Lessons & Activites

Letters - Alphabet Puzzle Pieces

Learning the alphabet is fundamental to reading. Without the knowledge of letters, children will have a difficult time with all other aspects of learning. This lesson explores the many aspects of letter knowledge, such as shape recognition, letter naming, sound knowledge and the ability to print letters.
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Numbers - Ladybug

Learning to count depends heavily on how much language exposure a young child has. In the beginning, children recognize written numbers that mean something significant to them, such as their age. This lesson incorporates the use of creative manipulatives, which give children visual imagery of "how many" and helps them to form associations between a number's name and the amount of something it represents.
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Shapes - House/Train

Understanding geometric shapes is a basic skill in mathematics learning. It offers a way for students to interpret and reflect on their physical environment, as well as develop early mathematical reasoning. This lesson helps students at the pre-K level identify geometric shapes by name and differentiate between the basic shapes of objects in their daily surroundings.
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Colors - Paint

This lesson encourages early learners to put on their creative, painters' hats and have some fun with color recognition. Students begin by identifying basic color themes, and by the end of the lesson, they will identify the names and differences between primary colors.
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Barack Obama

Education Level: Grades 4-12

The election and inauguration of President Barack Obama presents a unique and timely opportunity for students and teachers to learn more about government, the role of the President of the United States and the importance of leadership and citizenship. This lesson plan helps students to learn about Barack Obama both as a unique person and as the President. Students will be encouraged to research his life experiences as well as draw comparisons between him and presidents of the past.                          

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Biography Book Report

Education Level: Grades 4-8

Biographies are a popular type of non-fiction literature for elementary and middle school students. They help make history more real and appealing for students. This lesson plan encourages students to study people in history who have faced problems and criticisms, and share with classmates what they learn. 
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Diversity, Tolerance and Acceptance

Education Level: Grades 2-8

We can define diversity as the sum of many ways that people are both alike and different. Influenced by values, attitudes, experiences and beliefs, children respond to diversity in many unique and different ways. Therefore, learning about and accepting diversity presents both promise and challenge in the classroom. This lesson plan enriches students by helping to prepare them for a diverse, global 21st century. 
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North American Explorers

Education Level: Grades 4-8

From the beginning of recorded time, humans have shown their desire to explore the unknown. Whether it was a quest for gold, new lands or trade routes, explorers risked a great deal for their desire for more. This lesson plan can be used to help students learn about these great men of adventure. 
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Geometric Shapes

Education Level: Grades 1-8

Understanding geometric shapes and developing a spatial sense are basic skills in mathematics learning. These skills offer ways for students to interpret and reflect on their physical environment, and they provide tools that may be useful in the study of other topics in Math and Science. This lesson plan helps students learn geometry using concrete models, drawings and other visuals. 
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Water Cycle

Education Level: Grades 4-9

The Earth's water is always in movement, and the water cycle describes the presence and movement of water as it is above, on and within the Earth. All life on the planet depends on the continual existence and flow of the water cycle. This lesson plan can be used to help students realize the importance of water and how their actions impact its movement. 
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Activities to Promote Positive Behavior

The following activities are designed to reinforce positive behaviors through teaching students about appropriate behaviors and developing a classroom community. These activities are especially useful when working with students with emotional and/or behavior disorders and students diagnosed with autism, who will benefit from consistent reinforcement and positive feedback.

Classroom Community
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Positive Behavior Plan
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Emphasize Character Traits: Recognize Behavior
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Tools to Define and Communicate Clear Expectations

The following activities are designed to aid in creating an efficient and effective classroom with clear expectations and procedures. Bringing these instructional tools into your classroom will help with classroom management, specifically when students are expected to work independently. These activities are especially useful when working with students with emotional and/or behavioral disorders and students diagnosed with autism, who will benefit from consistency in the classroom and throughout the building, along with increased visual supports.

Communicate: Curriculum Guidelines
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Communicate: Homework
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Communicate: Procedures
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Establish Classroom Routines
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Consistent School Expectations
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Prepare for Success
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Activities for Students with Speech/Language Difficulties

The following activities involve giving students hands-on materials that can be manipulated, helping students with identification and recognition.

Communication Boards: Basic Needs
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Communication Boards: Color Identification
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Flashcards: American Sign Language
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