Celebrate author Mary Hoffman's birthday today.

Students write original picture books based on their own aspirations and dreams and share with the class or with younger students.

Grades   1 – 9

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

Participate in Poem in Your Pocket Day!

Students select a poem and create a Stapleless Book using the interactive tool.

Grades   3 – 6

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