Help high school students go beyond basic reading comprehension and develop critical thinking skills with this close reading analysis worksheet covering Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story “Graves and Goblins,” a piece of special appeal to high school students interested in Halloween, supernatural fiction, and the relationship between the living and the dead. An answer key and copy of the public domain narrative are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. This resource may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using this resource for structured guidance, students will improve their ability to present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly and convincingly. Students will perform the following tasks: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Consider the effects of the author’s language and narrative techniques Define complex words as they are used in the text Verify interpretations of language, using reference materials as needed Discern tone in context Classify the narrative as an example of a particular genre Examine how characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices with an emphasis on metaphor, euphemism, personification, and more

“The Emissary” by Ray Bradbury is a short story of special appeal to high school students interested in Halloween, supernatural fiction, and the meaningful bond between humans and their pets. Use this plot-based quiz on “The Emissary” to evaluate general reading comprehension and promote homework accountability. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with literature. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The title’s connection to a particular character Martin’s general characterization Setting The significance of the relationship between the protagonist and his dog The mother’s reaction to the dog Miss Haight’s general characterization Martin’s curiosity about death Martin’s observations about the dog before it vanishes Miss Tarkins’ general characterization Martin’s observations about the dog when it unexpectedly returns The implications of the resolution

Engage middle and high school students with a classic fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm: “The Dog and the Sparrow.” With this close reading worksheet, students will go beyond basic reading comprehension and practice their critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills. An answer key is included, as well as a copy of the short story. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By completing this close reading activity, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings Infer the intended effects of the authors’ word choices and narrative techniques Describe tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of various literary devices including dramatic irony, foreshadowing, hyperbole, situational irony, and more Consider themes in context Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss literature

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the science fiction novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (chapters 19, 20, and 21). A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the science fiction novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (chapters 22, 23, and 24). A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the science fiction novel The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells (book 1, chapters 6 through 10). A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: abruptly, acuteness, anguish, blundering, continuous, denounce, desolate, exultant, gloaming, haggard, incongruity, indefatigable, lurid, peril, pitiless, repugnance, serenity, smoldering, tumult, and ultimatum. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the science fiction novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (chapters 1, 2, and 3). A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the science fiction novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (chapters 16, 17, and 18). A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Engage students with a dark Grimm’s fairy tale and evaluate general reading comprehension with this plot-based quiz covering “The Juniper Tree.” The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate engagement with the short story. An answer key is included, as well as a copy of the narrative, which is especially fitting for the Halloween season. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: The cause of death of the boy’s biological mother The reason for the stepmother’s hate for her stepson The antagonist’s deception of her own daughter The stepmother’s plan to conceal her deed The antagonist’s explanation to the boy’s father regarding his absence The characterization of Marlinchen A collection of objects The bird’s repeated song The cause of the stepmother’s death The father’s reaction to the death of his wife

Engage students with a classic Grimm’s fairy tale and evaluate general reading comprehension with this plot-based quiz covering “The Seven Ravens.” The assessment may double as a guided reading worksheet to facilitate engagement with the short story. An answer key and copy of the narrative are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following: A character’s personal tragedy A character’s reaction to personal tragedy Character intentions Consequences of actions Cause-and-effect situations Setting The resolution

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement H.P. Lovecraft’s short story “The Cats of Ulthar.” The following are included: a crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, the public domain narrative, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the short story “Hansel and Gretel” by the Brothers Grimm. The following are included: a crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, the public domain fairy tale, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the short story “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe. The following are included: a crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, the public domain narrative, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the short story “Dr. Heidegger’s Experiment” by Nathaniel Hawthorne. The following are included: a crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, the public domain narrative, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the science fiction novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (chapters 4, 5, and 6). A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Black Cat.” The following are included: a crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, the public domain narrative, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement W. W. Jacobs’ short story “The Monkey’s Paw.” The following are included: a crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, the public domain narrative, and answer keys. Materials are made for Google Drive. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “The Fall of the House of Usher.” The following are included: a crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, the public domain narrative, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the science fiction novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (chapters 13, 14, and 15). A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences

Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the science fiction novel Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (chapters 10, 11, and 12). A crossword puzzle, word search activity, vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these activities, students will: Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Discern the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences