Say hello to a platform dedicated to industrious, yet overtasked teachers like you. Say goodbye to countless hours spent developing relevant and engaging ELA lessons. Whether you are teaching the fundamentals of grammar, creative writing skills, classic literature, or contemporary fiction, you will find thousands of activities and assessments to help you achieve a healthier work-life balance without sacrificing academic rigor.
Say hello to a platform dedicated to industrious, yet overtasked teachers like you. Say goodbye to countless hours spent developing relevant and engaging ELA lessons. Whether you are teaching the fundamentals of grammar, creative writing skills, classic literature, or contemporary fiction, you will find thousands of activities and assessments to help you achieve a healthier work-life balance without sacrificing academic rigor.
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 “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” A plot-based quiz, a close reading worksheet, a craft analysis exercise, 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
Determine the function of a given excerpt
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, pleonasm, dramatic irony, and more
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
Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this bundle of formative assessments covering Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “Hop Frog.” Included are the following: a plot-based quiz, a set of rigorous close reading questions, a craft analysis activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the public domain narrative, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in printable 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.
By engaging with these activities, students will do the following:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Define complex words and phrases as they are used in the text
Explore nuances in words with similar meanings
Discern the intended effects of the author’s language and narrative techniques
Consider the greater significance of given details
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony, dramatic irony, and symbolism
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching Mark Twain’s short story “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.” A plot-based quiz, a close reading worksheet, a craft analysis exercise, 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.
These resources may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using these resources 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 both 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
Determine the tone of a particular passage
Discern the author’s intent and its effect on readers.
Explore how complex characters think, behave, develop, and interact
Apply knowledge of literary devices with emphasis on allusion, hyperbole, and simile
Apply knowledge of the elements of satire and tall tales
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, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching the classic Grimm’s fairy tale “Sleeping Beauty.” A plot-based quiz, a close reading worksheet, a craft analysis exercise, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the short story, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in printable 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.
By engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Articulate conventions of the fairy tale genre
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
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including anthropomorphism, symbolism, foreshadowing, and more
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
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 “Beware of the Dog” by Roald Dahl. 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
Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Determine 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 the story conforms to the conventions of surrealism
Conduct research as needed to answer questions involving historical context and autobiographical parallels
Describe the tone of a given passage
Determine the functions of given passages
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including onomatopoeia, paradox, personification, 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
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this bundle of activities for teaching “The Storyteller” by Saki, also known as H. H. Munro. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the public domain 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:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Determine 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
Describe the tone of a given excerpt
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including onomatopoeia, oxymoron, situational irony, and more
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, and sharpen critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this bundle of activities for teaching the short story “Two Kinds” from The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan. 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
Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Determine 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
Apply knowledge of the fairy tale “Cinderella” to the plot of “Two Kinds”
Discern the functions of given details
Describe the tone of a given excerpt
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including hyperbole, metaphor, oxymoron, paradox, simile, and situational irony
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, and sharpen critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this bundle of activities for teaching the short story “The Birthmark” by Nathaniel Hawthorne. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the public domain narrative, 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
Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Determine 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
Discern the functions of various passages and excerpts
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Compare and contrast two characters (Aylmer and Aminadab)
Apply knowledge of literary devices including foreshadowing, imagery, metaphor, oxymoron, paradox, and more
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 and support the development of critical thinking and craft analysis skills with this bundle of formative assessments covering Act 1 of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. A plot-based quiz, three close reading worksheets, 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
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Describe tone in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Compare and contrast two characters (Cassius and Casca)
Apply knowledge of literary devices including hyperbaton, metaphor, pun, simile, and situational irony
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works
Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills while teaching Act 2 of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing with this bundle of formative assessments. Included are the following: a multiple choice quiz on characters and plot, three close reading worksheets addressing the author’s craft, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
