Barbara Park, author of the Junie B. Jones series, was born on this day.

Students write their own "Junie B." stories, based on the Junie B. Jones series, after brainstorming issues they've experienced during the school year.

Grades   1 – 6

Celebrate Earth Day!

In celebration of Earth Day, students research famous environmentalists and write letters to them asking for their opinions on current issues and turn their letters into a poem.

Grades   3 – 12

In 1564, William Shakespeare was born on this day.

Based on grade level, students learn about rhyming structure, experiment with the Shakespearean Insult Kit, or study scenes from Othello and watch an adaptation of that scene from the movie O.

Grades   1 – 12

On this day in 1800, Congress approved the purchase of books to start the Library of Congress.

Students practice and refine research skills by visiting the Library of Congress website and conducting a research project.

Grades   7 – 12

The Spanish town of Guernica was bombed on this date in 1937.

After showing students Picasso's Guernica, they are provided with background information, share their impressions, and write about Picasso's purpose in creating the painting.

Grades   3 – 12

Playwright August Wilson was born in 1945.

Students use the Timeline Tool and Drama Map to create a decade-by-decade record and play of their community's history.

Grades   9 – 12

Coretta Scott King was born on this day in 1927.

Students do a book report assignment based on a current or past winner of the Coretta Scott King Book Award.

Grades   3 – 12