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 short story “The Dinner Party” by Mona Gardner. 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
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
Describe tone in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including epiphany, metaphor, simile, and situational irony
Conduct research online in order to answer questions related to plot
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
Help high school students improve fluency, stamina, text comprehension, and close reading analysis of the formal elements of fiction with this set of rigorous, text-dependent questions on the allegorical short story titled “The Colomber” by Dino Buzzati. An answer key is included. 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 completing this activity, students will:
Identify what the text states explicitly as well as implicitly
Apply knowledge of figurative language with emphasis on simile and metaphor
Determine the meaning of a complex word as it is used in the text
Infer Stefano’s motivations for pursuing his career as a sea captain
Identify textual details that indicate the closeness of Stefano to the colomber
Determine what the phrase “temptation of the abyss” emphasizes about the protagonist’s characterization
Identify and explain an example of situational irony in the story
Explore the symbolism associated with the colomber
Write clearly, concisely, and accurately in response to analytical questioning
Cite relevant textual evidence in support of claims
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning with this plot-based quiz covering Dino Buzzati’s allegorical short story titled “The Colomber.” This assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
A birthday request
A description of a colomber
The protagonist’s career choice
Advice from the protagonist’s father
Stefano’s perception of the colomber
A gift from the colomber
Qualities associated with the gift
And more
Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the short story “The Colomber” by Dino Buzzati. A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: dissuade, expedient, imploringly, indomitable, industrious, inexorable, intrepid, nocturnal, obstinately, ominously, patrimony, placid, scrutinize, trudge, vain, and weary.
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
Evaluate general reading comprehension, facilitate vocabulary development, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of materials for teaching John Collier’s short story “The Chaser.” A plot-based quiz, a close reading worksheet, a craft analysis exercise, 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.
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
Apply knowledge of satire to the plot
Describe tone in context
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Apply knowledge of literary devices including euphemism, metaphor, simile, situational irony, and foreshadowing
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 short story “Home” by Gwendolyn Brooks. 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.
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
Explore how complex characters think, behave, interact, and develop
Contrast the characters of Helen and Maud Martha
Apply knowledge of literary devices including metaphor 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
Help high school readers explore how Edgar Allan Poe used direct description, characterization, figurative language, foreshadowing, and symbolism to develop a complex short story: “The Tell Tale Heart.” This craft analysis activity helps students go beyond general reading comprehension by making them reflect on the motivations behind the author’s word choices and narrative techniques. Delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats, this resource also helps prepare students for more meaningful classroom discussions. Through these discussions, students may evaluate peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to support claims, clarifying or challenging ideas as needed. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included.
Help high school readers explore how Nathaniel Hawthorne used literary devices such as direct description, characterization, figurative language, foreshadowing, and symbolism to develop a complex short story: “Young Goodman Brown.” This craft analysis activity helps students go beyond general reading comprehension by making them reflect on the motivations behind the author’s word choices and narrative techniques. Delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats, this resource also helps prepare students for more meaningful classroom discussions. Through these discussions, students may evaluate peers’ reasoning and use of rhetoric to support claims, clarifying or challenging ideas as needed. An answer key and copy of the public domain short story are included.
Support vocabulary development and enhance reading comprehension with this set of games and activities to complement the short story “The Call of Cthulhu” by H.P. Lovecraft. A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, the public domain narrative, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: acrid, allude, archaic, befoul, brood, clamber, concede, conspicuous, corroborate, crude, cryptic, din, eccentricity, elicit, enigmatical, evoke, impertinence, imply, incessant, interminably, keenly, loathsome, noisome, perfunctory, placid, portentous, precipitous, redolent, scarcely, shudder, tangible, transient, vain, and weariness.