Materials in this bundle may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using these resources 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
Discern the intended effect of figurative language as it is used in the text
Examine nuances in words with similar meanings
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Explore the symbolism of an oyster in the context of Benedick’s mindset
Contrast two characters (Beatrice and Hero)
Contrast aspects of scene one with aspects of scene two
Determine the function of an interaction between characters (Don John and Claudio)
Discern tone in context
Apply knowledge of literary devices including hyperbole, oxymoron, invective, pun, metaphor, situational irony, dramatic irony, and more
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence
Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills while teaching Act 1 of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing with this bundle of formative assessments. Included are the following: a multiple choice quiz on characters and plot, three close reading worksheets addressing the author’s craft, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
Materials in this bundle may facilitate small-group discussions in which students decode language and pose/respond to questions relating to plot, broad topics, and character development. Using these resources 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
Discern the function of a given detail
Discern the function of a given scene
Define words and phrases as they are used in the text
Examine nuances in words with similar meanings
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Compare characters (Beatrice and Benedick; Don John and Benedick)
Discern tone in context
Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification, pun, hyperbole, juxtaposition, allusion, metaphor, dramatic irony, and more
Explore the symbolism associated with a given detail
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant textual evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking and literary craft analysis skills with this bundle of activities for teaching “The Tomb” by H.P. Lovecraft, a short story with elements of Gothic fantasy that evokes the works of Edgar Allan Poe. A plot-based quiz, a close reading analysis worksheet, a vocabulary application activity, a crossword puzzle, a word search game, the public domain narrative, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Determine 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
Discern the functions of given excerpts
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Draw parallels between the narrator and the mythical figure Theseus
Consider the role of an unreliable narrator in the context of the plot
Apply knowledge of literary devices including personification, symbolism, situational irony, and onomatopoeia
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 62-page reading guide (36 without the answer key) encourages active reading strategies and facilitates plot comprehension. Each section of this guided reading resource is divided by chapter and includes lists of vocabulary terms to be defined, key quotations in need of analysis, and hundreds of text-dependent questions to create a more purposeful reading experience. An answer key is included.
This item covers the following and more:
Description of a hobbit
Gandalf’s first meeting with Bilbo
Thorin’s ancestral history
Bilbo’s reluctance to participate in the journey
Bilbo’s role
The trolls
Gandalf as the mentor
The adventurers’ general disdain toward Bilbo
Elrond
Moon letters
Bilbo’s significant discovery
Gollum’s characterization and peculiar habits
The riddle contest
The escape from Gollum and the cave
The incident with the wargs
The Eages’ aid
Beorn’s background
Beorn’s role as a protector of nature
The dangers of Mirkwood
Bombur’s dream
The conflict involving spiders
Bilbo’s strategic thinking and heroic victory
The change in the adventurers’ perception of Bilbo
The characterization of the wood elves
Thorin’s imprisonment and stubbornness
Bilbo’s growing frustrations with the other adventurers
Lake Town, its inhabitants, and their reaction to the adventurers
Bilbo’s plan to rescue the dwarves – and its weakness
Lonely Mountain
Bilbo’s growing seriousness toward his role
The secret door of the mountain
The significance of the thrush
Smaug’s interactions with Bilbo
Smaug’s reaction to the people of Lake Town
The Arkenstone
The exit from the mountain
Bard’s talents and significance
How the Master of Lake Town infuriated his people
Smaug’s death
The relationship between Thror’s people and ravens
Roac’s recommendation
The return to the mountain
Bard’s attempt to rationalize with Thorin
Thorin’s disinterest in sharing his wealth
Bilbo’s secret bargaining with Bard and the Elvenking
Gandalf’s pride in Bilbo
Bilbo’s justification for the bargain
Thorin’s angry response
Dain’s involvement
Battle of Five Armies
Unity among factions
Thorin’s dynamic character/sudden realization
The Eagles’ return
Honoring the dead
Various new roles for previously met characters
Bilbo’s return home
Bilbo’s shocking discovery
Bilbo’s new reputation
Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and craft analysis skills with this bundle of formative assessments covering Act 3 of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. A plot-based quiz, three close reading worksheets, 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
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Determine the functions of given excerpts
Describe tone in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Compare and contrast the speeches of Brutus and Antony with emphasis on content, language, rhetorical skills, and audience engagement
Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, simile, hubris, alliteration, personification, foreshadowing, and irony
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works
Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of critical thinking and craft analysis skills with this bundle of formative assessments covering Act 4 of William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. A plot-based quiz, three close reading worksheets, 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
Consult reference materials in order to learn and verify word meanings
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices and narrative techniques
Determine the functions of given excerpts
Describe tone in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Compare and contrast two characters (Antony and Brutus)
Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor, simile, personification, foreshadowing, dramatic irony, and situational irony
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about Shakespearean drama with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Come to class better prepared to discuss dramatic works
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching Doris Lessing’s coming-of-age short story “Through the Tunnel.” A plot-based quiz, close reading analysis worksheet, craft analysis exercise, vocabulary application activity, crossword puzzle, word search game, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in printable, editable 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.
