English 5

Top of Page

English
Grades 5-8

Language Resources

Skip down to Web Sites

Print and Media

COMING SOON COMING SOON COMING SOON

English
Grades 5-8

Language Resources

Skip to Print and Media Resources

Web Sites

A&E Television Networks (2001). Speech Archives.
Simply download RealPlayer and get set to "hear the words that changed the world." Browse speeches by category or click on the speech archive link for a full list of speeches, arranged alphabetically by speaker.
URL: http://www.historychannel.com/speeches/ free
Audience: 5,6,7,8,9,20,11,12
Subjects: Public speaking, Persuasive language
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 3: Oral Presentation
Strand: Language

Barton, Jennifer, Paul Heilker, and David Rutlowski. (c. 2000 by McGraw-Hill Fisher Education). Fostering Effective Classroom Discussions.
The authors, professors of English at Virginia Tech., provide specific strategies to facilitate student participation in meaningful and productive classroom discussions. An excellent overview of types of questions teachers employ and methods designed to elicit stimulating student responses.
URL: http://www.mhhe.com/socscience/english/tc/discussion.htm free
Audience: 7,8,9,10,11,12,Teacher
Subjects: Questioning, classroom discussion
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 2: Questioning, Listening, and Contributing
Strand: Language

The British Council. (c. 2000). British Studies Web Pages : Identity.
While the Council's stated target audience is "teachers and learners of English in Poland," the information they present has universal applications. Sections focusing on England vs. Scotland, for example, can be modified easily to reflect language patterns in the United States. Be sure to check "Political Corretness" and "What's in a Name?" in the Language Corner for relevant, thought-provoking classroom discussion topics.
URL: http://elt.britcoun.org.pl/i_index.htm free
Audience: 5,6,7,8,Teacher
Subjects: English language, names, world cultures
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 5: Structure and Origins of Modern English
Strand: Language

Cambridge University Press. (2000). Cambridge Dictionaries Online.
Users can search five online dictionaries for words, idioms and phrases. A nice way to compare American usage to its British and international counterparts.
URL: http://dictionary.cambridge.org/ free
Audience: 7,8,9,10,11,12
Subjects: Dictionaries, Vocabulary, Idiom
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 4: Vocabulary and Concept Development
Strand: Language

Cambridge University Press. (2000). Cambridge Dictionaries Online Activities.
The publisher provides challenging tests of users' knowledge skills based upon three international dictionaries: Cambridge International Dictionary of English. Of Phrasal Verbs, and of Idioms. The first two require Shockwave, and the illustrations accompanying the last are absolutely hilarious. A great in-class reward.
URL: http://uk.cambridge.org/elt/reference/activity.htm free
Audience: 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12
Subjects: Vocabulary, Slang, Idiomatic expressions
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 4: Vocabulary and Concept Development
Strand: Language

Cook, Carley Orr. (1997-2001). Vocabulary University.
With difficulty levels ranging from elementary through college prep, this site offers activities such as Fill-in-the-Blanks, Definition Matching, Synonym and Antonym Encounter, Crossword, and many more. There is also a thematic approach ranging from fun (Baseball puzzles) to serious (Most Important SAT Words). Another plus is the lesson plan link for teachers.
URL: http://www.vocabulary.com/index.html free; personalized registration available at no cost
Audience: 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,Teacher
Subjects: Vocabulary, Word origins
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 4: Vocabulary and Concept Development
Strand: Language

Darling, Charles. (2001). Guide to Grammar and Writing.
Darling, a professor of English at Connecticut's Capital Community College, presents an amazingly in-depth but easy-to-use guide. Drop-down menus access rules ranging from Word & Sentence Level, Paragraph Level, and Essay & Research Paper Level. Darling also provides interactive quizzes and will answer grammar questions.
URL: http://webster.commnet.edu/grammar/index.htm free
Audience: 7,8,9,10,11,12,Teacher
Subjects: Grammar, Sentences, Usage
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 5: Structure and Origins of Modern English
Strand: Language

Dillon, Tom. (May 14, 2001). Dillon's Online Vocabulary
Dillon offers interactive vocabulary quizzes for each letter of the alphabet; for foreign words that have entered the English language; for unusual words; and, most fun of all, Scrabble words. The first three categories provide answers and etymology, based upon The American Heritage Dictionary and Merriam-Webster Online, and the last relies upon The Official Scrabble Players Dictionary.
URL: http://people.ne.mediaone.net/tomdillon/index.html free
Audience: 5,6,7,8,9
Subjects: Vocabulary, Etymology
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 4: Vocabulary and Concept Development
Strand: Language

Discovery.com. (2000). Discovery School's Puzzlemaker.
Use the on-line software to create and print word searches, crossword puzzles, cryptograms, mazes, etc. Word lists, organized by topic and intended to complement the Discovery Channel's lesson plans, plus clip art add a thematic dimension to puzzle-making. Another plus: Teachers may create on-line storage accounts by clicking on the "Join My Discovery" link.
URL: http://puzzlemaker.school.discovery.com/ free
Audience: 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,Teacher
Subjects: Word puzzles, Vocabulary
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 4: Vocabulary and Concept Development
Strand: Language