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
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate assessment planning responsibilities with this set of three plot-based quizzes covering H.P. Lovecraft’s short story “The Call of Cthulhu.” This set of materials may double as guided reading handouts to promote active engagement with fiction. Answer keys and a copy of the public domain narrative are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
The identity of the narrator
The narrator’s relation to Angell
Angell’s profession
The true cause of Angell’s death
General assumptions about the nature of Angell’s death
The narrator’s inheritance
Characteristics of the sculpture the narrator receives
The identity of a young sculptor
A general character description of Wilcox
The effects of a natural disaster
Angell’s curiosity about Wilcox
The reason Wilcox stops visiting Angell
The narrator’s attitude toward Wilcox
The collective experiences of artists and authors
Legrasse’s home base
Characteristics of the idol Legrasse possesses
The academics’ collective reaction to the idol
Professor Webb’s travels
Legrasse’s account of the cultists
Characteristics of the idol the cultists appear to worship
The cultists’ name for bizarre beings
The supposed origin of the strange beings
The current location of the bizarre beings
The manner of communication between the beings and humans
The beings’ specific messages for humanity
The cultists’ belief concerning the fate of humanity
The narrator’s belief concerning his great uncle’s death
The name of an important newspaper
The content of an article in the newspaper
The name of a ship Johansen and his peers attack
The narrator’s travels around the world
The identity of a Johansen relative whom the narrator meets
The true cause of Johansen’s death
What the narrator receives as a result of his visit to Norway
The bizarre characteristic of a city Johansen visits
The comparison between Cthulhu and a Greek mythological figure
Events leading to Briden’s death
A major decision Johansen makes
The result of the major decision
What the narrator decides to do with the records he has acquired
The narrator’s assessment of his own fate
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning with this plot-based quiz covering the short story “The Dinner Party” by Mona Gardner. This assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following aspects of plot:
Setting
Narrative techniques
The purpose for the gathering
The nature of the group’s discussion
The colonel’s beliefs about defining characteristics of men (in contrast to women)
The sudden appearance of a cobra
The hostess’s reaction to the dangerous situation
The young boy’s reaction to the dangerous situation
Theme
Facilitate vocabulary development, evaluate general reading comprehension, and sharpen critical thinking skills with this bundle of formative assessments covering H.P. Lovecraft’s short story “The Call of Cthulhu,” a narrative of special appeal to high school students interested in horror, science fiction, and the supernatural. This bundle includes three plot-based quizzes, three close reading analysis worksheets, a vocabulary application activity, a word search game, a crossword puzzle, the public domain text, and answer keys. 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 including idiom, euphemism, simile, metaphor, invective, personification, hubris, hyperbole, and onomatopoeia
Draw parallels between “The Call of Cthulhu” and the epic The Odyssey
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 short story “The Dinner Party” by Mona Gardner. A crossword puzzle, a word search activity, a vocabulary application worksheet, and answer keys are provided. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats.
Specifically, the following vocabulary terms are addressed: arresting, attaché, commotion, emerge, exclaim, forfeit, rafter, rupee, spacious, spirited, summon, unfailing, and veranda.
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
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 16, 17, 18, and 19 of Susan Beth Pfeffer’s dystopian sci-fi novel The Dead and the Gone, the sequel to Life As We Knew It. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included, along with a short answer alternate quiz for reassessment purposes. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
An incident resulting in the death of Kevin
An item Alex desperately needs to acquire from Harvey
Bri’s weak physical condition
The quarantine and its effect on Port Authority convoys
The typical time frame between convoy departures
Julie’s lack of fear over dying, except under one condition
Alex’s difficult decision for the night Bri’s sole inhaler cartridge empties
Alex’s failing condition and his sisters’ attempts to nurture him back to health
The reason Bri decides to leave the apartment
Bri’s death and the discovery of her body
Sister Rita’s comments on Bri’s faith and its influence on Bri
An offer that could potentially save Alex and Julie’s lives
