Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the classic Grimm’s fairy tale “Rapunzel” (Lexile Measure estimate of 1010-1200). A plot-based quiz, a close reading worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the short story, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable 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. By engaging with these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Define words and phrases as they are used in the text Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Consider tone in context Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of various literary devices including simile, situational irony, and dramatic irony Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence Write about coming-of-age fiction with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class better prepared to discuss literature

This bundled close reading resource promotes thoughtful, critical analysis of several classic Grimms’ fairy tales, helping students focus on significant details to develop improved reading proficiency and contribute more meaningfully to class discussion. Each close reading assessment includes an answer key with detailed explanations for correct options. You will receive two versions of each individual item: a Word Document version and a PDF version. These resources may serve as the basis for small-group discussions. Through these discussions, students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development, demonstrating an ability to analyze how complex characters transform and advance the plot and themes by applying logic and citing compelling, meaningful textual evidence. They will also evaluate their peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to advance claims, clarifying or challenging unclear ideas. Using this resource for structured guidance, students, ultimately, will present information, conclusions, and supporting textual evidence clearly, concisely, and appropriately, thereby helping their peers comprehend their thinking. Make reading more purposeful with these close reading activities to support students in their efforts to demonstrate the following: An ability to define complex vocabulary in context An ability to analyze context clues and draw logical inferences about character motivations An ability to analyze context clues and draw logical inferences about character relationships An ability to analyze the text for literary devices such as foreshadowing, situational irony, dramatic irony, theme, symbolism, dynamic character, and more An ability to find and articulate relevant textual details in support of a claim An ability to analyze context clues to discern and articulate the significance of a given detail An ability to articulate what the text indicates both explicitly and implicitly An ability to write with clarity and precision

Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, sharpen critical thinking skills, and maximize interest in works of fiction with this bundle of materials for teaching the classic Grimm’s fairy tale “The Singing Bone.” Themes addressed include betrayal and the virtue of kindness. A plot-based quiz, a close reading inference worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the short story, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings as needed Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences Infer the intended effects of the authors’ word choices and narrative techniques Discern tone in context Determine the purpose of a given passage Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification, poetic justice, situational irony, verbal 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

Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, sharpen critical thinking skills, and maximize interest in works of fiction with this bundle of materials for teaching the classic Grimm’s fairy tale “The Girl Without Hands,” also known as “The Maiden Without Hands” and “The Armless Maiden.” Themes addressed include the power of faith and the resilience of the human spirit. A plot-based quiz, a close reading inference worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the short story, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will: Read for literal comprehension Consult reference materials to learn and verify word meanings as needed Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences Infer the intended effects of the authors’ word choices and narrative techniques Discern tone in context Determine the purpose of a given passage Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including dramatic irony, euphemism, foreshadowing, invective, metaphor, simile, situational irony, symbolism, 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

This bundle of 20 assessments promotes analytical thinking, measures and extends reading comprehension, and offers flexibility of choice to differentiate and satisfy the academic needs of students of varying proficiency levels in classroom and distance learning settings. Included are close reading activities, answer keys, and copies of public domain texts. Short story selections include the following: “Desiree’s Baby” by Kate Chopin * “Shooting an Elephant” by George Orwell * “The Black Cat” by Edgar Allan Poe * “The Devil and Tom Walker” by Washington Irving * “The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield * “The New Dress” by Virginia Woolf * “The Open Boat” by Stephen Crane * “The Open Window” by Saki * “The Oval Portrait” by Edgar Allan Poe * “A White Heron” by Sarah Orne Jewett * “After Twenty Years” by O. Henry * “The Businessman” by Edgar Allan Poe * “The Legend of the Christmas Rose” by Selma Lagerlof * “The Old Tombstone” by Hans Christian Andersen * “The Wind Blows” by Katherine Mansfield * “The Little Mermaid” by Hans Christian Andersen * “The Stolen Farthings” by the Brothers Grimm * “Slave on the Block” by Langston Hughes “The Wives of the Dead” by Nathaniel Hawthorne * “The Sparrow and His Four Children” by the Brothers Grimm * (* denotes a public domain text) By completing these analysis exercises, students will demonstrate the following high-order skills: An ability to apply knowledge of more complex literary devices to the texts including foreshadowing, situational irony, dramatic irony, hyperbole, personification, metaphor, symbolism, theme, and more An ability to analyze context clues and draw logical inferences about character motivations and other elements of plot An ability to discern and articulate details that illustrate contrasts between characters An ability to define complex words by taking into consideration denotative definitions, connotative definitions, and context clues An ability to find and articulate relevant textual details in support of claims An ability to discern mood and tone in context An ability to discern author’s intent An ability to conduct brief research and articulate historical and autobiographical parallels An ability to analyze text structures An ability to analyze text to determine the function of an excerpt An ability to analyze a text for how it conforms to the conventions of a particular genre An ability to establish formal tone, paying attention to conventions of written English An ability to take leadership in class discussions, addressing nuances in the author’s craft to help peers understand literature from different perspectives