Discovery.com (2001). Discovery Schools Vocabulary Quiz Whiz.
This is an incredibly flexible, easy-to-use program for creating vocabulary quizzes and anagrams. After entering your word choices, simply click on "View Printable Version" and print directly from the computer. Can easily be used by students who wish to create their own vocabulary projects.
URL: http://school.discovery.com/teachingtools/vocabularyquizwhiz/ free
Audience: 5,6,7,8,Teacher
Subjects: Vocabulary, anagrams
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 9: Vocabulary and Concept Development
Strand: Language

Doyle, Dennis. Practice Quiz on Vocabulary with Greek and Latin Roots.
This online etymological quiz is a stunning word-building skills site. The questions draw on the mini-lexicon provided in a “Roots Dictionary,” which includes each Latin or Greek root with its English meaning and an English word which employs that root. The quiz is fun, almost tactile, and reinforces Latin and Greek roots with their literal translations and sample sentences.
URL: http://english.glendale.cc.ca.us/roots.html free
Audience: Teacher
Subjects: Vocabulary, Greek and Latin roots
Standard: Standard 4: Vocabulary and concept Development; Standards 4.18 and 4.21: Determine the meanings of unfamiliar words by using knowledge of common Greek and Latin roots, suffixes, and prefixes.
Strand: Language

Doyle, Terrance. (1997). Public Speaking Website.
Sponsored by Allyn & Bacon, this website in intended to enhance student use of print textbooks. The topics, however, support oral presentations and lead the student through assessment of assignment, analysis of audience, and research, organizations and delivery of a speech. Dr. Doyle even provides an e-mail link, "Ask the Speech Dr.," for student communication.
URL: http://www.abacon.com/pubspeak/ free
Audience: 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12
Subjects: Public speaking, oral reports, research
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 3: Oral Presentation
Strand: Language

Easton, E. L. (1998-2000). English On Line: Materials for Teaching & Learning.
An especially good source of ideas for middle and high school teachers, this website provides a virtual encyclopedia of materials to meet curriculum demands, daily lesson plan requirements, and solutions to problems of discipline and classroom management. There are many links to related websites and support for teachers of ESL.
URL: http://eleaston.com/ free
Audience: Teachers
Subjects: Vocabulary, grammar, lesson plans
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 5: Structure and Origins of Modern English
Strand: Language

Foll, Scott. (1998). Big Dog's Grammar: A Bare Bones Guide to English.
Based on MLA guidelines, this website truly embodies its name and provides easy access to clear definitions and examples of parts of speech and good style. Most pages provide quick interactive "self-tests" to reinforce concepts presented. One caveat: on 19 February 2001, the link to Garbl's Writing Resources Online was not updated.
URL: http://gabiscott.com/bigdog/ free
Audience: 5, 6, 7, 8
Subjects: Grammar, style and usage
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 5: Structure and Origins of Modern English, PreK-12 Standard 6: Formal and Informal English, PreK-12 Standard 19: Writing
Strand: Language (Standards 5, 6), Composition (Standard 19)

Harbet, Sheila. (c. October 1997, updated August 2000). Virtual Etiquette.
While the author has provided software and procedures for conducting on-line discussions, the guidelines are also applicable to in-class activities. Emphasis is on respecting others and responding appropriately to different points of view. Harbet provides links to downloadable software and easy-to-understand instructions.
URL: http://www.csun.edu/~webteach/mirc/vinfo.html free
Audience: 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,Teacher
Subjects: Listening, discussion
Standard: PreK-12 standard 2: Questioning, listening and contributing
Strand: Language

Hardy, Chloe. (1999-2000). SpeechTips.com
While the author clearly hopes to attract buyers to her commercial web pages, her free pages skillfully guide novices through planning, writing and delivering oral presentations.
URL: http://www.speechtips.com/
Audience: 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12
Subjects: Public speaking, Oral reports
Standard: PreK-12 standard 3: Oral Presentation
Strand: Language

Hardy, Donald E. (1999). Traditional Grammar: An Interactive Book.
Northern Illinois University Professor Hardy's stated goal is to provide "a complete and free introduction to the basic syntactic strucure of Modern English." The interactive quizzes are challenging but quite engaging. A clear, no-nonsense approach to an often difficult subject.
URL: http://www.engl.niu.edu/dhardy/grammarbook/title.html free
Audience: 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12
Subjects: Grammar, Syntax
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 5: Structure and Origins of Modern English
Strand: Language

Harris, Robert. (June 29, 1997). Ideas for Enhancing Oral Reports.
Mr. Harris provides seventeen guidelines to help speakers of all ages make effective, memorable presentations. Excellent, easy-to-understand suggestions lead the student from planning and preparation through effective communication techniques, including use of audiovisual tools and handouts.
URL: http://www.virtualsalt.com/oralrpt.htm free
Audience: 5,6,7,8,8,10,11,12,Teacher
Subjects: Oral reports
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 3: Oral Presentations
Strand: Language

Kelly, Charles I. And Lawrence E. Kelly. (1998). Commonly-Used American Slang.
Part of a larger website titled "Interesting Things for ESL Students," this page defines nearly 300 slang expressions, sorted alphabetically. A good starting place to explore how and why language evolves.
URL: http://www.manythings.org/slang/ free
Audience: 5,6,7,8,9,10
Subjects: Slang, Usage
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 6: Formal and Informal English
Strand: Language

Learn2.com. (1996-2001). Learn2 Write a Speech
Despite cutesy drawings and conversational tone, this site provides an easy-to-understand eight-step guide to public speaking. Younger students may actually find a comfort level in the humorous approach to writing a good oral presentation.
URL: http://www.learn2.com/06/0694/0694.asp free
Audience: 5,6,7,8
Subjects: Public speaking, Oral reports
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 3: Oral Presentation
Strand: Language

Moreland, Chuck. (1998) Origin of Phrases, Sayings, Terms, and Cliches

URL: http://members.aol.com/MorelandC/HaveOrigins.htm Free

Helpful online dictionary of phrase origins which also accepts queries about phrases whose origins you want to know.

Audience: Grade 5 and up

Subjects: Vocabulary and Origins of Phrases

Standard: Pre-K-12 Standard 4: Vocabulary and concept Development

Strand: Language

Lexico LLC. (2001). Dictionary.com.
This outstanding online dictionary of dictionaries has class. Its ease of use is matched by its depth of scholarship. For example, look up the word “etymology,” and you get the dictionary entries from several authoritative sources, WordNet from Princeton University, Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, and The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, complete with pronunciations, parts of speech and word origins. The site also includes links to Roget’s Thesaurus, foreign language dictionaries, word games and more.
URL: http://www.dictionary.com free
Audience: 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12 and Teachers
Subjects: Vocabulary, Greek and Latin roots
Standard: Standard 4: Vocabulary and concept Development; Standard 21: Revising
Strand: Language

Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. (2000-2001). Merriam-Webster Online: The Language Center.
Despite its e-business aspects, this site provides a free Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary and Thesaurus with appropriate Help sections; Word of the Day with archives and daily e-mail service; Word games; and transcripts of the public radio feature "Word for the Wise." "Words From the Lighter Side" and "Language Information Zone" offer fascinating etymological tidbits that should hook the most reluctant dictionary user. Look to find the answer to the pervasive internet challenge of finding three English words ending in -gry.
URL: http://www.m-w.com/ free
Audience: 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12
Subjects: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Vocabulary
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 4: Vocabulary and Concept Development
Strand: Language

Quia Corporation. (1998-2001). Quia - List of Terms.
“Greek & Latin Roots Skills” invites users to log in and play online vocabulary games, based on a list of 20 common Latin and Greek roots. Games include a flashcard quiz, concentration, a word search, and a word match game, each, with clear instructions. For access to games, go to “Find other activities.” Teachers may also create their own assessment tools/games from this terrific site.
URL: http://www.quia.com/jg/223list.html Free
Audience: 5, 6, 7, 8 and Teachers
Subjects: Vocabulary, Greek and Latin roots
Standard: Pre-K-12 Standard 4: Vocabulary and concept Development; Standards 4.18 and 4.21: Determine the meanings of unfamiliar words by using knowledge of common Greek and Latin roots, suffixes, and prefixes.
Strand: Language

Quinion, Michael B. (1996- ; updated 7/7/2001). World Wide Words: Exploring the English Language.
The author, a researcher fir the Oxford English Dictionary, maintains this site for the purpose of "investigating international English from a British viewpoint." His etymologic postings are fascinating and quite detailed. Start a class subscription to the free weekly e-mail newsletter.
URL: http://www.worldwidewords.org/ free
Audience: 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12
Subjects: Words, Etymology
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 5:Structure and Origins of Modern English
Strand: Language

Roberts, Doralyn R. and Judith A. Langer. (no date). Supporting the Process of Literary Understanding: Analysis of a Classroom Discussion.
Sponsored by the Center for Learning and Teaching of Literature at SUNY/Albany, the authors investigate the roles of teachers and students in classroom discussion of literature. Students should have no problem identifying with the opinions expressed by their contemporaries as they analyze The Girl who Owned a City, by O.T. Nelson (1975)
URL: http://cela.albany.edu/support/ free
Audience: 7,8,9,10,11,12,Teacher
Subjects: Discussion, listening, literature
Standard: PreK-12 standard 2: Questioning, Listening, and Contributing
Strand: Language

