instruction, and connection activities in this literature guide for The Tale of Despereaux. This printable packet includes worksheets, a graphic organizer, and lesson planning resources for each section of the book.
- A Guide to Teaching The Thief, The Queen of Attolia, and The King of Attolia
This teacher's guide to The Thief, The Queen of Attolia, and The King of Attolia includes a synthesis of the trilogy, information about each book, and discussion questions. Use this series by Megan Whalen Turner to encourage critical thinking about familial relationships, responsibility, deceptive appearances, and shifting power dynamics—in both politics and personal relationships.
- Reading Guide for The Underneath
Deepen students understanding of The Underneath, a National Book Award finalist, with the resources in this literature guide. Pre-reading activities, discussion topics, and projects will help students explore the main themes, emotions, and relationships in this novel.
- Vote! Discussion Guide
The lesson planning resources in this discussion guide for Vote! will involve students of all ages in the electoral process. These activities are a great way for students to learn about their local, state, and Federal government while researching campaign issues, political parties, candidates, and voting methods. This is an excellent resource for learning about the presidential election.
- Vote! Teacher's Guide
Extend and enhance students' enjoyment of the book Vote! with the activities in this printable teacher's guide. This packet includes discussion questions about the electoral process in the United States (including the presidential election), a word search with election vocabulary, and Internet resources for additional information on this topic.
- When I Crossed No-Bob Reader's Guide
The questions in this printable reader's guide will help you and your class explore social issues in American history and discuss the meaning of family. Students will better understand the personal and social challenges that Addy O'Donnell faces in When I Crossed No-Bob, a book about life in the South after the Civil War.
- While No One Was Watching and Crazy Lady! Teacher's Guide
Discuss how characters deal with challenging issues including alcoholism, mental illness, peer pressure, class struggles, theft, and abandonment with the resources in this teacher's guide to While No One Was Watching and Crazy Lady! by Jane Leslie Conly. In addition to an author interview and cross-curricular activities, this guide includes reading skills, reading strategies, and group discussion questions for each book.
- Wintergirls Discussion Guide
Encourage critical thinking and discussion with reading comprehension questions for Laurie Halse Anderson's novel Wintergirls, a story about friendship, relationships, eating disorders, and loss. This printable also includes discussion questions for Speak.
- The World of Warriors Educator's Guide
This guide to the Warrior series includes open-ended discussion questions relating to each of the three story lines, curriculum connection project ideas, and creative arts-based activities. Use this literature guide for ideas on how to incorporate the popular Warrior series in your classroom.
- The Youngest Templar: Keeper of the Grail Reading Guide
Supplement students' reading of The Youngest Templar: Keeper of the Grail with an author interview, pre-reading questions, and cross-curricular projects in this literature guide. The epic adventure novel by Michael P. Spradlin will capture their imaginations as they learn about the Crusades and the Knights Templar.
- Ziggy & the Black Dinosaurs: Backyard Animal Show Teacher's Guide
Extend students' enjoyment of Ziggy & the Black Dinosaurs: Backyard Animal Show with the teaching resources and cross-curricular activities in this guide. This printable includes several discussion topics for each chapter, so you can monitor students' comprehension as they progress through the book.
- Ziggy & the Black Dinosaurs: The Buried Bones Mystery Teacher's Guide
Develop students' language arts skills while extending their enjoyment of Ziggy & the Black Dinosaurs: The Buried Bones Mystery. The discussion topics, research activities, and writing prompts in this teacher's guide will help you engage your students in the reading experience, while exploring the characters and elements of the story.
Guides to Nonfiction- After Gandhi Teacher's Guide
Discuss the Indian Independence Movement and the challenging work of 15 activists with this literature guide for After Gandhi: One Hundred Years of Nonviolent Resistance. Research projects, cross-curricular activities, discussion questions, Internet resources, and reading comprehension checks are included in this printable guide for teachers.
- Educator's Guide to Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope
Study the life of Barack Obama with the resources in this literature guide to Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope, a biography of the 44th President of the United States. This printable includes pre-reading questions, discussion topics, and cross-curricular projects to further young children's knowledge of this important political figure.
- Educator's Guide to The Brook Book
Enhance students' enjoyment of The Brook Book, by Jim Arnosky, with this educator's guide. This printable includes pre- and post-exploration research, activities, and discussion questions to help students observe and discover their natural world.
- The Day the World Exploded Teacher's Guide
Study volcanoes and natural disasters with this teacher's guide to The Day the World Exploded: The Earthshaking Catastrophe at Krakatoa by Simon Winchester. This guide includes classroom discussion prompts and activities for language arts, history, and science.
- A Guide to Teaching About Freedom Struggles
This teaching guide includes author interviews, discussion questions, cross-curricular activities, and reading strategies for No Turning Back: A Novel of South Africa by Beverley Naidoo and Escape from Slavery: Five Journeys to Freedom by Doreen Rappaport. Use these resources to teach children about the struggle for freedom.
