Department of Education

Resources - Extending the Learning

Collaborating on a Class Book: Exploring Before-During-After Sequences	In this classroom project, students and the teacher produce a class book through a group-writing activity focusing on a basic before-during-after sequence of events. In this case, the book focuses on the carving of the class jack-o-lantern, though the lesson plan could be customized for explorations of other items in the classroom. Grades K-2.
Creating Question and Answer Books through Guided Research	This lesson focuses on a "learn by doing" series of reading and writing activities designed to teach research strategies. The activity uses KWL charts and interactive writing as key components of organizing information. Grades K-2.
Reading and Writing About Whales Using Fiction and Nonfiction Texts	This lesson teaches students how to formulate research questions and write letters. The lesson uses fiction and nonfiction picture books. This lesson incorporates links to a variety of online resources. Grades K-2.
Who's Got Mail? Using Literature to Promote Authentic Letter Writing	Students listen to and talk about stories dealing with correspondence, then participate in a collaborative, whole-group letter-writing activity. Grades 3-5

Read*Write*Think contains a wealth of reading and writing lessons. It is a collaborative effort between the International Reading Association, NCTE, and Marco Polo.

Bank Street's Guide to Literacy for Volunteers and Tutors , Bank Street College of Education provides reading tutors with a variety of information ranging from background information on literacy and early reading, sample lesson plans, activities, and information on other literacy and reading resources.