Rusting, Jean D. 1995. “Cap o’ Rushes” Lesson Plan.
This multifaceted lesson plan, based on a famous folk tale, incorporates cooperative learning, Readers’ Theater, Cinderella variants, rewriting endings, drama vocabulary, research, classics connections (King Lear), compare/contrast activities, and graphic responses. Pre-reading/writing also relates modern dilemmas and challenges to an old tale. If Tales of Wonder is unavailable, a phrase search for “Cap o’ Rushes” at Google will offer several links to possible variants.
URL: http://www.ucalgary.ca/~dkbrown/caprush.html Free
Audience: 5,6,7,8 and Teachers
Subjects: Folk tales, fairy tales
Standard: Standard 4: Oral Presentation; Standard 16: Myth, Traditional Narrative and Classical Literature; Standard 18: Dramatic Reading and Performance; Standard 23: Organizing Ideas in Writing; Standard 24: Research
Strands: Language, Reading, Literature, and Composition

Shepard, Aaron. Aaron’s Storybook – Folktales, Tall tales, Legends, More.
Author and folklorist Aaron Shepard has provided a treasure trove of folk tales, legends, sacred tales, and classic tales from around the world, many with links to his adaptations for readers’ theater.
URL: http://www.aaronshep.com/stories/index.html#folk Free
Audience: K,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12 and Teachers
Subjects: Folk tales, sacred tales, classic tales, legends, tall tales, and readers’ theater
Standard: Standard 4: Oral Presentation; Standard 16: Myth, Traditional Narrative and Classical Literature
Strands: Language, Reading and Literature

Smith, Jerry. Horrid Homonyms.
This site offers a lesson plan and game that addresses the problems of frequently misused “horrid homonyms,” words pairs such as your-you're, whose-who's, there-their, and past-passed.
URL: http://yn.la.ca.us/cec/ceclang/ceclang.54.txt free
Audience: Teachers of grades 5,6,7,8
Subjects: Homonyms and vocabulary
Standard: Pre-k-12 Standard 4: Vocabulary and Concept Development.
Strand: Language

(Stanford University. (no date). EE353/CS394 Classroom Discussion.
Amazingly, Stanford University has seen fit to publish its grading guidelines for classroom discussion in its course "Business Management for Electrical Engineers and Computer Scientists." While the subject matter is a far cry from language arts, the five criteria listed for evaluating student comments are universally relevant.
URL: http://www.stanford.edu/class/ee353/discussion.htm free
Audience: 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,Teacher
Subjects: Classroom discussion
Standard: PreK-12 standard 2: Questioning, Listening, and Contributing
Strand: Language

Technologies Inc. (1999-2001). English Language Activities.
An award-winning interactive site with online activities and quizzes. Topics include Grammar, Reading, Spelling, Vocabulary, Stories and Proverbs. Access by grade level.
URL: http://www.syvum.com/english/ Free, but annual fee of $4.95 provides membership benefits
Audience: 5,6,7,8,Teacher
Subjects: Grammar, Vocabulary
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 4: Vocabulary and Concept Development AND PreK-12 Standard 22: Standard English Usage
Strand: Language, Composition

The Learning Network, Inc. (2000, 2001). Classroom Lincoln-Douglas Debate.
This web site provides a nuts-and-bolts guide to the L-D debate format which, while designed for the teacher, can be used easily by students from middle grades through high school. Includes links to resources concerning the 2000 Presidential elections.
URL: http://www.teachervision.com/lesson-plans/lesson-2544.html free
Audience: 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,Teacher
Subjects: Debate, discussion, lesson plans
Standard: PreK-12 standard 1: Discussion
Strand: Language

The Phrasefinder. 2002. Phrases, sayings, quotes, cliches, with their meanings, origins

Wonderful list of the meanings and origins of over 1,000 English phrases with a searchable archives

URL: http://phrases.shu.ac.uk/index.html Free

Audience: Grade 5 and up

Subjects: Vocabulary and Origins of Phrases

Standard: Pre-K-12 Standard 4: Vocabulary and concept Development

Strand: Language

(February 2001). What's in a Name?
An early Finalist website in the ThinkQuest Junior competitions, this is a humorous but informative look at our multicultural linguistic roots. One note of caution: the site includes a page of "sexiest names."
URL: http://tqjunior.thinkquest.org/4626 free
Audience: 5,6,7,8
Subjects: Etymology of names
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 5: Structure and Origins of Modern English
Strand: Language

Top of Page

English
Grades 5-8

Reading and Literature Resources

Skip down to Web Sites

Print and Media

COMING SOON COMING SOON COMING SOON

English
Grades 5-8

Reading and Literature Resources

Skip to Print and Media Resources

Web Sites

Abigail, Natalie, Noni, and Katie for Thinkquest.org. 1998. Pegasus’ Paradise.
A Thinkquest Junior winner, this site provides easy access to some characters from Greek myths and a matching game that challenges the user to match up Greek characters with his or her Roman counterparts.
URL: http://tqjunior.thinkquest.org/4553 Free
Audience: 5,6,7,8
Subjects: Greek Myths
Standard: Pre-K-12 Standard 16: Myth, Traditional Narrative and Classical Literature.
Strand: Reading and Literature

AbsoluteShakespeare.com. 2000-2002. Absolute Shakespeare

Rich and diverse links to Shakespeare, his life and work, as well as full text of plays, poems, and select Shakespeare criticisms by Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Hazlitt.

