English II

A matter of identity: Writing an extended metaphor poem

Students apply their knowledge of literary devices by reading and analyzing the poem “Identity” by Julio Noboa Polanco. Students then create their own poem incorporating the literary devices studied and analyzed in the above mentioned poem. This lesson includes modifications for a Novice Low Limited English student.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 English Language Arts and English Language Development)

By Susan Brooks and Carrie Mabry.

Eyewitness to the flood

In this lesson, students will listen to oral history excerpts from Hurricane Floyd survivors and contrast their experiences with the experiences of the characters in Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God.

Format: lesson plan (multiple pages)

Do you really believe in magic?

Students are introduced to the genre (or mode) of Magical Realism in World Literature by reading Gabriel Garcia-Marquez's short story, "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings." This lesson plan is modified for an English Language Learner (ELL) at the Intermediate Low (IL) proficiency level.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 English Language Arts and English Language Development)

By Ann Gerber and Tericia Summers.

Colors and symbols of stigmatization

This lesson is an introduction to the reading of Night by Elie Wiesel, which students will read independently. The students will do research to discover the different colors and symbols used to symbolize the Nazi party's list of undesirable people. The students will gain an understanding of how other people can arbitrarily judge other people as inferior.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 English Language Arts and English Language Development)

By Sandra Hurd and Wilma Gale.

Who Moved My Cheese? for Teens

Students read, discuss, and write about Who Moved My Cheese? for Teens by Spencer Johnson, M.D., a parable about life's changes, and how best to benefit from them. By reading the parable, students will learn ways to react positively to inevitable change, and gain insight into their personal decision-making processes regarding changes in their lives, now and in the future. This lesson plan is modified for Advanced English Language Learners in the 9th and 10th grades. It is written for 45 minute class periods, but can be modified for 90 minute block classes.

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 English Language Arts and English Language Development)

By Ann Gerber.

Resources on the web

Form and theme in the traditional Mexican Corrido

In this ARTSEDGE lesson, students learn about the traditional Mexican musical form of corridos, which dates back to the 1800s and continues to be very popular. Activities in this lesson engage students in online learning,... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 English Language Arts, Music Education, Second Languages, and Social Studies)

Provided by: ArtsEdge

Faulkner's "As I Lay Dying": Crossing the River

This EDSITEment lesson plan introduces students to William Faulkner's novel As I Lay Dying. Students consider the symbolism of the river crossing in this novel and how Faulkner's use of multiple narrative perspectives relates to the author's... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–11 English Language Arts)

Provided by: EDSITEment

Corridos about the Mexican Revolution

In this ARTSEDGE lesson, students explore causes of the Mexican Revolution and key revolutionary figures. They will gain an understanding of a particular Mexican song form, the corrido, and its role as a vehicle for communicating... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 English Language Arts, Music Education, Second Languages, and Social Studies)

Provided by: ArtsEdge