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

Weaving the multigenre web

In this lesson, students read novels, analyze the literary elements, and create a multigenre project to present information to their peers. (Learn more)

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

Provided by: IRA/NCTE

Gods, heroes, and other celebrated Greeks

This lesson, one of a multi-part unit from ARTSEDGE, is designed to help students shape a frame of reference for examining specific areas of ancient Greek influence on Western thought and culture. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 10 Visual Arts Education, English Language Arts, and Social Studies)

Provided by: The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Ghosts and fear in language arts: Exploring the ways writers scare readers

Students investigate what it is that is so fascinating about scary stories. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 10 English Language Arts)

Provided by: IRA/NCTE

Form and theme in the traditional Mexican Corrido

In this lesson, one of a multi-part unit from ARTSEDGE, students learn about the traditional Mexican musical form of corridos, which dates back to the 1800s and continues to be very popular. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 10 English Language Arts, Music Education, and Social Studies)

Provided by: The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

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

Students consider the symbolism of the river crossing in As I Lay Dying and how Faulkner's use of multiple narrative perspectives relates to the author's thematic concerns. (Learn more)

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

Provided by: National Endowment for the Humanities

Faulkner's "As I Lay Dying": Burying Addie's Voice

Students consider the role of Addie Bundren in Faulkner's As I Lay Dying, the effect she has on the other characters, and the impact created by Faulkner's use of multiple narrative perspectives on revelation of character and exploration of themes.... (Learn more)

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

Provided by: National Endowment for the Humanities

Decoding “The Matrix”: Exploring dystopian characteristics through film

In this lesson, students are introduced to the definition and characteristics of a dystopian work by watching video clips from The Matrix and other dystopian films. (Learn more)

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

Provided by: IRA/NCTE

Audio listening practices: Exploring personal experiences with audio texts

In this lesson designed to develop students’ involvement with media literacy, students keep a daily diary that records how and when they listen to radio, music (e.g., songs on MP3 players, podcasting), and other streaming media or archived broadcasts. (Learn more)

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

Provided by: IRA/NCTE