URL: http://absoluteshakespeare.com Free

Audience: Grades 7 and up and Teachers

Subject: Shakespeare

Standard: Standard 8: Understanding a Text; Standard 9: Making Connections; Standard 11: Theme; Standard 14: Poetry; Standard 15: Style and Language; Standard 17: Dramatic Literature; Standard 18: Dramatic Reading and Performance

Strand: Reading and Literature

Academic Affairs Library, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. (1 February 2001). Documenting the American South.
Encompassing over 800 digitized books and manuscripts, DAS presents primary Southern literature from colonial times through the early 1900's. A remarkable collection of diaries, slave narratives, songs and Confederate memoirs. Includes many reproductions of book covers, spines, title pages, frontispieces, etc.
URL: http://docsouth.unc.edu/index.html free
Audience: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Subjects: Primary source materials, slavery, Civil War
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 11: Theme
Strand: Reading and Literature

The Academy of American Poets. (1997-2000). poets.org.
A rich source of poetry with easy-to-use search engines. Includes a larger-type option for visually impaired users, a listening booth for downloads to Real Player, an Events Calendar and a Discussion Forum (which requires user registration). Bonus feature: "My Notebooks" allows registrants to store information (favorite poems, for example) for access from any computer.
URL: http://www.poets.org/ free, but registration required for some features
Audience: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Subjects: Poetry, discussion
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 2: Questioning, Listening, and Contributing, PreK-12 Standard 10: Genre,PreK-12 Standard 14: Poetry
Strand: Reading and Literature

Alchemy Mile. 1996-2001. File Downloads.
This site has chapter by chapter lesson plans, vocabulary sheets and quizzes on The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain, True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle and Something Upstairs by Avi, Animal Farm by George Orwell, The Giver by Lois Lowry and more.
URL: http://www.smls.org/downloads/#nu Free
Audience: Teacher
Subjects: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Animal Farm, The Giver, True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle and Something Upstairs
Standard: Pre-K-12 Standard 12: Fiction
Strand: Reading and Literature

Ashliman, D. L. (1996-2001). Folklore and Mythology Electronic Texts.
This thematic list of classical world literature available on the web offers countless cross-curriculum possibilities.
URL: http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/folktexts.html Free
Audience: 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,Teacher
Subjects: Folklore, Mythology, Multicultural studies
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 16: Myth, Traditional Narrative, and Classical Literature
Strand: Reading and Literature

The Baker Street Times. 2001. The Baker Street Times.
This attractive and engaging site offers a glimpse of what it was like to live in Sherlock Holmes’s London from newspaper articles at the end of the Victorian Era.
URL: http://www.sherlock-holmes.co.uk/library/newspaper1.html Free
Audience: 7,8,9,10,11,12 and Teacher
Subjects: Victorian newspaper articles from Sherlock Holmes’s London
Standard: Pre-K-12 Standard 9: Making Connections
Strand: Reading and Literature

Beare, Kenneth. (2001). English as 2nd Language.
Beare, a teacher, presents a lesson plan and link that work well with both ESL and native English speakers. He provides detailed steps for determining Reading Clues which can be adapted for any piece of writing.
URL: http://esl.about.com/library/lessons/blreadcontext.htm free
Audience: 5,6,7,8,9,10
Subjects: Context, Reading
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 8: Understanding a Text
Strand: Reading and Literature

Bibliomania.com, Ltd. Bibliomania: Free Online Literature and Study Guides
This highly respected site from Oxford, England is a highly accessible study guide on American literature and authors from early Colonial literature to the present day.
URL: http://www.bibliomania.com/2/3/270/frameset.html Free
Audience: 7,8,9,10,11,12 and Teacher
Subjects: American Literature
Standard: Pre-K-12 Standard 9: Making Connections; Pre-K-12 Standard 12: Fiction
Strand: Reading and Literature

Bigchalk.com. 2002. Homework Central: English Language Arts

A wide range of English Language Arts topics are covered briefly and clearly here.

URL: www.bigchalk.com Choose Middle School, then English Language Arts. Free

Audience: Grades 4 and up and Teacher

Subjects: English Language Arts Homework Help

Standard: Many English Language Arts standards

Strand: All English Language Arts Strands

Boston University. (February 22, 2001). Favorite Poem Project.
Robert Pinsky, thirty-ninth Poet Laureate of the United States and Professor of English at Boston University, encourages viewers to submit their favorite poems to this interactive site. Includes many classroom activities.
URL: http://www.favoritepoem.org/ Free
Audience: 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,Teacher
Subjects: Poetry, Lesson plans
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 14: Poetry
Strand: Reading and Literature

Bouchard, Normand. (1999- ). USITTT.
Based in Syracuse, New York, the United States Instithttp://ute for Theatre Technology works "to actively promote the advancement of the knowledge and skills of its members." A good source of expertise for anyone involved in school play production
URL: http://www.usitt.org/ $90.00 Individual membership
Audience: Teacher
Subjects: Theatrical performance
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 18: Dramatic Reading and Performance
Strand: Reading and Literature

The British Council. (c. 2000). British Studies Web Pages : Myths, Legends, Folk and Fairy Tales
While the Council's stated audience is "teachers and learners of English in Poland," the classroom materials provide excellent activities for American youngsters as well. Additionally, there is a focus on Polish traditional literature the Fun Corner provides amusing on-line quizzes.
URL: http://elt.britcoun.org.pl/m_index.htm free
Audience: 5,6,7,8,Teacher
Subjects: Myths, Legends, Fairy tales
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 16: Myth, Traditional Narrative, and Classical Literature
Strand: Reading and Literature

Brown, David K. (1994-2001). The Children's Literature Web Guide.
The author, who is also the director of the Doucette Library of Teaching Resources at the University of Calgary, presents an in-depth guide to "internet resources related to books for children and young adults." Includes links to bibliographies of award-winning titles.
URL: http://www.ucalgary.ca/~dkbrown/index.html Free
Audience: Teacher
Subjects: Children's literature, Reading
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 8: Understanding a text
Strand: Reading and Literature

Campbell, D. 2001. Washington Irving.
This authoritative site on Washington Irving provides easy access to online texts by and about Irving and his work.
URL: http://www.gonzaga.edu/faculty/campbell/enl310/irving.htm Free
Audience: 7,8,9,10,11,12 and Teacher
Subjects: Washington Irving
Standard: Pre-K-12 Standard 9: Making Connections; Pre-K-12 Standard 12: Fiction
Strand: Reading and Literature

Champelli, L., Monroe County Public Library. 2002. Children�s Services � Books in a Series

Great access to books in a series, including the younger child.

URL: http://www.monroe.lib.in.us/childrens/serieslist.html Free

Audience: Grades 2-8 readers, teachers and library teachers

Subjects: Sequels to favorite books

Standard: Standard 12: Fiction

Strand: Reading and Literature

Choi, Soon Y. (no date). Soon's Historical Fiction Site.
Although he is a profession of business administration, Dr. Choi exhibits a passion for historical fiction at his website. Numerous links to related sites are well-maintained, and the page "For Young Adults and Education" skillfully blends English language arts and world history.
URL: http://uts.cc.utexas.edu/~soon/histfiction/ Free
Audience: 7,8,9,10,11,12,Teacher
Subjects: Historical fiction
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 12: Fiction
Strand: Reading and Literature

CIERA. (2001). CIERA
The Center for the Improvement of Early Reading Achievement, sponsored by the University of Michigan School of Education, supports research on reading acquisition and broad dissemination of findings to "teachers, teacher educators, parents, policy makers, and others." CIERA includes downloadable archives in PDF format.
URL: http://www.ciera.org/ free although the CIERA intranet requires a password
Audience: Teacher
Subjects: Reading research, Literacy
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 7: Beginning Reading
Strand: Reading and Literature

Crane, Gregory, Editor-in-chief. Tufts University. (2000). The Perseus Digital Library.
This website offers classic Greek and Latin works and has recently added English Renaissance materials. Also included are exhibits on the Olympics, Hercules and much more.
URL: http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/ Free
Audience: 7,8,9,10,11,12,Teacher
Subjects: Classical literature, Shakespeare, Renaissance
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 16: Myth, Traditional Narrative, and Classical Literature
Strand: Reading and Literature

Creative Nonfiction Foundation. (2000). Creative Nonfiction.
Editor and founder Lee Gutkind's purpose for this e-zine is to apply literary techniques such as dialogue, description, setting, etc. to enrich and enhance nonfiction writing. Classroom educational and mentoring programs are available.
URL: http://www.creativenonfiction.org/ Partially available free; subscription $29.95
Audience: 9,10,11,12,Teacher
Subjects: Nonfiction, Writing
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 13: Nonfiction AND PreK-12 Standard 19: Writing
Strand: Reading and Literature AND Composition

Dichter, Aledra. (no date). American Folklore & Tall Tales.
A great series of lesson plans based upon New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards but quite applicable to Massachusetts English Language Arts Frameworks. The author demonstrates how folklore, tall tales and heroic characters have historical roots.
URL: http://www.millville.org/Workshops_f/Dich_FOLKLORE/FOLKTEXT/folkhome.htm Free
Audience: 5,6,Teacher
Subjects: Folklore, Tall tales, Legends
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 16: Myth, Traditional Narrative, and Classical Literature
Strand: Reading and Literature

Donley, Nancy R. 2001. Lesson Plans Library: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
This site provides a comprehensive lesson plan, adaptable to various grade levels. It has links to other outstanding sites on the subject, such as Jim Zwick’s Mark Twain Resources on the WWW, which includes the biography of her father written by young Susy Clemens. In addition, there are links to Discovery.com’s handy Quiz-making tools, Puzzlemaker and Glossary Builder.
URL: http://school.discovery.com/lessonplans/programs/greatbooks-huckfinn/ Free
Audience: Teacher
Subjects: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, related themes and Mark Twain
Standard: Pre-K-12 Standard 9: Making Connections; Pre-K-12 Standard 11: Theme; Pre-K-12 Standard 12: Fiction; Pre-K-12 Standard 19: Writing
Strand: Reading and Literature, Composition