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 9, 10, and 11 of Susan Beth Pfeffer’s dystopian sci-fi novel The Dead and the Gone, the sequel to Life As We Knew It. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included, along with a short answer alternate quiz for reassessment purposes. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Natural disasters of epic proportion
Kevin and Alex’s decision to go “body shopping”
A bartering system in a black market
Harvey, the neighborhood dealer with a monopoly
Julie’s devastation following the death of her garden
Alex’s conversation with Sister Rita
Alex’s motive leading to his conversation with Father Franco
A comparison of city life and country life in the current climate
The return of Bri
The witnessing of a suicide and Alex’s subsequent confession
Alex’s decision to confess his sins to Father Mulrooney
A surprise celebration
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 6, 7, and 8 of Susan Beth Pfeffer’s dystopian sci-fi novel The Dead and the Gone, the sequel to Life As We Knew It. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included, along with a short answer alternate quiz for reassessment purposes. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Uncle Jimmy’s reappearance
Uncle Jimmy’s offer to Briana
Mr. Dunlap and his kind offer to Alex and Julie
Alex’s conflicting feelings about “stealing” food
Father Mulrooney’s announcement that school will continue through summer
Alex’s specific job, which must be done daily before school
Julie’s newfound love for gardening
The lack of sufficient food resources and the consequent mob
Alex’s failed effort to wish Briana a happy birthday
Father Mulrooney’s “insufficient compassion” and Alex’s reaction to it
Kevin’s kindness and generosity
Volcanic eruptions leading to the deaths of millions
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 12, 13, 14, and 15 of Susan Beth Pfeffer’s dystopian sci-fi novel The Dead and the Gone, the sequel to Life As We Knew It. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included, along with a short answer alternate quiz for reassessment purposes. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Alex’s friends’ concerns for Briana’s health
Alex’s decision for the siblings to skip school to move away
Alex and Kevin’s 'body shopping" endeavors
Julie’s feelings of inferiority
The sudden closing of Julie’s school
The conflict between Bri and Julie regarding the probability that their parents are dead
Lottery tickets
Alex’s efforts to save Julie from a potential kidnapper
Harvey’s arrangements for Alex and Bri
Harvey’s disturbing arrangements for Julie
Mr. Flynn’s kindness and generosity
Alex’s physically exhausting labor
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 3, 4, and 5 of Susan Beth Pfeffer’s dystopian sci-fi novel The Dead and the Gone, the sequel to Life As We Knew It. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included, along with a short answer alternate quiz for reassessment purposes. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
Observations about who is missing in the chapel
Alex’s decision to miss school and visit Yankee Stadium
The rules that must be followed while at Yankee Stadium
Methods of lessening the severity of the experience at Yankee Stadium
Alex’s austere reaction to Julie’s “Who died and made you boss?” remark
Chris Flynn and his father’s generosity
Bri’s belief that Mami may be alive, and her reasoning
Father Franco’s good news concerning Bri
Why Julie is not offered the same opportunity as Bri
A promise Bri wants Alex to make before departing
Alex’s maturity
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning with this plot-based quiz covering chapters 1 and 2 of Susan Beth Pfeffer’s dystopian sci-fi novel The Dead and the Gone, the sequel to Life As We Knew It. The assessment may double as a guided reading handout to facilitate active engagement with fiction. An answer key is included. Materials are delivered in Word Document and PDF formats. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the following:
The absence of Alex’s father
Alex’s brother, Carlos, and his Marine status
The setting of the novel
Why Mami is not home on the night of the meteor strike
Uncle Jimmy’s need for help at the bodega
The phone conversation between Alex and Carlos
Alex’s failed effort to visit the school for more information
Why the subway system is inoperable
The purpose of Alex’s list
Clarification on the disaster provided by Father Franco
Alex’s search for hidden cash
The bulletin board at St. Margaret’s
A curfew, a national day of mourning, and Alex’s belief that the government is searching for solutions
Alex’s visit to the hardware store
A telephone hotline
A phone conversation with Aunt Lorraine
The location of unidentified bodies
Evaluate general reading comprehension and eliminate take-home assessment planning with this bundle of plot-based quizzes covering Susan Beth Pfeffer’s dystopian science fiction novel The Dead and the Gone, the sequel to Life As We Knew It. Although labeled quizzes, these resources may double as guided reading handouts to support purposeful, more active engagement with literature. Answer keys are included. Materials are delivered in editable Word Document and printable PDF formats.