Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this bundle of activities for teaching the short story “The No-Guitar Blues” by Gary Soto. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. 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 Verify interpretations of language using reference materials as needed Choose the most proper application of words as they are used in sentences Infer the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Apply knowledge of literary devices including dramatic irony, metaphor, and simile 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 comprehensive bundle of materials facilitates the teaching of The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells and includes plot-based quizzes, close reading analysis questions, an end-of-unit test, and answer keys. With these resources, high school English Language Arts teachers may save valuable time outside the classroom without sacrificing rigor inside the classroom. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats.

Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching Alice Walker’s short story “Everyday Use.” A plot-based quiz, a close reading worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in a zip file as editable Word Documents and printable PDFs. 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 narrative techniques Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop Examine how point of view shapes the readers’ understanding of Dee’s character Apply knowledge of various literary devices including but not limited to dialect, syncope, and malapropism Contrast how two characters perceive the concept of heritage Support claims and inferences with relevant textual evidence Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision Come to class/leave class better prepared to discuss literature

For many high school readers, realistic and young adult fiction are genres that maximize relatability and engagement with literature. “The Scarlet Ibis” by James Hurst is a story about overcoming obstacles, family pressures, the unintended consequences of one’s actions, and more. With this bundle of high school resources covering “The Scarlet Ibis,” English teachers will save valuable time at home without sacrificing rigor in the classroom. Included are the following: a multiple choice, plot-based quiz; a worksheet composed of rigorous close reading analysis questions; and answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. With these materials, students will: Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly Explore how complex characters think, behave, and interact with others Discern the function of a particular paragraph Apply knowledge of various literary devices including oxymoron, idiom, personification, dramatic irony, hubris, and more Determine the tone of a particular excerpt Conduct brief research online to make sense of setting and an allusion Interpret the intended effect of a given passage on the audience List several similarities between Doodle and the scarlet ibis Infer Doodle’s attitude toward mortality based on his treatment of the dead bird Examine a passage to identify several narrative techniques used to intensify suspense Explore the traditional symbolism associated with rain in order to make sense of the phrase “heresy of rain” as it is used in the story Support claims and ideas with reasoned thinking and relevant textual evidence Write ideas with clarity, accuracy, and precision