Dr. Zeus Web Development. 1994-2001.Into the Wardrobe: a Web site devoted to C.S. Lewis.
A cornucopia of links on the life and literature of C.S. Lewis, this site contains anecdotes and correspondences, pictures from Aslan to Mr. Lewis, annotated bibliographies, sound bytes, daily quotes and Other Lewis Links, that prove a real goldmine for C.S. Lewis fans.
URL: http://cslewis.drzeus.net Free
Audience: Grades 5-8 and Teacher
Subjects: C.S. Lewis, his work and life
Standard: Pre-K-12 Standard 9: Making Connections
Strand: Reading and Literature

Durfee, Beverly. (2001). Writers' Exchange : Craft
This About.com site covers all the basics for the craft of writing fiction. Durfee covers dialogue, plot, characters, and dramatic writing. She also addresses concerns of new authors who hope to see their works published. Don't miss the Page 2 link to "Writerisms and Other Sins" by well-known fantasy writer C. J. Cherryh.
�RL: http://writerexchange.about.com/cs/craft/index.htm Free
Audience: 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12
Subjects: Writing, Plot, Character, Dialogue, Publishing
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 12: Fiction
Strand: Reading and Literature

Durfee, Beverly. (2001). Writers' Exchange : Nonfiction.
Webmaster Durfee first provides "Ten Important Tips for Aspiring Writers" and then focuses on business, science and journalistic skills. Chockfull of writing tips and advice for authors in search of a publisher.
URL: http://writerexchange.about.com/cs/nonfiction/index.htm Free
Audience: 7,8,9,10,11,12
Subjects: Writing, Publishing, Nonfiction
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 12: Fiction AND PreK-12 Standard 13: Nonfiction
Strand: Reading and Literature

Education Alliance. (October 28, 2000). Literature Units on the Web
Co-sponsored by the West Virginia Schools and Verizon, this site provides links to hundreds of literature lesson plans. Find pre-reading activities, thematic interpretations and interdisciplinary connections. A treasure trove of ideas.
URL: http://www.wvaworldschool.org/html/lesson/litunits.html Free
Audience: Teacher
Subjects: Literature, Lesson plans
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 8: Understanding a text
Strand: Reading and Literature

ERIC Digest. (no date). Helping Children Understand Literary Genres.
The author discusses the use of literature on classroom writing and stresses the idea of theme spanning a variety of genres. His particular focus is folktales and how they have evolved in the electronic age.
URL: http://www.ed.gov/databases/ERIC_Digests/ed366985.html free
Audience: Teacher
Subjects: Literary theme, Folktales
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 10: Genre
Strand: Reading and Literature

Ford, David Nash. (1998). King Arthur
The author presents a scholarly yet accessible overview of King Arthur and all things Arthurian, real and fictional. Dozens of links and just enough maps and graphics to keep the viewer interested. Ford, newly-appointed History Department Editor for Britannia Internet Magazine, pledges to update the site and maintain its availability to all.
URL: http://freespace.virgin.net/david.ford2/arthur.html free
Audience: 7, 8, 9, 10, Teacher
Subjects: King Arthur, Great Britain
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 9: Making Connections
Strand: Reading and Literature

Forest, Heather. (2000). Story Arts Online.
Storyteller and author Heather Forest provides a rich site for teachers at all grade levels. "Lesson plans and activities" and "Storytelling in the Classroom" demonstrate the eternal elements of a good story. Be sure to subscribe to Musings, Forest's monthly newsletter
URL: http://www.storyarts.org/ Free
Audience: 5,6,7,8,Teacher
Subjects: Storytelling
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 16: Myth, Traditional Narrative, and Classical Literature
Strand: Reading and Literature

Gaudioso, Marilyn. 2001. It’s a Mystery to Me
This site from the Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute presents a series of mystery/detective fiction lesson plans on select works by “The Murders in the Rue Morgue” by Edgar Allan Poe, “The Red-Headed League” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and “And Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie. Vocabulary sheets and author biographies are provided.
URL: http://www.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/1995/1/95.01.07.x.html#g Free
Audience: Teacher
Subjects: Mysteries, Detective Fiction, Poe, Doyle and Christie
Standard: Pre-K-12 Standard 10: Genre ; Pre-K-12 Standard 12: Fiction
Strand: Reading and Literature

Glass, Colby and Mario Ramirez. (June 13, 2001). Drama.
An exhaustive list of links, this page is maintained by the librarians of Palo Alto College in San Antonio, Texas. Coverage is international and both historical and contemporary. There is something here for any student of theater.
URL: http://www.accd.edu/pac/lrc/drama.htm list of drama sites and refs
Audience: 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,Teacher
Subjects: Theater, Theatrical reviews, Children's theater
Standard: PreK-12 Standard 17: Dramatic Literature AND PreK-12 Standard 18: Dramatic Reading and Performance
Strand: Reading and Literature

