Literacy, Languages, and the Arts
February 5, 2014 - February 11, 2014

Find the latest educational resources from Iowa Public Television.

A Raisin in the Sun Revisited: Introduction

Grades: 6-12

This clip from A Raisin in the Sun Revisited, introduces three potent plays, A Raisin in the Sun, Clybourne Park, and Beneatha's Place, showing how these three plays all advance the discussion of race in America and alluding to how issues surrounding race in America both have and have not changed since A Raisin in the Sun debuted on Broadway in 1959. Clybourne Park and Beneatha's Place were performed in repertory as The Raisin Cycle at Baltimore's Center Stage in the spring of 2013.

Deconstructing the Documentary

Grades: 9-12

This lesson will ask students to analyze the film, to differentiate between narrative (fiction) and documentary storytelling, and to consider the ways in which all films are constructed by filmmaking decisions. They will ultimately consider the ways in which the final product (this documentary film) might or might not reflect the complete "reality" of the topic it presents.

Personification: Cowbirds
Grade Range: 5-8

In this blended lesson supporting literacy skills, students learn about the cowbird through a documentary video and explore how the video uses personification to present information about this bird. Students develop their literacy skills as they explore an English language arts focus on personification as a literary device. During this process, they read informational text, learn and practice vocabulary words, and explore content through videos and interactive activities.

American Stories: Teens and Immigration
Grade Range: 5-8

In this blended lesson supporting literacy skills, students watch documentary video about four teens who immigrated to the United States. Students develop their literacy skills as they explore a social studies focus on the factors that drive immigration and the challenges immigrants face in the United States, particularly in learning English. During this process, they read informational text, learn and practice vocabulary words, and explore content through videos and interactive activities.

Comic Cam: Follow Through

Grade Range: 1-3

A runner describes all of the races she lost because of her failure to follow through and completely read signs and instructions before doing anything.

Resources | PBS LearningMedia | PBS KIDS | Iowa Public Television