- Reading Guide for Hillary Rodham Clinton: Dreams Taking Flight
Enrich your language arts or social studies unit with this reading guide for the biography Hillary Rodham Clinton: Dreams Taking Flight. The discussion questions and activities in this printable will introduce young children to the dreams and career goals of Hillary Clinton. Students will research the job of a U.S. senator, the life of a First Lady, women in politics, and much more.
- Margaret Chase Smith: A Woman for President Mock Election Guide
Engage students in government by holding a mock election in your classroom! After reading Margaret Chase Smith, use the research ideas, discussion questions, and activities in this guide to teach your class about U.S. political parties, presidential debates, political campaigns, and voting.
- Discussion Guide for The Mayflower and the Pilgrims' New World
Author Nathaniel Philbrick evokes the drama of the voyage of the Mayflower, the emptiness of coastal Massachusetts that greeted the Pilgrims, and the friendship of the settlers with many powerful Native American leaders. But the promise of the First Thanksgiving was broken with the next generation of leaders when a horrifying conflict (King Philip's war) nearly wiped out the colonists and Natives alike. This discussion guide is a fantastic introduction to the beginning of American History, the tumultuous relationship between the settlers and the Native Americans, and to the meaning behind Thanksgiving.
- Reading Guide for My Dad, John McCain
Discuss John McCain's time in the U.S. Navy and as a POW with the questions in this reading guide for the biography My Dad, John McCain. This printable also includes activities and suggests websites of interest to further students' knowledge of the U.S. senator and 2008 Republican presidential candidate.
- No More!, Free at Last! & Nobody Gonna Turn Me 'Round Teacher's Guide
Explore African-American history from slavery through the civil rights movement, with the pre-reading activities, discussion questions, and illustrated timelines in this literature guide. This printable teacher's guide includes resources for each book in the trilogy: No More!, Free at Last!, and Nobody Gonna Turn Me 'Round.
- September 11, 2001: Attack on New York City Teacher's Guide
This printable teacher's guide contains discussion questions, lesson ideas, and extension activities for September 11, 2001: Attack on New York City, a book of firsthand accounts by people who lived through the terrorist attacks. The resources in this literature guide will help your students examine how the events of 9/11 impacted individuals, the U.S. economy, world politics, and international relations.
- Three Cups of Tea & Listen to the Wind Discussion Guide
Explore themes of peace and generosity as you discuss the story of Greg Mortenson and his journey to change the world. The discussion questions, research projects, and cross-curricular activities in this literature guide will enhance the reading of Three Cups of Tea and Listen to the Wind for students, educators, and communities. In addition, use our brochure to engage in community-building activities.
- War in the Middle East: A Reporter's Story Discussion Guide
Refer to the discussion questions in this guide before, during, and after reading War in the Middle East: A Reporter's Story to encourage critical thinking about war and world politics. Use these resources with the book to teach students about the history of events leading up to Black September and the Yom Kippur War.
- Winning Words Teacher's Guide
Pre-reading activities, class projects, discussion topics, research ideas, and writing assignments will deepen student's appreciation for the six inspirational sports stories in Winning Words. Enhance students' reading experience by using the resources in this printable literature guide.
Guides to Poetry- I Must Go Down to the Beach Again Discussion Guide
Have fun teaching your students about poetry with questions, writing assignments, and drama activities that extend and enhance their enjoyment of the parodied poems in I Must Go Down to the Beach Again.
- Messing Around on the Monkey Bars Teacher's Guide
Author Betsy Franco suggests ways to use Messing Around on the Monkey Bars and Other School Poems for Two Voices in your classroom. This teacher's guide includes tips about poetry writing, teaching children about personification, sound words, making lists, rhyming words, and acrostic poems. This is a great teaching resource for Poetry Month or anytime of year.
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Asian-Pacific-American Heritage Month
May is Asian-Pacific-American Heritage Month! Don't overlook this opportunity to study and enjoy activities about the history and culture of Asian-Pacific American communities.
Top 10 Galleries
Explore our most popular Top 10 galleries, from Top 10 Behavior Management Tips for the Classroom and Top 10 Classroom Organization Tips from Veteran Teachers to Top 10 Free (& Cheap) Rewards for Students and Top 10 Things Every Teacher Needs in the Classroom. We'll help you get organized and prepared for every classroom situation, holiday, and more! Check out all of our galleries today.
May Calendar of Events
May is full of holidays and events that you can incorporate into your standard curriculum. Our Educators' Calendar outlines activities for each event, including: Children's Book Week (5/13-19), Biographers Day (5/16), and Memorial Day (5/27). Plus, celebrate Asian-Pacific-American Heritage Month, Clean Air Month, and Physical Fitness & Sports Month all May long!
Common Core Lessons & Resources
Is your school district adopting the Common Core? Work these new standards into your curriculum with our reading, writing, speaking, social studies, and math lessons and activities. Each piece of content incorporates the Common Core State Standards into the activity or lesson.
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