Gmoser, Stefan. 2001. The Work of Edgar Allan Poe (1809 –1849).
This excellent study of Edgar Allan Poe provides online access to his works by genre as well as alphabetically by title. It also includes links to authoritative information on his life.
URL: http://bau2.uibk.ac.at/sg/poe/ Free
Audience: 6,7,8 and Teachers
Subjects: Edgar Allan Poe, his life and works
Standard: Pre-K-12 Standard 9: Making Connections; Pre-K-12 Standard 12: Fiction; Pre-K-12 Standard 14: Poetry
Strand: Reading and Literature

Gray, Terry A. 1997-1998. Lambs’ Tales from Shakespeare.
This Lambs’ Tales from Shakespeare is a page from the much heralded site Mr. William Shakespeare and the Internet. Charles and Mary Lamb retold Shakespeare’s plays in more understandable format for children. Here, one can read them online.
URL: http://shakespeare.palomar.edu/lambtales/LAMBTALE.HTM Free
Audience: 6,7,8 and Teachers
Subjects: William Shakespeare as retold for children by Charles and Mary Lamb
Standard: Pre-K-12 Standard 9: Making Connections; Pre-K-12 Standard 17: Dramatic Literature.
Strand: Reading and Literature

Gray, Terry A. 1995-2000. Mr. William Shakespeare’s Site Map
This compendium of links to William Shakespeare online texts, biographies, criticisms, the Globe Theatre, Elizabethan times, and more can be daunting. This Site Map of Mr. William Shakespeare and the Internet, a famous site, simplifies the many, possible approaches to a complex and exciting topic. Its annotated versions of plays help students tremendously.
URL: http://shakespeare.palomar.edu/sitemap.htm Free
Audience: 7,8,9,10,11,12 and Teachers
Subjects: William Shakespeare, his life, work and times
Standard: Pre-K-12 Standard 9: Making Connections; Pre-K-12 Standard 17: Dramatic Literature
Strand: Reading and Literature

Greene, Pamela J. 2001. Sherlock Holmes: Teaching English Through Detective Fiction.
This site from the Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute presents an overview of a Sherlock Holmes unit. It includes rationale, timeline, a brief Doyle biography and a quiz on The Adventure of the Speckled Band.
URL: http://www.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/1989/4/89.04.04.x.html Free
Audience: Teacher
Subjects: Sherlock Holmes
Standard: Pre-K-12 Standard 10: Genre ; Pre-K-12 Standard 12: Fiction
Strand: Reading and Literature

Gwynne Ellen Ash. March, 2002. Teaching Readers Who Struggle: A Pragmatic Middle School Framework

This excellent article targets teachers of At Risk readers with a framework of five clearly outlined practices and a hyperlinked bibliography to scholarly articles on the topic

URL: http://www.readingonline.org/articles/ash/index.html Free

Audience: Middle School Reading Teachers

Subject: Reading Education

Standards: All in Reading strand

Strand: Reading and Literature

HarperCollins Publishers Inc. 2000 . Narnia.
The official Narnia web site, read about the people, mythical creatures and characters in Narnia, and play the “Who am I?” riddle game or “Test your Narnia Knowledge,” a short quiz. There are stunning pictures too and a chapter from each of the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. There is also a very brief biography of the author.
URL: http://www.narnia.com Free
Audience: 5,6,7,8
Subjects: Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
Standard: Pre-K-12 Standard 12: Fiction
Strand: Reading and Literature

Heiner, Heidi Anne. 1999-2001. SurLaLune Fairy Tale. Tales similar to Cinderella.
This site offers Cinderella variations online from many different cultures. There are links to modern Cinderella stories in books, stories, poetry, music, film and drama. There are also links to annotations, illustrations, the history of Cinderella and other fairy tales.
URL: http://members.aol.com/surlalune/frytales/cinderel/other.htm Free
Audience: Teachers and students, grades 7-8
Subjects: Cinderella tales online from many countries and in books, poetry, movies, and drama
Standard: Pre-K-12 Standard 9: Making Connections; Pre-K-12 Standard 16: Myth, Traditional Narrative and Classical Literature.
Strand: Reading and Literature

Herbst, Karl and the Clemson University VR Project. 1995. VR Globe Theater.
This dramatic virtual tour of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre takes you right into the heart of the theatre as it might have been. Choose either video or the faster loading “screen shots.”
URL: http://virtual.clemson.edu/caah/shakespr/VRGLOBE/index.htm Free
Audience: 7,8,9 and Teachers
Subjects: The Globe Theatre of William Shakespeare
Standard: Pre-K-12 Standard 9: Making Connections; Pre-K-12 Standard 17: Dramatic Literature
Strand: Reading and Literature

High Plains Regional Technology in Education Consortium. 2001. RubiStar Home.
S