When teaching the novel Into the Wild by John Krakauer, I can focus on the theme of the pursuit of happiness and introduce the Susan B. Anthony conversation and the concept of Freedom at the beginning of the novel. At …
The Women’s Movement of the 1800s is a great opportunity to teach the theme of cooperation and how the leaders of the movement– Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony– worked together to fight against injustice. I could use the …
Arthur Miller’s historical drama The Crucible features multiple examples of conflict. I would pair this play (based on real events) with the conversation with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on conflict at multiple places in the play as different conflicts …
I’m teaching the Underground Railroad and I want to focus on the importance of dreams as a tool for changing the world. I could use the Harriet Tubman conversation to kick off the lesson. For fun, I wouldn’t tell the …
I’m studying World War II and want to look at the theme of sacrifice by exploring how the average citizen was made to contribute their heart and soul to defeat the enemy through volunteering, food rationing and the like. The …
Students of all ages enjoy Dr. Seuss stories. The title story in the collection “Yertle the Turtle” tells the tale of a know-it-all dictator turtle who refuses to listen to the members of his kingdom when they warn him of …
I want to teach the Gettysburg Address and I think the Gandhi conversation on sacrifice would be a great conversation to have just before handing out this speech to get the kids appreciating the importance of thinking of others before …
Freedom means different things to different people, and some throughout history have had to struggle more to get it than others. After reading Kate Chopin’s classic “The Story of an Hour”, students can use the conversation with Susan B. Anthony …
I’m teaching characterization in Matilda by Roald Dahl. I will focus on the theme of kindness by examining the varied character traits of Matilda, her parents, Miss Trunchbull, and Miss Honey. I would introduce the conversation surrounding Seneca and kindness …
Young children benefit from texts that teach social lessons. One short story that I can use in my elementary Language Arts classroom to teach about loyalty is “Getting Even“ by Deb Westgate-Silva. In the story, Rosa and Stephanie are best …
In the Ted Talk “The power of believing that you can improve,” psychologist and Stanford professor, Carol Dweck, delivers her findings about growth and fixed mindsets, which can help viewers uncover the tools within themselves to achieve their dreams. I …
Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters is a retelling of the classic Cinderella story and an excellent opportunity for a lesson in character. The two sisters in this tale are put through the exact same test in their quest to marry a king, …