By engaging with these activities, students will:
Come to class better prepared to discuss works of fiction
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Determine the meaning of unfamiliar and complex words
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 function of a given paragraph
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including simile, metaphor, personification, and oxymoron
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
Measure high school reading comprehension and support analysis of Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello (Act 2) with this bundle that features a quiz and close reading activities. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
This resource 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.
By engaging in these exercises, students will:
Discern the intended meaning of various complex words and phrases
Analyze actions and statements to discern character motivations
Discern the tone of a passage
Analyze the author’s craft, demonstrating knowledge of how Shakespeare’s language shapes the audience’s perception of Iago
Apply knowledge of various literary devices to the text including metaphor, simile, situational irony, and more
Demonstrate understanding of figurative language
Locate textual evidence in support of claims
Write with clarity and precision
Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this bundle of formative assessments covering W. W. Jacobs’ short story “The Monkey’s Paw.” Included are the following: a plot-based quiz, a worksheet composed of rigorous close reading questions, a craft analysis activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, a word search, a crossword puzzle, the public domain narrative, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. By engaging with these materials, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly and implicitly
Discern the intended effects of the author’s word choices
Explore the role of setting in terms of developing characterization
Examine how the tone of the narrative shifts as the plot develops
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Analyze how Mr. and Mrs. White’s marriage is affected by grief
Identify specific details that contribute to the vampiric characterization of Mrs. White
Apply knowledge of literary devices including allusion, situational irony, and euphemism
Support claims and inferences with sound reasoning and relevant evidence
Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision
This bundle of resources for teaching "The Evaluate general reading comprehension and support the development of close reading analysis skills with this bundle of formative assessments covering H.P. Lovecraft’s short story “The Outsider.” Included are the following: a plot-based quiz, a worksheet composed of rigorous close reading questions, a craft analysis activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, a word search, a crossword puzzle, the public domain narrative, and answer keys. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. With these materials, students will:
Respond clearly, concisely, and accurately to concrete and analytical questioning
Locate textual evidence in support of claims
Analyze the symbolic meaning of an object
Apply knowledge of literary devices including situational irony and foreshadowing, articulating how they are applied while citing evidence in support of claims
Explore character motivations
Analyze the author’s craft with emphasis on unique phrasing, sentence structures, and sensory language
Measure high school reading comprehension and support analysis of Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello (Act 1) with this bundle that features a quiz and close reading activities. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
This resource 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.
By engaging in these exercises, students will:
Discern the intended meaning of various complex words and phrases
Analyze the phrase “Come, sir, I am for you” for meaning and synthesize the meaning with knowledge of Iago’s characterization
Analyze actions and statements to discern character motivations, such as why Brabantio thinks Othello is a thief
Isolate true statements about plot from false statements
Locate textual evidence in support of claims about supernatural activity and Brabantio’s prejudiced mentality
Annotate text to make student engagement visible
Paraphrase and modernize dialogue
Discern the tone of a given passage
Write with clarity and precision
